[first layer problems] What's this a symptom of?
I had successfully completed 2 prints on my new Mini after some tweaking with getting the calibration just right. But on this next print the first layer is very inconsistent. It seems to have gotten better towards the later stages of the first layer (pictured here near the top of the picture) but I just want to make sure I've got everything dialled in correctly.
Any pointers appreciated.
Filament is eSUN PLA+ PRO Cold White. Nozzle @ 210, bed @ 60
RE: [first layer problems] What's this a symptom of?
Having trouble with the image attachment. Here's a better version: https://imgur.com/a/ZfyZ19Y 🙂
RE: [first layer problems] What's this a symptom of?
At that stage stop the print and peel off the print. You are aiming to print a single layer *sheet*. It should be possible to peel it off in one and fold it without the threads seperating. If it breaks into lines your first layer Z is too high, not squished enough. If it is a single sheet but with wavy lines or drag marks on it you are too low.
And from the look you may have dirt, probably fingerprints, on part of the steel sheet so make sure you work clean.
Cheerio,
RE: [first layer problems] What's this a symptom of?
@diem thanks for that.
RE: [first layer problems] What's this a symptom of?
Yup; looks like your nozzle is too high; use Live Adjust Z to lower the nozzle closer to the heatbed. Keep an eye on that first layer, and dial up or down the Z height until you get a smooth, even layer with the nozzle JUST high enough to avoid dragging over the top surface of the layer as it deposits it.
RE: [first layer problems] What's this a symptom of?
thanks @richard-d, I seem to have dialled it in better now. I was erring on the side of caution before because the hot end looked very low, as if it was physically touching the bed, so I thought no that can't be right. Coming from an Ender 3 I'm used to having to level the bed manually, using the old "a sheet of paper should fit in there" logic 😆