Notifications
Clear all

First layer cal is way off  

  RSS
Bjerggaard
(@bjerggaard)
Member
First layer cal is way off

Hi, I just bought a second-hand I3 MK3S+.

The first print went fine, but afterwards, it has been a total mess. The included PLA filament may not have been stored in dry enough place in the last couple of years so I just bought some new PLA to try it, but to no avail.
Come to think that I may have forgotten to select correct filament in PrusaSlicer on the first print as I had to change it from the default "Generic ABS" to PLA in subsequent prints. However, the first print went fine, so I am not sure if that was the case. But it leads me to the question; will printing PLA filament on "Generic ABS" settings make the filament in the extruder too hot and e.g. leave residue in the inside of the extruder?

When I run the first layer calibration, it looks way off. 

Do you have recommendations for troubleshooting and a way forward?

 

Thanks.

Mads

This topic was modified 3 months ago by Bjerggaard
Posted : 13/03/2025 7:14 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: First layer cal is way off

go to the Prusa Knowledge base  and look for first layer calibration. 

It looks like your live Z setting is too high... 
Live Z is a negative number and the bigger the number the lower your nozzle
the number should always be less than -2.000  but is unique to your printer. 
regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility.Location Halifax UK

Posted : 13/03/2025 10:34 am
Bjerggaard
(@bjerggaard)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: First layer cal is way off

Hi Joan,

Thanks a lot, adjusted the live Z to -2.000 according to the article first-layer-calibration-i3 and that did the trick. 
Just curious, do you know why the live Z could be suddenly way off from printing my first item (which was fine) to the next ones? The only thing I did after the first print was to move it to another table, otherwise didn't change anything.

Thanks.

Posted : 13/03/2025 1:32 pm
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: First layer cal is way off

Sounds like your pinda probe could be loose.  Make sure its tightened snug. 

-2.000 is max as that is 2mm which is the approx max range of the probe.  Ideally you should physically adjust the probe position so that the final live z value giving a good layer in in the middle region of about -1.000.  

Posted : 13/03/2025 5:35 pm
Diem
 Diem
(@diem)
Illustrious Member

It may have been shaken up somewhere in the process.  In any case the general advice is always to recalibrate after relocation.

I would also run through a general maintenance session in case there are other surprises lurking:

https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/i3-printers-regular-maintenance_2072

https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/maintenance-tips_23200

Cheerio,

Posted : 13/03/2025 6:08 pm
Share: