Sometimes it works ... 🙂
Well, "sometimes" is potentially not correct. "Somewhere" might be. Let me explain:
I'm trying to print 4 copies of the same object. It's the same .stl:
The two centermost prints finish with a very nice, clean surface. But those on the back just don't. The print goes fine until the top layers (I do 4), and I end up with an uneven surface towards the rounded edge.
This is repeatable - every print, the center pieces will print fine, but the ones in the back won't. Of course, I'm aware that I could just print in the center, but I'd like my printer to be able to print perfectly everywhere ;).
Troubleshooting so far:
* Cleaning, Firmware update, re-slicing has been done
* I do not think it has to do anything with the filament, as 2 copies print well and 2 don't.
* I also do not think it has anything to do with bed temperature, since the first layers print fine
Have any of you experienced similar issues? Can anyone suggest a solution?
Best Answer by Diem:
Hard to judge without a picture of the problem ... also of the underside of a failed part.
If the unevenness is a semi-regular ripple then it's probably a minor warp.
Warping is commonest at the edges of the bed for two reasons:
Drafts cool the edges of the print sheet more than the centre - make sure there are none.
Fingerprints tend to ingrain around the edges and can be hard to shift - a drastic clean, rubbing neat dishwashing detergent (Dawn/Fairy) into the surface, waiting a few minutes and then rinsing clean with very *HOT* water might be needed to shift them.
Cheerio,
Hard to judge without a picture of the problem ... also of the underside of a failed part.
If the unevenness is a semi-regular ripple then it's probably a minor warp.
Warping is commonest at the edges of the bed for two reasons:
Drafts cool the edges of the print sheet more than the centre - make sure there are none.
Fingerprints tend to ingrain around the edges and can be hard to shift - a drastic clean, rubbing neat dishwashing detergent (Dawn/Fairy) into the surface, waiting a few minutes and then rinsing clean with very *HOT* water might be needed to shift them.
Cheerio,
RE: Sometimes it works ... 🙂
Sure!
Bottom layer looks perfect on both pieces.
Top layer is slightly worse for the piece printed in the back. I don't think it has to do with bed heating, as the first layer looks good on both pieces. Print bed has been cleaned regularily, but as before, I don't think that is the cause of the issue.
The flaws are minor, but it's just not as perfect of a surface as it could be. It's not flat, it's a bit rough - I suppose I could get rid of it with ironing, but that would double the time for the print, so not an ideal solution 🙂
I suspect that if you offered it up against a straightedge you would see a slight warp - A quick swipe with sandpaper would remove the worst of it. Wat happens if you move the whole group forward on the plate?
Cheerio,
RE: Sometimes it works ... 🙂
Other areas on the plate have the same issue. The finish in the center is the most perfect.
If it's warping (even though the bottom layer looks fine to me), I'll try again with slightly higher bed temperature. Let's see if this improves results 🙂
RE:
I stand corrected - apprently the issue was bed adhesion. I raised bed temperature - it's now 70° (according to the screen, not measured), higher than I thought it should be. But printing works, and the top layer looks perfect.
I'll try toying around with bed temperature, if it's a first layer adhesion issue raising it only for the first layer could work. On the other hand, winter is coming, and i have to heat my workplace somehow ... 😉
Thank you for pointing me to the solution!