Only Printing first layer or two
My Printer (Mini+) has started only printing the first layer or two and then just 'air' printing. I have updated both the driver and the slicer to the latest; that didn't fix it.
I have run a full set of tests and it looks fine. I have tried different models, different print settings etc.
The first layer prints beautifully. I am not 100% sure it isn't doing a second or third layer, but that is all I get.
It's not clicking or trying to feed the PLA through, so I feel it's a software thing maybe?
Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
RE:
Update.... probably not a software thing. It does keep getting blocked. After the last print I can't unload the filament, or load it or purge it. It's just stuck. this has happened every time. I thought that it was s symptom, rather than a cause, but maybe blockages are the reason the prints are failing after a layer or two?
I had already changed the nozzle, burnt off the PLA at 260 and used the pin to clear it before the last print and it failed again. Not sure what else to do.
RE: Only Printing first layer or two
More likely than not a hardware issue but to check on possible software issues, pls save one of the projects that are failing as a 3mf file from Prusaslicer's File menu. Then zip compress it (right click), and use the Attach file button to upload the .zip file here. A 3mf file contains the STL model but also all your settings
Not feeding PLA sounds like hardware failure but if it were a clog you would hear clicking.
RE: Only Printing first layer or two
My, 'Normally Reliable' Mk3S, started failing in a similar way recently...
I was perplexed, the problem persisted with a number of different filaments...
then when I came back into the printer room, from another area of the house. I realised that the room with the printer in, was unseasonably warm... the solid fuel fire was belting out heat and the room temperature was much higher than usual.
next day, when the room temperature was more modest, the printer was back to printing reliably again!
I had a similar issue with a different printer when I put an aftermarket extruder cooling fan on the printer... in that case I had to adjust fan performance in the hidden experimental menu on the LCD Controls... it was a form of Heat Soak... could this be your issue?
regards 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: Only Printing first layer or two
Thank you. It could certainly be temperature related - it has been really cold here recently. And I have had the printer refusing to start a few times because it was too cold in the room.
RE: Only Printing first layer or two
I took the print head apart and have replaced the PTFE tube. The PLA was definitely stuck in there for some reason. I also gave the hotend a good wiggle and put it all back together tightly. Seems to be printing OK at the moment, but I will find out tomorrow if it can actually complete a print now!