1st time buyer-user: Help with calibration and print
Hi All:
I am brand new buyer/user in the 3d printing world. Purchased prusa i3 mk3+ Kit.
Assembled everything through manual and youtube videos. Went through all calibration with Wizard function is good.
1st screen shot shows First Layer Calibration, which I think it's pretty good. Z adjustment at -1.2
2nd screen shot shows test Prusa test print with Z adjustment at -1.2
3rd screen shot shows test Prusa test print with Z adjustment at -1.1.
4th scree shot shots test print of 3D Benchy, as you can see, the print is off by a lot.
Can someone help me fix the calibration? Not sure what I am missing. Thanks!
RE:
A few things compounding here; let's deal with some of the easier ones:
Your print bed is dirty. Use dishwashing soap (Dawn/Fairy) and plenty of HOT water to clean it. Dry with a fresh paper towel and handle by the edges only.
There are signs that your X belt is slipping. Either the belt is loose or the grub screws in the belt drive gear are not properly tightened, don't just tighten them, make sure they are aligned as in the build manual.
Is this PLA? Is it old filament? I suspect it may be damp. It won't hurt to dry it (look for drying threads here), make sure you are using the correct preset for the filament you are printing.
Your first layer Z calibration is a fraction low but that is not causing your worst issues.
You have a working printer but it is in need of a little tlc ... come back after you have tried the above and show us the results. I don't think it will fix everything but we will get there in the end...
Cheerio,
RE: 1st time buyer-user: Help with calibration and print
I cleaned the steel sheet, though previously I used some Isopropyl alcohol wiped the sheet, and now, I can't get rid of those mark. You can see in the included pictures.
I used a generic PLA for testing, if you think I should use the included Prusa PLA filament, let me know! The PLA is a new package, and my basement is dry at winter time. So I don't know it's a drying issue.
I tightened X belt, and it felt ok with my finger squeezing it.
Rerun first layer calibration, with new Z at -1.15, and another Prusa test print with included the picture.
It's better but still off a bit. Thanks for helping me!
RE: 1st time buyer-user: Help with calibration and print
You still have some X shift. Please check the cable ties at the rear of the extruder are not hitting the frame. If you are unsure provide a picture of the back of the X carraige.
With the power off, move the axis by hand; is is smooth? Does the resistance stay the same over the whole range?
Clean and lubricate the smooth rods, check they are not damaged/scratched. Check the idler pulley is not clogged, out of line, or damaged (loosen the belt and try turning it with your fingertip, is it smooth?)
With the belt loose try turning the stepper motor by hand; is it smooth? You should just be able to feel the regular bump of the stepping magnets, no irregularities or roughness.
Retighten the belt until it just begins to make a low musical note when plucked...
As soon as your printer works, make your next print this:
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/46639-tension-meter-for-the-gt2-belts-of-i3-mk3s-or-prus
It MUST be printed in Prusament PETG or the spring tension will be wrong.
I cleaned the steel sheet, though previously I used some Isopropyl alcohol wiped the sheet, and now, I can't get rid of those mark. You can see in the included pictures.
Your print sheet is still not clean enough. Clean the sheet with dishwashing detergent (Dawn/Fairy) and plenty of HOT water, rinse well and dry with a fresh paper towel. Handle by the edges only. PEI sheets do accumulate a few honourable scars.
Clean with IPA between prints.
At the first hint of a problem, use dishwashing detergent and HOT water.
If that's not enough use acetone: once or twice a year at most.
Your first layer calibration is a fraction too low.
At the end of the calibration you are aiming to print a single layer *sheet*. It should be possible to peel it off in one and fold it without the threads seperating. If it breaks into lines it is too high, not squished enough. If it is a single sheet but with wavy lines or drag marks on it you are too low.
For most people it pays to use 7x7 mesh bed levelling (LCD menu).
I used a generic PLA for testing, if you think I should use the included Prusa PLA filament, let me know! The PLA is a new package, and my basement is dry at winter time. So I don't know it's a drying issue.
I might help to use the Prusa filament, it would remove one layer of uncertainty. Filament can get damp enough to notice deterioration within the space of a single long print.
Cheerio,