first layer print quality
My printer was great for 2 years, and started to have issues with print. I cleaned and replaced hot element (during cleaning the old one was damaged), changed tip to ruby, and calibrated first layer a lot to finally able to print the 9x9 prusa first layer (see attached). The good setting for the build in calibration (900) is not good for the 9x9 prusa first layer, I have to change to -1100 to make the 9x9 prusa first layer work, or else it has defects (if I use -1100 the build in calibration appears to be a bit low since the lines seems squeezed).
Attached is the 9x9 picture, the shapes are fine but the quality is not good. Any ideas? Tanks!
Your first layer calibration is a fraction too low, too much squish.
Cheerio,
RE:
Thank you! But if I don't do that the print is not good either. See below:
-1000
-1050 to -850
-1050
-850
-900
RE: first layer print quality
I think I need to do Bed Level Correction
So do I, but first get the print sheet thoroughly clean.
Cheerio,
RE:
I concur. Besides, before performing bed level correction, first tune your Z offset until you get a perfect central square and only then proceed with bed level correction for the peripheral squares. Take into account that the settings for correcting front, rear, left and right are additive and relative to the center of the bed. If you set +10 at the front and +10 at the left, the front left corner will get +10+10 = +20 microns of correction.
RE: first layer print quality
Thank you all. I tried adjust bed level but result is not good. Did more research and found "Bed Level Visualizer". I was surprised the result looks good (not sure what are the normal values are):
-0.194 -0.122 -0.077 -0.021 0.013 -0.042 -0.073 -73 -0.135 -0.077 -0.068 -0.065 -0.011 -0.032 -0.086 -38 -0.099 -0.043 -0.027 -0.021 0.006 -0.015 -0.108 -2 -0.113 -0.051 -0.030 0.000 -0.011 -0.052 -0.128 34 -0.046 -0.002 -0.005 -0.011 0.000 -0.029 -0.142 69 -0.022 -0.021 -0.025 -0.041 -0.020 -0.075 -0.161 105 0.004 -0.001 -0.034 -0.074 -0.042 -0.092 -0.176
Yet the center always looks bad unless I press it a lot (when sides are good, the center still seems too high).
The numbers are meaningless for us - they relate only to your particular printer. Get the centre right then adjust the rest to suit.
Cheerio,
RE: first layer print quality
More than 0.2 mm between the highest and lowest point ... those numbers aren't good at all. Ideally they should stay below 0.05 mm. Bed mesh leveling compensates for this, but only up to a point. Possibly the central screw of your bed is a bit loose while the rear left and front right screws are over tightened.
RE: first layer print quality
Thank you so much! now I got a number to go to! Prusa should have put those numbers somewhere on their website.
RE: first layer print quality
I am curious. What number finally worked for you?
RE: first layer print quality
live z numbers are unique to each printer
many people find this link useful
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/life-adjust-z-my-way/
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
RE: first layer print quality
FYI I think it is solved. I bought a new print plate and that sorted out all the issues (even though my bed is still not totally even).