Initial layer, border problem
After the prime line is printed, there is a border that is printed around the model to be printed, defining the area inside which the model is printed. I'm having a problem with that border. What happens is that the prime line prints fine, but when it moves to the middle of the plate for printing that border the filament does not start or adhere to the plate until it has gone about 20mm. This results in some stringing that interferes with the first layer of the model print and eventually it creates the dreaded blob on the nozzle. See attached.
This is PETG filament and what I don't understand is that it only happens with this particular roll of filament. I print with PETG and PLA with other brands and they come out perfect.
Any suggestions for stopping this?
RE: Initial layer, border problem
Clean your surface thoroughly, I can see some finger smudges around. Clean with IPA and then wet it with window cleaner if you print PETG on smooth sheet. PETG likes to stick to the nozzle - or everywhere for that matter, it can then deposit the accumulated blob somewhere on the print, then next pass of nozzle knocks it off and can tear layer below it if it does not stick to the surface properly.
RE: Initial layer, border problem
Clean your surface thoroughly, I can see some finger smudges around. Clean with IPA and then wet it with window cleaner if you print PETG on smooth sheet. PETG likes to stick to the nozzle - or everywhere for that matter, it can then deposit the accumulated blob somewhere on the print, then next pass of nozzle knocks it off and can tear layer below it if it does not stick to the surface properly.
That's not the problem. Those smudges were deposited after the fact. I do clean and use windex, which works perfectly with every other PETG roll I have.
So do you think the problem is that the filament is not sticking to the bed? If so, what would improve that?
RE: Initial layer, border problem
So I raised the nozzle temperature significantly higher than I normally do for PETG, and lowered the bed temp a little bit and so far so good. The initial border printed perfectly and so far the print is going well. Fingers crossed.
RE: Initial layer, border problem
@buckeyestargazer
Cool 🙂 I am sorry I did not know smudges were the post-print.
RE: Initial layer, border problem
@buckeyestargazer
Cool 🙂 I am sorry I did not know smudges were the post-print.
No problem. 😀