First layer feedback
I recently got and assembled a MK3s+ (my 1st 3d printer). I have been working on Z calibration. So far I have just used PLA. I think I am close, but I would like some feedback.
These are all 75x75mm test squares from near the bottom of https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/life-adjust-z-my-way/paged/42/
B: -1.455, -1.445, -1.435, -1.425, -1.415, -1.405
(Z values vary from bottom-right to top-left)
C: -1.445, -1.440, -1.435, -1.420, -1.425, -1.420
D: -1.433, -1.430, -1.428, -1.425, -1.430
E: -1.430, -1.428
F: -1.435, -1.433, -1.430, -1.428
I am thinking -1.433 might be the best. The bottom is very smooth (not shown) and the top has a ribbed feel. Near the edges (where the diagonal lines changed direction) it feels a bit rough.
Measuring the thickness, I get 0.20mm if I exclude the first few mm at the edge, and about 0.28mm at near the edge.
Printing something larger, there are certainly some issues: mostly in the corners
(that is from https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/40729-parametric-bed-level-test-generator/files)
I have been cleaning the sheet with either 91% IPA or soap(dawn), hot water, & sponge. Sometimes after cleaning with just IPA, the filament doesn't stick well, but it improves after using the soap.
With either cleaning method, I always see ghost images of prior prints (see above photo). Is that normal?
RE:
Congrats on assembly and welcome to the forum.
Are you using 7x7 bed mesh leveling? If not, run some more tests with that before determining the best offset number.
Mk3S+,SL1S
RE: First layer feedback
Yes, I am using the 7x7 bed mesh leveling.
RE: First layer feedback
I would pick square 'E' which is just a tad lower.
And here is a slightly different approach that I find useful: there is some range between looks good and too low. You could keep going lower by small increments until you are clearly too low, and then come back up again to where it looks good. This gives you the cleanest first layer and the maximum adhesion.
Mk3S+,SL1S
RE: First layer feedback
I ended up trying to go a bit lower. -1.428 seems to be working good -- at least some of the time.
Sometimes it works great
But other times it is a mess.
RE: First layer feedback
That last complete benchy looks perfect.
You might be having some issue with your PINDA. I got my MK3S+ factory assembled, so I have no hands-on experience with this, but you might find a fix if you go back over the assembly steps involving the PINDA and make sure everything is as it should be.
Mk3S+,SL1S
RE: First layer feedback
I tried both methods at https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/p-i-n-d-a-sensor-testing_2091 and that all looked good.
RE: First layer feedback
It could be time for you to contact customer support. Go the the e-shop and wait for the chat box to appear on the lower right corner. They are very helpful.
Mk3S+,SL1S