Unexpected gaps printing PETG
Hi,
I am trying to print this Prusa MINI Z-axis brace REMIX directly from the supplied GCODE and I'm getting gaps in the top few layers of the lower section shown here.
I don't see these in photos from others.
What am I doing wrong? Should I try to re-slice from the STL myself?
Best Answer by Swiss_Cheese:
@mango
That is absolutely a possibility. A stable surface is impotent, however I would still check to make sure all the belts, screws, and grub screws are properly tightened. even if the printer is brand new and preassembled.
Regards
Swiss_Cheese
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
(This is on a Mini+ that I've been using to print PLA and I'm using Prusament PETG with default temperature and printer settings.)
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
In 99.9% of cases I would always reslice, to make sure the print is optimized for my printer and my filament. The holes could be a simple matter of underextrusion. Make sure your extrusion multiplier is correctly calculated. You could also play with extrusion width.
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
your holes aren't round you might want to look at the over all tightness of your screws belts and grub screws.
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
Also, from what I have read PETG is more hygroscopic than PLA and moisture does have some correlation to stringing so perhaps look at drying the PETG some (either with extra desiccants in a bag or dehydrator) prior to printing again.
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
Could the holes not being round also be caused by printing on a slightly unstable table? I ask because I moved the printer onto a cart and it has a slight wobble.
your holes aren't round you might want to look at the over all tightness of your screws belts and grub screws.
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
@mango
That is absolutely a possibility. A stable surface is impotent, however I would still check to make sure all the belts, screws, and grub screws are properly tightened. even if the printer is brand new and preassembled.
Regards
Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
Thank you for the help everyone. For future new users that come across this thread, I'll post what I've learned so far.
I started with calculating the extrusion multiplier as fuchsr suggested and I saw that the top is not smooth on the test cube.
However, before I continued, I saw Swiss_Cheese pointed out that the screw holes were not round and that I should check belt screws and also tension. The grub screws were tight, but I found that the Y-axis belt was very loose. With very little pressure, it was easy to bend.
I printed the Prusa Tension Meter and was able to correct the tension.
Tomorrow, I will return to adjusting the extrusion multiplier after I verify that circles can be correctly printed.
Also, thank you to languer for the reminder about PETG and moisture. I have the filament stored with desiccants just in case.
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
To close out this thread: Swiss_Cheese's guidance turned out to be the problem (even though it was a brand new, pre-assembled printer)
Fixing the loose Y-axis belt resolved all of the issues with gaps. After getting the belt to the correct tension, the gaps are gone and my prints are dramatically improved.
Thanks again everyone, I learned a LOT from you all and the process of fixing this.
RE: Unexpected gaps printing PETG
@mango
I glad you were able to get things sorted, and thank you for concluding the thread with your findings that's always welcome.
Enjoy
Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer