First layer adhesion
I purchased a new MK3S+ to replace an older gantry style 3d printer I have. I was really confident that this printer would be remarkably better but I have yet to be able to get things to stick to the bed. I have both the smooth and textured bed, but have only been trying to get the textured bed to work. I can get excellent first layer calibration, but by the time a print gets 10-20mm high, it shifts during the print and the whole print gets F'd up. It's very frusterating. The surface for the build plate is incredibly smooth to the touch. I find it remarkable that things "kinda" stick to it to begin with. My Z-offset is 1.3mm. I clean with 90% IPA before every print. What the heck else could be going on here?
RE: First layer adhesion
I should also add that Ive also tried rafts and brim etc.
RE: First layer adhesion
What are you printing?
Although you can use either sheet when they are dialled in it's easier to print PETG on the textured sheet and PLA on the smooth...
the build plate is incredibly smooth to the touch
If you've been touching it the build plate will have fingerprints on it - a common cause of adhesion problems.
The nozzle clipping the print is often due to poor adhesion, one end lifts off the bed into the path of danger.
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. Place on the printer and bring up to temperature asap to make sure it's thorougly dry.
Cheerio,
RE: First layer adhesion
@diem
As stated, I already clean the sheet before every attempt with 90% isopropyl alcohol.
I will try the smooth sheet.
Additional info: I just had a print fail at 60% speed much earlier than when at higher speed.
RE: First layer adhesion
As stated, I already clean the sheet before every attempt with 90% isopropyl alcohol.
Yes, I saw that, Alcohol is very useful to maintain a sheet's cleanliness but it won't clean a dirty bed unless you use large amounts - so get the plate clean first with soap and water and maintain it with the alcohol.
Also: Post a picture of the first layer as it goes down, or at least the bottom of a failed print.
Cheerio,
RE: First layer adhesion
Have you tried doing a more rigorous Z calibration with one of those 3x3 test prints?
Your Z calibration will be significantly different for the smooth and textured sheets.
RE: First layer adhesion
As stated, I already clean the sheet before every attempt with 90% isopropyl alcohol.
Yes, I saw that, Alcohol is very useful to maintain a sheet's cleanliness but it won't clean a dirty bed unless you use large amounts - so get the plate clean first with soap and water and maintain it with the alcohol.
Also: Post a picture of the first layer as it goes down, or at least the bottom of a failed print.
Cheerio,
Changing to the smooth sheet helped, thanks. I really didn't want to use the smooth sheet because of the finish it leaves behind but I can always add rafts to a print to get a similar bottom texture to the top.