Keep your nozzle clean
This is an image of a problem I was having with large prints that took up most of the bed. The first layer was really rough, and though the next layers were better, the texture of the first layer was affecting the layers above it. It didn't significantly affect the final quality, but it bothered me that I wasn't getting a perfect first layer.
I tried changing nozzle temps, changing bed temps, changing speeds, cleaning the bed with different cleaners, etc. In the image, you can see a line where I increased the nozzle temperature by 10 degrees, and the surface got much smoother. I thought that had solved it, but later the problem reappeared, even at the higher temps.
What finally fixed it was cleaning the outside of the nozzle! Apparently it had built up enough gunk that it was affecting the print quality. I thoroughly scrubbed the nozzle with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. The nozzle was warm, about 150C. (I don't know how safe this method is, so if someone has a better cleaning method please let me know!) The nozzle didn't even look that dirty, but I was surprised how much black plastic residue I collected on my cotton swab.
Now I do that after every print and the problem hasn't appeared again after several large prints. Note that the rough surface wasn't appearing on smaller objects, but I imagine over time the dirty nozzle would eventually affect all my prints.
Re: Keep your nozzle clean
Thanks for the tip.
I'm sure that my nozzle is way overdue for a clean.
Re: Keep your nozzle clean
I'd also consider unplugging the printer and then using something like a steel wool brush to get crap off the nozzle.
I thoroughly scrubbed the nozzle with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. The nozzle was warm, about 150C. (I don't know how safe this method is, so if someone has a better cleaning method please let me know!)
Be careful with that. Alcohol has a boiling point of 82.6C and because of its flammability should be kept away from heat. Also note human skin can develop burns in less than a second when exposed to temperatures of at least 70C. Let the hot end cool down to room temperature first, then try to clean it.
Using an e3d sock might help prevent dirt from building up around the nozzle.
Re: Keep your nozzle clean
I'd also consider unplugging the printer and then using something like a steel wool brush to get crap off the nozzle.
I thoroughly scrubbed the nozzle with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. The nozzle was warm, about 150C. (I don't know how safe this method is, so if someone has a better cleaning method please let me know!)
Be careful with that. Alcohol has a boiling point of 82.6C and because of its flammability should be kept away from heat. Also note human skin can develop burns in less than a second when exposed to temperatures of at least 70C. Let the hot end cool down to room temperature first, then try to clean it.
I figured the worst case would be that it would catch fire, and it would be like a candle that I can put out. I thought it might be easier to clean if the plastic was a little soft. But yes, I probably should just clean it at room temperature. Does a steel brush not damage the brass of the nozzle?
Using an e3d sock might help prevent dirt from building up around the nozzle.
Yeah, I saw the heater block & sock upgrade kit when I was buying another part. I seriously considered it, but it was out of stock. I may try that some time.