New to this - First layer not sticking
Hi,
Im sure this is something to do with me not having done something properly, but I have been printing parts for an Ikea Lack enclosure. I've been printing in PETG no problem. When I have tried to print PLA after the PETG prints, my first layer is coming out looking like this.
Is there any reason for this? I have been cleaning the steel sheet each time with fairy liquid and water (alcohol wipes haven't arrived yet) as I heard this was ok on a forum. Could that be the problem? I've calibrated the first layer and it seems to be sticking fine. Any help for this noob would be much appreciated, thanks.
RE: New to this - First layer not sticking
clean is just a precursor condition to getting a good stick.
So is calibration - a one time try at getting a baseline for live Z
There are 200000 threads here about live-z adjustments. It happens with the wheel on your control panel while the print is starting up. You can notice a poor bead (your pics say you are way too high) and dial it down (more negative - aka counter clockwise. Get some calibration squares from the print library and practice getting a good first layer before you try and print something you're invested in.
Do remember, each time you print - change the sheet, change the filament, or even certain shapes - you should be ready to adjust live-z on any print.
RE: New to this - First layer not sticking
Great, I was sure that it was something straightforward!
Will take a look and thanks for the response
RE: New to this - First layer not sticking
Your picture, you are to high!
Important to get a good print;
1. Clean bed, dish soap cleans the best.
2. First layer calibration. This needs to be 100% Look on youtube to get examples.
Every print you start, you need to check first layer and adjust,
and if you want to be 100% if first layer is OK, check the first layer wen is ready, then you can see if first layer sticks , is flat or not.
This prevents the big ball of filament sticking to nozzle.
3d printing will never be automatic, you will have to check.
First layer, if something is wrong here, do clean bed, print a few square over the whole bed, adjust first layer to high, and go slowly lower, then you will see the good setting.
To high or to low is not good for sticking to bed.
RE: New to this - First layer not sticking
I've only had my MK3S+ for a week and I must say the biggest challenge was getting past the first layer issues. I don't feel like the guidance provided as part of the installation guide (for kit printer) does the subject justice and there isn't enough visible samples to compare to. On the other hand, there is WAY TOO MUCH INFO regarding first layer issues for a Newb to make sense of. I had no luck with consistent first layers until I found the life adjust Z method. Using that, it all makes sense as you can clearly see what happens when you adjust the z value. life adjust Z - my way – Assembly and first prints troubleshooting – Prusa3D Forum (prusaprinters.org)
Other than that, my only problem has been consistent first layer issues printing PETG on the textured steel plate. I finally washed it with Dawn as has been suggested (I was guessing it wasn't necessary because it was new) but that did the trick. With PLA on the smooth plate, I have had no issues just using the recommended Isopropyl Alcohol (I'm using prep pads because I'm diabetic and already had them. They're not 90% but they seem to work fine.)