Bed adhesion problems - PLA  

RE: Bed adhesion problems - PLA

Thanks Red

RE: Bed adhesion problems - PLA

Red, I'm about to order some (adhesion problem is gone and I think I have a good Z setting now, just got a nice benchy print).  It sounds as if you can wipe a layerneer treated sheet with alcohol without removing the layerneer?  How often do you renew the layerneer?)

RE: Bed adhesion problems - PLA

I just read the FAQ on layerneer - it says some smooth PEI sheets may need to be scuffed up, and that it is not compatible with steel.  Red, are you using the smooth steel Prusa sheet and did you have to scuff it?

RE: Bed adhesion problems - PLA

I believe it was @jsw that suggested Layerneer, not me. I have not heard of, nor used the stuff. Glad you're getting it sorted out.

RE: Bed adhesion problems - PLA

JSW - care to comment on my above?

(sorry Red)

RE: Bed adhesion problems - PLA

I would interpret this as being incompatible with bare (as in no PEI coating) steel plates, which I have never used.

I have used it very regularly with Prusa (and now some off-brand) smooth PEI build plates for close to three years now, and it works wonders.  It's particularly good for PLA prints which are small and PLA prints using break-away supports, as it gets those small 'square wave' support footings on the build plate solid.

I've never heard that 'scuff up' item before.  The closest I've got to doing that is a couple of months ago when another local user gave me a 'ruined' off-brand PEI plate and I gave it a good scrub with a fine sanding sponge to (try to) repair the gouges (from the print head too low) and it restored the surface to a visibly-blemished but quite usable state.

I've also used Layerneer with the Prusa powder-coated textured build plates and glass plates on my 'other' printer, the Ultimaker S5.  I get the impression that the product was originally intended for glass build plates.

Posted by: @jeff

I just read the FAQ on layerneer - it says some smooth PEI sheets may need to be scuffed up, and that it is not compatible with steel.  Red, are you using the smooth steel Prusa sheet and did you have to scuff it?

RE: Bed adhesion problems - PLA

Thanks!  Yes, according to what I read on their site, it was intended for glass or taped printbeds.
I'm looking forward to giving it a try

As an aside - do you all run a Live Z test on different color and brands of filament?

RE: Bed adhesion problems - PLA

I run a Z calibration for each type of build plate, currently one for the Prusa brand smooth plates, one for the Prusa brand textured plate, and another for the one off-brand smooth plate, but that plate works fine with the setting for the Prusa smooth plates.

Interestingly, when I re-skinned the one Prusa PEI smooth plate, the original Z calibration was spot on!

(As an aside, if you want to read of an exercise in masochism, look here: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-hardware-firmware-and-software-help/re-skinning-a-prusa-steel-build-plate/)

I've never had the need to re-do the Z calibration for different brands or species of filaments.  I've done all of PLA, ABS, PETg, PC Blend, and ASA using the same Z number on the smooth build plates with good results on all.

I will re-do the Z calibration after a nozzle change or any invasive work on the axes or extruder of the machine.

I'll occasionally check the calibration for just the right amount of 'squish' on the underside of the 'flag' on the internal test pattern and then sanity check it with the 3x3 single-layer calibration print.