Notifications
Clear all

[ISSUE] Problem with first layer height  

  RSS
mateucalafat
(@mateucalafat)
New Member
[ISSUE] Problem with first layer height

Hi guys!

I have been mounting a Prusa i3 MK3 with steel structure (P3Steel). The printer is already finished, configured and calibrated. Motors, sensors, extruder is working fine.

 

The problem came when I tried to print a very simple model using CURA-4.6.2 software. The piece is a 20x20x20 cube.

I have configured the sliced model to print a brim of 3 lines before starting the actual model. Well, when I start the job, the printer starts printing the brim I think very accurately, but when it has to start the first layer of the cube, z-axis is slightly lifted and the molten filament is not added to the bed anymore.

 

I know that you don't need to be an Einstein to know that is a matter of height. The question is that, I have actually tried to modify a z-offset parameter in CURA to -0.2 mm (the thickness of a paper in Catalonia), but I do not see any differences.

 

Do you know what can I do to improve the adhesion capability on the first layer? Do you have any tips to start printing about slicing parameters (speed, line width, layer height...)?

 

Thank you very much!

This topic was modified 4 years ago 2 times by mateucalafat
Posted : 04/09/2020 4:32 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: [ISSUE] Problem with first layer height

Are you referring to a brim -- printed lines around the perimeter touching the part -- or a raft -- layers underneath the part? A brim should be at the same level as the part. It shouldn't raise the part up. Cura should be placing the part flat on the print surface normally. Can you do a screen grab or picture and drag the file into your response to show us better what is going on? This shouldn't be a challenge normally.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 04/09/2020 4:57 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: [ISSUE] Problem with first layer height

 

Have you looked for a forum that specialises in the printer that you have bought?

Why are you trying to offset the Z axis? 

If it is set up and configured correctly, it should print the first layer properly.  using the first layer, layer height, set in the slicer!

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 : 04/09/2020 5:45 pm
mateucalafat
(@mateucalafat)
New Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: [ISSUE] Problem with first layer height

Hi,

First of all sorry for the delay, I've been very busy these days.

Regarding your answers:

- I am trying to use a brim in CURA: five perimeters connected to the piece. The brim and the first actual layer are not printed at the same height. First layer height is set to 0.2mm but I cannot find any configuration parameter to change the brim height.

- I thought this was the correct place to look for information about a Prusa i3.

- I am seting an offset for the Z axis, because the Z endstop is not really at 0 height of the bed. It is set at more or less 0.2 mm (the thickness of a sheet of paper) of it in order to avoid scratching the bed.

Updating my situation: I have added a borosilicate glass over the hotbed in order to improve the adhesion capability. Until now I was using an aluminum heatbed with a layer of kapton tape.

I attach a video of the "try of printing". I wish you could help me, I feel like start creating stuff.

Thank you very much

Kind regards, Mateu

Posted : 07/09/2020 5:51 pm
Share: