First Layer Adhesion Issues
XL 2T, 6.0.0 Firmware
Very recently, or at least since the 6.0 firmware was installed, my XL started having first layer issues. After recalibrating several times, including one full recalibration after performing a reset, I keep getting first layers going down like this.
Here I'm trying to see if it was something about the bed itself, but the poor first layer is consistent.
I've cleaned off the plate with soap and water as well, but the printer just refuses to get any closer to this.
Somehow it can still print like this, but this is right and not desirable.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Aaron
RE:
I should add, yes, I do know about the oozing and try diligently to remove that before it touches off against the bed. The oozing is very frustrating on it's own.
I also just tried doing this test with the 2nd print head, it did slightly on the first layer, but the the layers are still poorly laid down (Left - Head #1, Right, - Head #2).
Aaron
RE: First Layer Adhesion Issues
After some serious contemplation in the shower, I don't believe the v.6.0 firmware has anything to do with the issues here. I made a good print after I installed that, but before I installed some new parts for the Enclosure I'm using (Sumo enclosure). They were part of the front frame of the enclosure and weren't supposed to have changed outside of providing better access to the belt adjustment screws. Yet, since reinstalling the parts and putting the enclosure back together, I haven't had a good print.
So there's something going on here, but just what I have no idea. I've got the enclosure largely disassembled and removed now and I'm resuming tests.
Aaron
RE: First Layer Adhesion Issues
What do you see when you do a first layer calibration?
Something like this, so you the differences at different heights.
https://www.printables.com/model/251587-stress-free-first-layer-calibration-in-less-than-5
We will do what we have always done. We will find hope in the impossible.
RE: First Layer Adhesion Issues
I appreciate the suggestion, but the process for bed calibration is different for the XL. It touches off against the print surface using the load cell in the print head to calibrate itself physically to the board.
In the end, it does appear the enclosure was the culprit. After removing it the prints have gone back to normal. I can't blame the enclosure itself, it's likely I am as much a part of this issue as anything else. That said, I'm a bit hesitant to put it back on without knowing what was happening. I really don't know where to start with fixing this, but given the cost of the enclosure, it seems foolish not to at least try and figure this out.
Aaron
RE: First Layer Adhesion Issues
Sorry. I was not aware of the differences. So I read a bit. And the first I found was this:
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-xl-tool-changer-how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/perfect-first-layer-it-was-but-now-its-not/
As to the enclosure. Lot of people seem to have issues with the higher temperature in there. Somehow it is needed to keep the temp in there in a small range (depending of the type of filament). With my enclosure I learned to open the door more/less (2-10cm) to keep it between 25-30 for PLA.
We will do what we have always done. We will find hope in the impossible.
RE: First Layer Adhesion Issues
I think my issues with the enclosure is largely a physical one. Allow me to explain.
I previously have had this enclosure on for a while now and it's printed fine. I found that I needed to adjust the belts recently, but when I went to do that, the enclosure design meant I couldn't access those. So I reprinted some key structural components to the front frame. In theory, these should have been the same size, but if you factor in printer and assembly tolerances, something was clearly different. After installation the printer simply wouldn't lay down a good first layer.
I even got on the chat with Prusa support. They had me run the printer bed at temp for 20 minutes to give it a good heat soak, and that changed nothing. So it was clear that too much or too little heat wasn't a factor here.
It was only once I removed the front frame that the issue was alleviated, but didn't necessarily answer the question of what changed that caused it in the first place.
Aaron