Problems with Stringing and Failed Prints (using default models on included SD card)
Hi All,
I first built my printer a couple months ago and successfully printed a Prusa Badge and Benchy from the default models on the included SD card. I've been busy with work and haven't been able to get back to printing until now. I can't seem to print anything now. There is a lot of stringing and the filament seems to leak out of the tip more than it should (for example when the print head is moving from one area to another). This seems to cause a problem where the print nozzle will catch on the extra extruded filament and often lift the print off the bed and ruin it. Lucikly this happens early usually and I can stop it. However, even if it gets past the early stages it still eventually fails. I've included a few pictures of the issues. I'm trying to adjust my live-z and currently have it at -1.240 which at least seems to let the prints stick, but they still eventually fail. Also, I've been seeing these problems this weekend with both the included grey filament and some galaxy black I ordered and just opened.
Best Answer by --:
That isn't stringing.
The parts are not adhering to the bed and are falling off. Oils from finger prints prevent PLA from sticking to the bed. Take the sheet and using ONLY fresh paper towels, wash it with a few drops of dish detergent and rinse thoroughly until water is beading on the print surface. Then carefully dry with a fresh paper towel.
Do NOT touch the print surface with your hands or fingers. Handle it by the edges.
RE: Problems with Stringing and Failed Prints (using default models on included SD card)
That isn't stringing.
The parts are not adhering to the bed and are falling off. Oils from finger prints prevent PLA from sticking to the bed. Take the sheet and using ONLY fresh paper towels, wash it with a few drops of dish detergent and rinse thoroughly until water is beading on the print surface. Then carefully dry with a fresh paper towel.
Do NOT touch the print surface with your hands or fingers. Handle it by the edges.
RE: Problems with Stringing and Failed Prints (using default models on included SD card)
And - if your filament has been sitting out all this time, it's probably sucked up some moisture and that also causes some print issues. But based on the photos, you need to deal with the bed contamination first.
RE: Problems with Stringing and Failed Prints (using default models on included SD card)
Tim, thanks so much for the advice. I originally thought it might have been moisture on my grey PLA so I opened my sealed Galaxy Black and more or less found the same behavior.
I think what you say about bed contamination must be right. I'll do that. I'd also read I should put a bit of Acetone on it to clean it up but I don't have any of that so I'll try your approach tonight. Also, I didn't mention it earlier, but the failed benchys in the image failed when they broke loose from the bed, which makes what you say more compelling.
Thanks again. I'll give it a try and let you know how it comes out.
RE: Problems with Stringing and Failed Prints (using default models on included SD card)
soap and water are almost always enough without needing acetone
RE: Problems with Stringing and Failed Prints (using default models on included SD card)
You guys are totally right. Before washing, water didn't bead. After washing it did. I just printed this with 0 problems. I really thought wiping the board down with alcohol each time was enough but clearly not. Thanks a lot Tim and David for taking the time to help.
RE: Problems with Stringing and Failed Prints (using default models on included SD card)
Great to hear it's working for you.
ps: ... after many many prints with PLA and PETG I finally had to break out my acetone tonight to clean my own bed: three dunks in the sink didn't cut the residue I had built up ... lol. Once the acetone had broken the build up loose, I did a final wash and dry and now have PLA sticking again.
RE: Problems with Stringing and Failed Prints (using default models on included SD card)
Great to hear it's working for you.
ps: ... after many many prints with PLA and PETG I finally had to break out my acetone tonight to clean my own bed: three dunks in the sink didn't cut the residue I had built up ... lol. Once the acetone had broken the build up loose, I did a final wash and dry and now have PLA sticking again.
Good to hear that. If mine stops sticking eventually, even with washing, I'll know what to do.
Thanks again!