Issues after printer not being used for a while
Had worked out post-build issues when last printed (maybe a year ago). First few prints went haywire (layer shifting?), so I tried a first layer calibration and noticed the x-y seems to be off. Any pointers on where to look first? Thanks!
RE: Issues after printer not being used for a while
Hi: I can't offer any suggestions, but I'm following - I have a very similar issue. My printer really didn't sit too long (Prusa Mini+) - but I started having failed prints, left it for a while & now I'm trying to get it back going:
Here's a list of my changes, attempts, and results:
1. Had installed Bondtech extruder several months ago - initially good results.
2. Several failed prints some time later - gummed up the heat block quite badly.
3. Over Christmas decided to change the heat break to Bondtech (figured maybe I had some sort of heat creep issue?) - Took a lot of cleaning, etc.
4. After install and using the PID values from Bondtech had trouble getting an acceptable first layer - I get the skewing you show, and an inconsistent first layer on single layer test plots.
5. Tried new PEI sheet, washed, dried, cleaned with IPA 90% - no improvement. Tried new microswiss?? nozzle, also went back to old nozzle- no change
6. Tried slowing down, various tuning changes, cleaned and lubed machine as best I could - no improvement.
7. Ordered new hot end parts (heat block, thermistor, heater) to have parts - was concerned that I have enough plastic that's been pushed into the heat block that one or both of the elements are no longer making consistent contact, and are causing wide temp fluctuations...
Printer has about 1.1 km of filament through it - roughly 60% PETG, 40% PLA.
Any suggestions appreciated - hope there might be similar issues between the two instances...
Doug W.
RE: Issues after printer not being used for a while
First thing I see is your Z level is too high. Needs to come down, more negative value for better squish.
Clean the smooth rods on the X and Y axes with some IPA and a clean, lint free cloth, then put a few drops of light oil, like sewing machine oil on them and spread it around with your fingers. Wipe up any excess with paper towels. Be careful not to get any oil on the bed or the print sheet.
Gently move the extruder back and forth by hand and do the same with the heat bed to get some oil into the bearings. Make sure everything moves freely with little resistance and no places where it drags.
Check that the grub screws securing the drive pulleys on both the X and Y axis motors are properly tightened with one screw on the flat of the shaft. Check drive and idler pulley alignment, belt tracking, and belt tension. Be sure idler pulleys spin freely.
For a good read on sheet cleaning and Z height adjustment, see the answer under the OP’s question in this thread:
Cheers