Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
After running 20hr/day for a couple weeks making PPE i finally decided to service and upgrade my mk3, big mistake on my end.
After working through numerous problems, it is now printing, except for the life of me I can't get a decent print. This is where I am now, the rectangle is 'bubbely' and corners are not always the best, sometimes sticking to the head and being pulled along.
Any suggestions would be appreciated, I'm in a rural area outside of Seattle. The demand here for PPE is huge and I've been filling a good chunk of it. I shouldn't have taken the risk to upgrade, but my belts needed fixing as is so I went ahead and upgraded it.
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
do you use 7x7 mesh bed levelling?
try this process in preference to the Prusa first layer calibration process.
There is a Zip file at the bottom of the first post that contains three test patch gcodes, one each for PLA, PEGT, and ABS. regards 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: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
@joantabb
I did the mesh leveling, im not sure what you mean by 7x7.
I after hours of tinkering im further but not there yet. It isn't crashing now but prints are not working out.
For one I see a lot of oozing when I never really had much before.
Here are pics, one of a failed print and one of a first layer calibration where there is some "curling" on the rectangle
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
Hi Jonathan,
when your printer starts, does it test 9 points on the build plate(3X3 Mesh Bed Levelling) ? or does it test 49 points on the build plate (7X7 Mesh bed levelling, ) If you are not using 7x7 mesh bed levelling I would strongly reccommend that you turn it on, because it makes first layer calibration easier... (it's available in the LCD menu)
the Prusa First layer calibration print is difficult to use, I prefer to use Jeff Jordan's "Life Adjust 'Z' My Way"
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/life-adjust-z-my-way/
there are three test patch files in a zip file at the bottom of the first post on the thread above. one each for PLA, PETG and ABS.
I suggest that you use the one which matches your filament.
Looking at your pictures, it looks like both of them are suffering a little dribble at the beginning of the print,
Try and catch this so that it doesn't get in the way of your print...
youe first layer calibration print looks a tiny bit too low (ripples in the end patch), and the filament peeling off the bed on the side of the end patch, suggests that the build plate needs washing.
I wash mine with Hot Water and a little dish soap, and scrub well with a clean kitchen sponge, to remove grease and other debris then I rinse well and dry with plain paper towels, before printing. I do not use IPA or any other surface preparation,
regards 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: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
@joantabb
I will follow your advice and post back.
Yes the dribble has become a huge issue, I have not had much that in the previous 2 years of printing, not until I upgraded it to mk3s this weekend. I have not once had to 'catch' any dribble, I've printed maybe 400 items in the last month with zero dribble, but now any time its hot it dribbles.
I generally clean with alcohol and a shop towel, however I've been stingy with it as alcohol is in extremely short supply here.
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
@joantabb
FYI Thank you for the help, I'm encountering anothher issue that I thought I had solved.
It is running all the way right past the end of the bed and crashing, then giving a "some problem encountered, z-leveling enforced". This was happening over and over on Sunday, but had stopped after endless 'tinkering', now it seems to be back happening twice today.
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
I went through many checks with Prusa support, nothing wrongg was found, did a full factory reset, got the first layer issue figured out, and again hitting "some problem encountered, z-leveling enforced"
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
Sounds like you've done a full factory reset. Check for smooth movement and any binding. Check for taut belts. Make sure no Gremlins under the steel sheet causing havoc.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
@bobstro
Checked belts with support, including doing a video for them. Belts are fine. Under the sheet is clean
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
Your forts layer is to low, see how to:
Clean all rods, with alcohol, then put thin oil on the rods, oil with PTFE in the oil. Z-axis has 4 rods. Also the and x axis.
Also check the plastic cap(black) on the bottom of the z-axis, if this is loose, it shoot be loose.
Move z-axis to the top, both sides shoot hit the top at the same time.
Shutdown printer, check all axis if they move easy by hand.
If everything is OK, you could try a reset(search forum how to), then all xyz calibration info is gone, like anew printer, then do xyz calibration, z calibration, then first layer calibration.
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
Did rebuild the extruder in a good way, do a cold pull on how the filament tip looks like, and that you do not have a gab somewhere.
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
Did rebuild the extruder in a good way, do a cold pull on how the filament tip looks like, and that you do not have a gab somewhere.
I've got the first layer down, the concern now is that it seems to forget where home is, resulting in a crash on the right side of the x axis. It then complains of "some problem encountered"
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
Pulled it down, rotated bearings, and so far so good, however the issue was not all the time, so we shall see. Still dealing with excessive dribble.
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
@jonathan-s47
I am still new to this, as in just completed assembling my first printer two days ago and am still calibrating, but I too notice dribbling from my nozzle whenever it preheats. At first I thought it was beacause I tightened the gears too much but seeing your posts makes me wonder if it is some other setting that can be calibrated? I am printing PLA but your problems seem very similar to mine.
Also I found that I was having worse first layer adhesion right after cleaning with isopropyl than If I waited or used the other side of my powder coated sheet.
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
@jonathan-s47
I am still new to this, as in just completed assembling my first printer two days ago and am still calibrating, but I too notice dribbling from my nozzle whenever it preheats. At first I thought it was beacause I tightened the gears too much but seeing your posts makes me wonder if it is some other setting that can be calibrated? I am printing PLA but your problems seem very similar to mine.
Also I found that I was having worse first layer adhesion right after cleaning with isopropyl than If I waited or used the other side of my powder coated sheet.
I ran a year on my mk3 with no serious dribble, im certain its something I can fix, but right now I'm waiting on new rods.
My advice, get some white lithium grease, dont listen to anyone suggesting anything else. Buy an extra set of GOOD berrings as well.
RE: Upgraded from MK3 to MK3s, from perfect prints to can't get a decent first layer
@jonathan-s47
I had noticed the bearings are a little cheaper and took special care with handling and installing them, they were actually the first things I was considering upgrading.
Do you have any suggestions for fixing the dribble? I am going to continue following the thread but right now I think that is what is causing some of my prints to fail midway through. Calibration wise there isn't much else I can do that regualte the temperature better. I am getting more consistent and better quality as I go but man it sucks to have a 5 hour print ruined 4 hours in...