Misprint issue 1st layer
Hey everyone!
I had my i3 mk2 some weeks ago and what a joy it was to assemble it! Went through all the checks (read calibrations) and all seemed fine.
Then I started by printing the preloaded models on the SD card, after the calibrationv2 gcode. Had some regions where the PLA didnt stick to the heatbed. I adjusted the nozzle to heatbed height with live z-axis and after some tweeking it did the job.
I'm unsure whether I fully solved this and after printing the prusa, whistle, marvin, batman, geared bearing and vase (which all printed phenomenal, I was astounded really). The next model I was about to print was the adalinda model, which I think is a model that will really show off what this printer is capable of printing. Anyways, the first layer gave some issues again and after some more tweaking it didn't help.
To summarize, I can't get the first layer to print perfectly and I do not know what settings/parts or something else could resolve this. Are there any other people who had this problem and got to solve it? I read that a heated bed of 70C could help but there might be other things that can be used. The feet of the Adalinda seem to have quite some trouble, like any first layer print, there are some regions where the PLA sticks to the platform and some regions where it doesn't.
I would be very grateful and look forward to print some more!
I included a picture of the first layer print. If it's not clear I can provide some more.
Thank you in advance!
Kim
Re: Misprint issue 1st layer
Thats not hot enough. 😉
Have you by any chance played with the flow rate settings in the tune menu?
What temperature are you running on your PLA? 70 on the bed is probably a bit high. I run 60 max for PLA but the nozzle temp I put up at around 230-240 depending on make of filament.
Re: Misprint issue 1st layer
Kim
You still need to lower your nozzle a bit. There are gaps between perimeter and infill.
You may also need to lower the nozzle at the front of the bed (from the LCD menu) maybe -20 microns
Ben - Kim mentioned that it's the pre-sliced Adalinda which should print fin after the printer is properly set up.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Misprint issue 1st layer
Thank you for both the quick replies Ben and Peter!
Ben, I used the preset values for PLA and use the PLA from Prusa so I reckon that the temperatures are fine. However it's a good tip when using other types of filament or even PLA from other manufacturers. I'll keep that in mind.
Peter, I have been tweaking those values the moment I read your reply. It did help! I ended up changing the front, left and right part of the bed with values between 10 and 25. It's still not perfect but it's okay. Unfortunately I have to go to my dorm tomorrow and will get acces to my printer back on Friday. I think I'll 'make' a one layer model that covers the entire bed platform, like so I'll be able to see where there are slight variations in height and can adjust the values accordingly until I have a perfect result.
So I'll post another reply when I come to that! I've also seen that you help so so many people here on the forum Peter. I think that's great and you're a great help to many people. Thanks again.
Re: Misprint issue 1st layer
If your using Prusa stuff you need more heat 😉
Re: Misprint issue 1st layer
Actually with Prusa filament I print first layer at 215 and the remainder at 205 degrees, when printing at a layer height of 0.2mm and using speeds up to 80mm/sec. If I go taller layers or faster, then I do increase temps to 215 for all layers.
Best not to cover the whole bed; I generated a model with 30 x 20mm squares @ 0.2mm high. I was then able to give each square a rating and adjust accordingly.
Model attached
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Misprint issue 1st layer
Hey guys, it's weekend again! So I could test my printer again.
Thanks for the tip again Ben, clearly I am new to the Prusa products so I'll try to change the temperatures to achieve prints close to perfection.
Peter, I printed your calibration squares. Used Cura at 0.15 layer height and 40 mm/s printing speed. However it seems that the bed platform is quite level as the imperfections are very local... I uploaded a picture of the test print. The most common imperfections are:
1) Almost all squares have an oblique layer string which seems to be pushed more to the bed platform compared to the others. Have you experienced this as well and might know what exactly causes this? See B3 square for reference.
2) There appears to be some scratching of the nozzle head to the prints, almost all those scratches happen to the edges of the squares while the centers are quite smooth. I already adjusted the Live Z layer from -0.800 tot -0.750 but there were almost no changes so I'm unsure whether it's a Z layer issue. See C4 for reference.
3) Again some level issues occur very locally. An example is the 'outer contour' of the A2 square, where just one and half a side did not stick to the platform.
I am looking forward to read your reply if you could help me!
Thank you in advance.
Kim
Re: Misprint issue 1st layer
Hi Kim,
Seeing how the issue seems local ised to very specific area, and seeing some kind of traces in the reflection on the bed, it could be finger "grease" traces on the bed.
How do you clean up the bed ? What product do you use for that ? The most efficient way should be to use 99% IPA.
I'm like Jon Snow, I know nothing.
Re: Misprint issue 1st layer
Kim
In addition to Christophe's points I would add the following:
1. I did not have the centre diagonal they is shown on your prints; try slicing with Slic3r
2. Safer to slice with a layer height of 200 microns.
3. I would increase the nozzle gap slightly for both the front and right - start with about + 20 microns
4. Ensure you are running the latest firmware (currently 3.0.8, I believe).
Regarding Cura; depending on the version you may or may not generate good prints. Some users have experienced serious issues with V2. Personally I run V15.04.6 - but only when my regular slicer is having difficulties. Slic3r from Prusa contains the correct settings for this printer whereas Cura may not.
Peter
Edit: FWIW, I am just printing a 0.15mm layer model and have had to reduce temp to 195 degrees to prevent stringing. Max print speed is 80mm/sec.
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…