Cannot get a good first layer  

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

Pictures here

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

The fact that you have not printed anything on the new printer makes troubleshooting difficult.

How did you load the filament, did you unloaded any filament that was already in the printer?

It looks like the flow is to low which can happen for several reasons.

Try removing the filament and reload it again.

To troubleshoot, I would use the atomic method of cleaning.

Raise the z to highest level, preheat the bed to PLA, then run the prusa logo ( prevent the pinda from getting warm )

You have the spool mounted above the printer and are not use some other thingiverse spool holder correct?

You are using the PLA that came with the printer correct?

Can you verify the nozzle is heating to the target PLA temp (do you have a temp. gun vs. just reading the temp on the LCD)?

Is the hob gear slipping on the stepper motor?

Is the filament aligned with the hob gear? Do you hear any popping sounds when the filament is being fed?

Is the nozzle clean ( heat it to PLA temps and wipe off any filament that may be sticking to the nozzle by using a wire brush or lint free cloth).

Can you take a picture of the hob gear, verify that the teeth are uniform all the way around.

Do you have blue tape you can print on to help trouble shoot, if so take a photo of the logo on blue tape. Black on black is hard to see.

You may want to pick up some eSun filament cleaner although you should not need it for a brand new printer.

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

Ok, atm i can only answer/do a few of these, but ill do the rest later.

How did you load the filament, did you unloaded any filament that was already in the printer?
-I loaded the filament in with it slanted from a fresh cut as instructed(I have tried removing and reinserting 5+ times)
You have the spool mounted above the printer and are not use some other thingiverse spool holder correct?
- I am using the provided orange 3d printed spool holder
You are using the PLA that came with the printer correct?
-Yes
Is the hob gear slipping on the stepper motor?
-While i cannot check this atm I'm about %95 sure its not
Do you hear any popping sounds when the filament is being fed?
-No

As for the black on black, I will try with other filaments I ordered and will reply(with pics) fairly soon(tomorrow?), as i will be trying to get some sleep for the moment.

Thanks for your time,
Christian

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

1. Print the V2calibration, turn the speed down to 50% by turning the knob on the LCD counter clockwise as soon as it starts print and use the Live Z adjust while it prints. What values are you looking at when you think your on a good height?

2. What are you cleaning your bed with?

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

If you run out of ideas, try printing on blue tape just as another point of data.

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

As for v2calibration when it is at 0.000 it is basically hitting the plate so I put it at about 0.1 which is the width of printer paper. I have put it down to %40 speed before and other than some deformed corners, it works well. As soon as I try to print the prusa logo it just falls apart even when slowed- I think the reason it it moves too fast after the corner is printed when going to another point, but I could be wrong, I'll try printing with brighter colors later today.

Thanks,
Christian

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

(Btw I have reset the printer a few times so when I was at -500 on zleveling before it was about the equivalent of 0.000 right now)

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

Ok so I switched over to orange filament and it did really well except for a small area that did not adhere... I cleaned it with %70 IPA and now it's printing wonders at %52 first layer speed and %100 after that... I guess it was just the black filament they shipped was not up to standards.

Thanks for all your troubleshooting, I would not have switched filaments if you didn't ask for non black on black.

-Christian

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

I have not printed with Prusa PLA black yet, but I it reading the 3D printing forums different filament colors from the same vendors print differently. I have had good results so far with Hatchbox PLA black.

Re: Cannot get a good first layer

I also have had trouble printing Solutech 'Real Black' PLA on my MK2. Achieved success by giving it more heat, and more flow, and printing the first layer very slow (30% to 50%). I got good results with nozzle at 230, flow rate at 105%, bed at 55

Chris Shaker