First Layer Woes
Hey all. I have had my printer for a few months now and am having some major issues with my first layers and PLA. On the smooth PEI sheet, I am lucky if I can get it to stick. I have done first layer calibration so many times and think I have it dialed down. PETG does excellent. Then when I print PLA, it wants to not stick and ride up the side of the extruder instead. Then, when I am lucky enough to get it to stick, it decides not to stay. I've included some pictures to show what is happening. On this print, you can see the first layer started out on the money (although it was my third attempt). It was smooth, adhered to the bed, no areas where the extruder dragged through the print...and then all of a sudden BAM! It decided to not print so great anymore. My bed is definitely clean, and when I run the mesh calibration I get the best message indicating the bed is level. I'm printing hatchbox PLA, but I've tried other brands, including the one that came with the printer. Bed is 60C, Extruder is 200-210C. I've tried slowing to 75% on first layer. The rest of the settings are the standard 0.20mm quality prints settings in PrusaSlicer.
What's the next step to try?
RE: First Layer Woes
This is what i experience with 2 issues:
1. Bed not clean
Try to clean it with dish water, dry it with a paper towel. Avoid touching with fingers! Fingerprints are your enemy. Every now and then clean wipe it with Isoprop Alcohol.
2. Z too low.
To level in Z height i would suggest to follow this procedure: