first layers are a mess
Hi guys, I just recently got the Prusa i3 MK2.
After a few succesful prints, i havent managed to really print anymore..
What happens is that it prints a very messy brim, and then a very messy outline.
When it does the fill of the first layer, it doesnt look too good. and when it goes over it the nozzle hits the material that is sticking up following a big mess of fillament. What can I do?
-will upload a photo soon-
Re: first layers are a mess
Photo! yes
You're Z offset is not properly adjusted, and you'll need to enable Z-Hop/Vertical Lift in your slicer.
Re: first layers are a mess
Hi Patrik,
thanks for your reply!
So I attached an image of the print of the Adalinda (the one included on the SD card). As you see the small foot started becoming a mess. Before this I adjusted the Z-offset and printed a test cube, which went fine.
the problem seems that it is not sticking too well, and therefor the nozzle hits the layer.
Re: first layers are a mess
What do you clean the bed with?
The nozzle probable needs to be a bit (about 50-100 microns) lower.
Is it PLA? What bed temperature do you print at?
Re: first layers are a mess
I clean the bed with just (lukewarm) water.
I will try to lower the nozzle even more and see if that works.
yes, im printing with PLA and have the bed at 50degrees currently
Re: first layers are a mess
Use something to degrease the bed, IPA for example.
Also try to heat up to 55 or 60 deg on bed. That also helps adhesion.
Re: first layers are a mess
OK thanks, i will try that!
Re: first layers are a mess
OK thanks, i will try that!
Yes, you really need to get some IPA, around 95-99% if possible to clean the bed before each print.
Also you should lower that nozzle as well. To have time to adjust the Live Z Adjust on that print, since it's missing a brim around the model, you could go into the Tune meny the first thing you do after it's purged the nozzle in the lower left corner, and decrease the speed to lets say 30%, that will give you some more time adjusting the Live Z Adjust, but as David says, 50-100 microns lower is probably a good guess. If you're getting too close, you'll see that the extruded filament starts to be invisible since its to thin on the bed, and you might also start hear some skipping of the extruder. Then go back up!
Re: first layers are a mess
Hey Thanks for Replying everybody!
I lowered the Z a bit and cleaned my bed with IPA and that did it!
Works like a charm :)!
Thanks!
Re: first layers are a mess
I also find that I like to test/adjust my Live Z on the "Prusa" logo that came with the SD card. Every now and then I will simply run that and you can use the first layer to tune Z. Saves a lot of headache and then you can just cancel that print. Gives you a good minute or two of tuning time.