First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
My printer has started getting worse during it's first layer. The printer would start on it's homing and mesh leveling sequence fine and I would make sure the nozzle is clear of ooze before it starts printing. Then on the intro line it would start to roll up and stick to the nozzle for a few centimeters. When ever the printer starts a new unsupported line or during support lines where it changes direction quickly, the filament will roll up a bit.
It has also been getting small blobs on the top of the first layer. This doesn't tend to cause problems, but it does affect surface quality on the next few layers.
I have been using the standard Prusament PLA settings on Prusaslicer and haven't changed anything recently. I tried to tweak the calibration height both closer and further from the bed but it doesn't make much difference. Not sure what else to do.
Could it be the nozzle is worn and need replacing? The printer is around 6 months old with a couple hundred (maybe thousand) hours of printing, and few problems since I got it. I have not done much maintenance except lubricating the bearings every now and again. The printer is using the same Spring Steel Smooth PEI Sheet that I got with it and I don't use any adhesive on it.
I don't have any pictures but I'll try to get some when I am printing next.
Best Answer by --:
Fingerprints on the print sheet are often the cause of adhesion problems. Since you haven't posted an image or said anything that makes me think it is anything else (a clogged nozzle is unlikely to cause adhesion issues).
Try taking the sheet to the sink, use soap and hot water and a fresh paper towel to wash it, avoid touching the print surface with hands/fingers/disk sponges at all times, rinse in the hottest water you have until the water sheets off. Dab up the few remaining drops with a fresh paper towel, carry by the edges and place back on the printer. And, remember - DO NOT TOUCH the print surface.
RE: First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
I had similar issues when my nozzle was clogged. If you extrude when not close to the bed (e.g. purging), does the filament come out at a funny angle instead of more or less straight down?
RE: First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
Fingerprints on the print sheet are often the cause of adhesion problems. Since you haven't posted an image or said anything that makes me think it is anything else (a clogged nozzle is unlikely to cause adhesion issues).
Try taking the sheet to the sink, use soap and hot water and a fresh paper towel to wash it, avoid touching the print surface with hands/fingers/disk sponges at all times, rinse in the hottest water you have until the water sheets off. Dab up the few remaining drops with a fresh paper towel, carry by the edges and place back on the printer. And, remember - DO NOT TOUCH the print surface.
RE: First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
@tim-m30
I try to avoid touching the print bed as much as possible. I also clean the print bed with IPA after every few prints. I haven't cleaned it with soap and water yet so I might give that a try next.
RE: First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
Alcohol just spreads the oils around making them invisible, but they are still there. Here's an early example of my experience learning just how important this fingerprint issue is.
I had used about an ounce of 91% cleaning the plate just before I started this print.
I was furious, but I asked around and someone mentioned dish soap, while others said I should sand paper the PEI surface (which I ignored). While I was dubious about contamination since I was so thorough with the alcohol cleaning, a trip to the sink and soap and hot water fixed it. Made a believer out of me. It is a hard lesson for some.
RE: First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
I also use acetone every couple months (more often if printing 24/7 for a week). A pour a 5 cm circle of fluid on the bed, use a fresh paper towel to scrub the entire surface. Then I do a good soap and hot water wash to remove what the acetone brings up.
Once in a great while, when printing 0.35 mm support features that have to stick, I'll do a quick wipe with an acetone dampened paper towel before the print - no scrubbing really - and then just print. Pretty sure this is hard on the PEI, so I don't do it often: but it does make the bed very sticky for a few prints (think of trying to print a ballerina on her toe shoes - desperate times, desperate measures - lol).
RE: First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
@tim-m30
This worked well. I'll keep using the IPA between prints but every month or so a clean with soap and water would bring it back to new.
RE: First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
I am also a firm believer in Dish Soap
Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: First print lines are curling. How do I fix this?
I use windex on the plate after each print, I invariably contaminate it with finger prints. I just spread it around so the plate is covered with it, then put it on the heat bed and let it dry naturally. I guess it adds a bit of a layer of the cleaner that you can't see that helps it stick.