Top Layer Issues
Hello All! I am new to this. I think I have everything dialed in pretty tight as far as calibration. The only big issue that I cannot figure out is the top layer. I am including a picture of the whistle that was included on the SD card. I printed it straight from the card using the silver PLA that was supplied. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Re: Top Layer Issues
Give more info if you want help!
Did you change setting in your slicer?
extrusion multiplier?
Looks like your print top layer is to high?
Try printing with the extrusion multiplier lower.
Or try extrusion multiplier higher because the top lines are open.
But yours are also to high?
Search for websites with fail prints, and pictures, then you see examples.
Also search for how to calibrate the prusa, but I think the prusa should almost be good, if you use the slicr3 for the prusa.
Re: Top Layer Issues
These may help
https://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/
https://rigid.ink/pages/ultimate-troubleshooting-guide
Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: Top Layer Issues
Leave the extrusion multiplier alone as this has global impact on your prints. Your Z height is too high - you get away with the bottom layer because of the additional extrusion on that layer particularly if you use slic3r, but your bottom layer should be better than that shown in your picture.
Re: Top Layer Issues
Thanks! It was straight from the SD card sent from Prusa. I was under the assumption that their designs would be sliced appropriately for the printer they were sending it with. I lowered the Z axis a bit and my print was better on top but seemed very thin on the bottom and "pulled up" in spots where it seemed like it got caught on the nozzle movement. I will keep adjusting the Z. Is there a print anyone recommends that makes it easier to adjust the Z? The first layer calibration is very quick and has a short window to make the adjustments when you can see.
Re: Top Layer Issues
I started doing the Z height this way
You can get pretty complex doing Z height if you want to doing things such as preheat and testing Z height at different places on the bed but the link above is a good start, it is a million times better than the mechanism built into the printer.
Re: Top Layer Issues
this is the JP whistle printed directly fro the provided gcode file in the prusa provided SD card
Re: Top Layer Issues
drat the forum is not letting me put the top view but it too is perfect not sure what is going on but the forum software keeps logging me out if I select some sections in this MK3 area
Re: Top Layer Issues
Thank you for the pictures and for the Z-Calibration link. I am definitely going to try the attached file and changing the settings as it prints. I think this is my biggest issue at this point. I printed the tree frog and it came out really nice. It is mainly the top layer if it is flat.
Re: Top Layer Issues
maybe double check your tension on the extruder idler. maybe
I have a Prusa,therefore I research.
Re: Top Layer Issues
I figured out my issue (thank you to all - toaf nailed it). The Z calibration was not the full issue (however, I did dial it in a lot better using the supplied link). My issue ended up being my idle door screws. I figured this out by ramping up the speed after I figured out my Z calibration. I found that 500% was the make or break. Once the speed was quicker, the filament was breaking up, thin and unsteady. I determined that the extruder was not getting enough grip on the filament and ended up under supplying the quick passes. I tightened it up one turn and tested until I was able to cleanly run 500%. I pushed up to %600 and it was still strong. My next print was much improved. Now I have to figure out what the cause of the slight layer shift. 🙄
Re: Top Layer Issues
How did you ramp up the speed - via the front panel knob?
Texy
Re: Top Layer Issues
How did you ramp up the speed - via the front panel knob?
Texy
Yes, you can use the front knob or choose "tune print" (I am away from my printer but I am pretty sure that is what it is called).
Side note - My layer alignment issues were solved by loosening the tension on my Y Belt. The prints are now fantastic.
Re: Top Layer Issues
OK. do you know what your before and after Belt Status figures were?
Texy
Re: Top Layer Issues
OK. do you know what your before and after Belt Status figures were?
Texy
I do not. I did it based on tension and trial and error. Sorry.
Re: Top Layer Issues
FYI, you can establish what the belt status figures are now via the Support menu of the front panel, Prusa recommend a value of 240 +/-40 - the higher the number, the looser the belt.
Texy
Re: Top Layer Issues
FYI, you can establish what the belt status figures are now via the Support menu of the front panel, Prusa recommend a value of 240 +/-40 - the higher the number, the looser the belt.
Texy
Thanks for sharing! I will have to check that out.