Problem with a the First layer calibration
Hi, recently I bought the prusa MK3S and I'd started printing without problems, but suddently the printer began making a strange things. The general problem is that the filament dosen't stick on the steelsheet and make a blob on the nozzle.
RE: Problem with a the First layer calibration
Hot Water wash: often, as needed
Handle the bed only by the edges.
Wash the bed in hot water, use a fresh paper towel as a wash cloth, with a few drops of plain dish soap (Dawn, unscented, no anti-bacterial, etc.). Rinse well in hot water - if you have very soft water, rinse a bit longer.
Dry the bed with a fresh paper towel.
Handle the bed only by the edges.
Place bed on printer.
Alcohol rinse: every few prints
Once in a while, an alcohol rinse is helpful to remove PLA residue. It does not remove finger oils.
Pour a 5 cm puddle of 91%+ alcohol in the middle of the bed, with clean hands use a fresh paper towel to scrub the bed. Wipe up all the alcohol.
Streak test: when contamination is suspected and after a wash
With a fresh piece of paper towel, and very clean fingers, dampen the towel with 91%+ alcohol, and wipe the bed side to side moving back to front, like you're painting it with alcohol. The alcohol should be thin enough on the towel it quickly evaporates. If you see any streaks, the bed is dirty and needs a wash.
Acetone wash: infrequent
Pour a 2 cm puddle of acetone on the bed, scrub it around with a fresh paper towel. It will evaporate fast as you clean. This step removes PEI oxides that form over time and with heat, and improves PLA adhesion to a like new state.
RE: Problem with a the First layer calibration
I rubbed the Steel Sheet with a Scotch-brite pad then cleaned it real well. This will remove some of the PEI so you want to be careful and not use too much pressure.
I clean with Alcohol or Windex between every print. After several prints, when the first layer starts to look "not as good" then I give it a good wash and rinse. Just like described above.
Peace, Love & Applesauce.