Any way to measure for correct first layer height?
The amount of squish you set your first layer to seems a bit subjective to me. I'm a new 3d Printer user with very old eyes. I bought my printer fully assembled, but my first layers would not stick well. My build plate was very clean each time so I went through the first layer calibration several times. Can I take the first layer test square and measure it with a micrometer to see if the first layer height is correct? Or can I use a feeler gauges between the build plate and the nozzle to set it precisely? I'm looking for something I can measure rather than just looking at it. While I'm new to 3d printing, I have a small machine shop with CNC mills and CNC Plasma tables. I have lot's of measuring equipment if you can give me the spec.
I have been able to print successfully using painters tape on the bed, but applying new tape each print is annoying. It seems my build plate is just too slick. It almost seems like it needs to be sanded or glass beaded to give it something to grab on to.
Re: Any way to measure for correct first layer height?
There's a nice 75x75mm test square on that page just for the purpose of helping with live adjust Z. You can go by feel (smooth and not rough) and it should be close to .2mm when you get it dialed in.
Re: Any way to measure for correct first layer height?
Your adhesion problem might be because your not squishing the filament enough, but if you still have adhesion problems after adjusting your live Z; try cleaning with alcohol and give it a light scrub with a dish sponge that that has a green abrasive side, than follow up with more alcohol and try again.
Re: Any way to measure for correct first layer height?
I am also new to 3D printing and also found the lack of actual measured setup a little odd, But as i built my mk3 from a kit it makes things a little clearer.
A lot of the printer setup is taken care of by Prusa's software settings meaning its just down to altering the height of the nozzle to the build plate on the first layer, as long as your using the Prusa PLA. Just alter with the Live Z to give you the correct "squish" of the filament onto the build plate and hay presto it works. Just make sure the Z value is within the maximum value stated in the setup guide. If is not then do the PINDA adjustment to get the value correct and redo the first layer set up again.
Once you start to get to grips with what the printer is doing to form the prints you can further fine tune things. The adjustment are vast and mostly software based like: How fast the print head can move. Speed of the extruder. Retraction of filament, when and how far it does it. Heat bed temps. Extruder hot end temp.
I am finding 3D printing very interisting
Re: Any way to measure for correct first layer height?
I bought my printer fully assembled, but my first layers would not stick well.
I upgraded my MK2S to MK2.5.
After the upgrade i had much less "grip" in the PEI. I have the feeling that the PEI from MK2S is not exactly the same as the new for MK2.5 and MK3.
One thing that worked for me was to wash the PEI with soap and water really good, Then clean it with pure Aceton and last 99% IPA.
After this i have no more issues.
Clean the bed with IPA after everyprint and dont touch the surface. Even a small fingerprint can ruin the grip.
When the grip starts to fade repeat the cleaning process.
---
Gert