Sudden First Layer Problems
I know this could be a simple problem but I have done a bunch of reading and I just want to throw my case out there in case there is something that I am missing.
I have had my printer since August and it has been working like a dream.
Then a lot of things happened at once:
-cold weather came around and humidity dropped dramatically
-latest firmware came out and I installed it
-I went for about a week without printing
Now I am having consistent problems with my first layers. (note that I am printing g-code that came with printer in order to take software out of the picture. Also I have tried newly sliced g-code)
-I have frequent non-adhesion (the filament picks up and moves with the nozzle) at corners, usually at x=0, y=0.
-My first layers are inconsistent and in some parts they look like the nozzle is too close to the bed, and in other parts it looks like the nozzle is too far from the bed. This results in rough layers and layers picking up off the bed.
-Until now I had a working Z adjustment and hadn't had to touch it. I have tried adjusting it now and have not been able to find a good spot.
-After the first layer everything seems to be working smoothly, the printer prints over the rough parts and the final layer looks great.
Theories:
1) I got some filament on the outside of my nozzle so it is not shiny and perfect any more
2) filament was not stored in dry container. My problem with that is that all of my filaments are having this problem at the same time, even though I bought and opened them months apart.
3) something changed with the firmware? (I also have a problem where my printer doesn't make noise at the end of a print even when I set it to)
I'm going to move forward with buying new filament to see if it's a water thing. I have cleaned my PEI sheet with Isopropyl, I will try acetone shortly.
Does anyone else recognize these problems and have recommendations?
Thank you!
Re: Sudden First Layer Problems
Yes, an occasional spray with Acetone is usually needed.
Re: Sudden First Layer Problems
Hello:
wash your sheet with dish soap and water, don't touch it afterwords and try that.
I have seen posts with issues with the latest firmware, you could try downgrading to the earlier version first to rule that out before you go too far, I know I saw a post on how to do that but am not sure offhand.
you could extrude a few inches of filament off the bed just in the air and listen for crackle and popping and once it is cool run it through your fingers and see if it is smooth and slick (like un-extruded filament) or rough like it has imbedded stuff in it. if it is rough, that could be water in the filament as if it has water in it it expands and causes bubbles and rough spots as it is extruded and that may be it.
It might also be a partial clog. I would buy a brass brush and always brush off the nozzle before I start a print and after preheating to clean off gunk....
Strange women, laying in ponds, distributing swords, is hardly a basis for a system of governance!
Re: Sudden First Layer Problems
Follow the instructions in the first few pages here
https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting-f62/life-adjust-z-my-way-t2981.html
truly excellent help in getting a perfect first layer
Re: Sudden First Layer Problems
Move z axis to the top, left and right should reach top at same time.
If not, calibrate the z axis.
If live z adjusting is not ok, do z axis calibrate again.
And test z adjusting again.
Also the rods need oil, search how to do maintenance.
I do every 2 weeks thin oil on the rods, if you do not the rods wil slide ok and print will go wrong.
Also every month check whole printer if something is lose, all screw etc tighten it again.
Re: Sudden First Layer Problems
Thanks to everyone. Acetone did the trick. Also I had messed with my z-offset, putting it back along with the acetone was required, since z was never the problem in the first place.