First Layer Issues
So I am not live adjusting the Z to get this to happen. This starts off on the right side of the plate just fine and smooth then just as it goes left gets worse. How do I fix? I did the whole calibration wizard and got perpendicular axis' and everything cleared. The left side always seems to be close to unraveling or gunking up the printer.
RE: First Layer Issues
Better picture
RE: First Layer Issues
A very common problem when the first layer begins pulling up is bed contamination. A soap and hot water wash usually fixes the issue.
Hot Water wash: often, as needed
Handle the bed only by the edges.
Wash the bed in hot water, use a fresh paper towel as a wash cloth, with a few drops of plain dish soap (Dawn, unscented, no anti-bacterial, etc.). Rinse well in hot water - if you have very soft water, rinse a bit longer.
Dry the bed with a fresh paper towel.
Handle the bed only by the edges.
Place bed on printer.
Alcohol rinse: every few prints
Once in a while, an alcohol rinse is helpful to remove PLA residue. It does not remove finger oils.
Pour a 5 cm puddle of 91%+ alcohol in the middle of the bed, with clean hands use a fresh paper towel to scrub the bed. Wipe up all the alcohol.
Streak test: when contamination is suspected and after a wash
With a fresh piece of paper towel, and very clean fingers, dampen the towel with 91%+ alcohol, and wipe the bed side to side moving back to front, like you're painting it with alcohol. The alcohol should be thin enough on the towel it quickly evaporates. If you see any streaks, the bed is dirty and needs a wash.
Acetone wash: infrequent
Pour a 2 cm puddle of acetone on the bed, scrub it around with a fresh paper towel. It will evaporate fast as you clean. This step removes PEI oxides that form over time and with heat, and improves PLA adhesion to a like new state.
RE: First Layer Issues
After a close look at the second image, I'd first use alcohol to clean the bed of all the PLA residue that is on it; then follow that with a hot water wash. Report back on how the first layer looks after the cleaning.
If you've been using gluestick - do a soap and water wash to get the glue stick off, then alcohol to remove the PLA residue, then do a soap and water a second time to rinse off the alcohol/PLA mess.
RE: First Layer Issues
Ok I have done that and everything is sticking perfectly thank you so much! the only bummer is 8 hours left into a 42-hour print a blob formed and knocked over half the minis. I set the retraction to 1mm and I have the wipe settings checked. Are there any other tips for preventing blobbing?
RE: First Layer Issues
Blob can mean a lot of things. Where and how did it form? Photo? Only then can we suggest remedies.