Wavy first layer
Having trouble with first layer calibration on a brand new kit build. Managed to get an ok batman print out of the unit but then all prints after that started failing. I've tried recalibrating several times but can't diagnose what the actual problem is.
When printing test squares it looks like the nozzle is dragging through the filament even though the Z height is high (as in the filament is stringy when removed from the bed because I'm printing really high) so decided to do another first layer calibration and that's where it all started to go wrong with wavy lines appearing inconsistently throughout the first layer.
You can see that the horizontal and vertical lines seem to not have waves in it except for the last part of the small square at the end of the print do. What's actually happening is that all the filament on the small square is wavy as it goes down but then looks ok when the next pass touches it. You can also see that the long lines seem to go from too high to too low but I've done a bed level and am not playing with the z height during this first layer calibration.
Things I've checked so far
- Adjusting z height (see images above as the results seem inconsistent)
- Checked extruder assembly (seems ok but I'm new to this so might have not noticed the problem)
- Cleaned the nozzle as best I could (seems ok I "think")
- Different filament (both roles are brand new from different suppliers including Prusament)
Any help as to what could cause this kind of issue or what to try next would be greatly appreciated.
RE: Wavy first layer
the textured build plate gives misleading optical illusions on the edges...
try this link. the test files are at the bottom of the first post!
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: Wavy first layer
In addition to Joan's suggestion, also make sure you are using the 7x7 mesh level setting. The default 3x3 sometimes doesn't do a great job matching the curves the bed can have. Also, be sure there isn't any plastic bits between the steel sheet and heat bed, any small lumps there will mess with your attempts to calibrate.
RE: Wavy first layer
Thanks for the suggestions. I actually had been printing test squares but I've included a video of one printing below. I also followed @Tim-m30 's suggestion about using the 7x7 mesh level setting but this doesn't seem to have made much of a difference.
I tried switching to petg but was having even worse results so thought I'd switch back to PLA in order to try and make sure the printer was calibrated correctly first. Below is a video of the printer in action. I don't know if the clicking sound is a concern or normal operation.
I had to spot the print midway through because it was peeling up. The final surface feels really rough like sandpaper. I've done a couple of recalibration and levelling attempts as well but just can't seem to improve the first layer. I am cleaning the bed between tests as well with isopropyl.
Video link https://www.dropbox.com/s/8f0v2tstj5mtucs/black_pla.mp4?dl=0
RE: Wavy first layer
I'm not sure if this provides more information - at this point I'm just trying random things.
I've managed to remove the peeling by increasing the z height but naturally this then stops the lines connecting to each other resulting in stringy layers. I've increased the flow from 100 to 105 which has reduced the problem although not completely removed it (see image below). I'm not sure if this points to an extruder problem or if I'm just overcompensating for the actual problem by changing the flow amount.
If I reduce the z height so that the individual passes connect, then I get the scraping effect and the filament comes away from the bed.
RE: Wavy first layer
The peeling is oils on the print sheet. You have to get the sheet clean before you can print on it. It really is that simple.
Soap and water is the best way to clean the sheet. Use paper towels as the scrubber, a drop of detergent is all that you need, and scrub under running water, not in a bath of water. Once you have thoroughly scrubbed both sides of the sheet (a couple minutes per side); rinse under flowing HOT water for several minutes more. Water should bead and sheet off the sheet and not really need much drying. But use a new paper towel to dry off any remaining water. Place the sheet on the printer and heat the bed to 80c for about fifteen minutes to dry out any pockets of moisture within the texture.
Dawn dish detergent is recognized as best (Fairy in Europe) - use a type without hand lotions/conditioners/antibacterials/etc. - as plain as you can get is best.
And saying you cleaned it with alcohol is like says you washed your car with a moist towelette. You can use enough alcohol to get all of the oil off the sheet. Well, you could use a few gallons ... but I know you won't. The sink runs a few gallons a minute: it is the VOLUME of water that does the cleaning.
RE: Wavy first layer
Also - increasing flow to solve a high Live-Z will cause problems with infill later in the print. if your filament is small diameter, it is always best to adjust filament diameter settings in slicer, leave flow unchanged, and adjust Live-Z correctly.
RE: Wavy first layer
Thanks @tim-m30 🙏, I followed your cleaning instructions, changed the z-level from 900 to 950 and did a test square print and instantly got much better results. You're a legend.
I'm doing a bunch more actual test prints and they all seem to be going much better. Can I ask 2 questions?
1. Cleaning with alcohol - what is the purpose if this compared to the full cleaning process you got me to do which improved bed adhesion?
2. While I got a decent first layer, should I be concerned with these minor imperfections in the first layer or is that just part of the process of a machine putting down layers of hot plastic? (see example of successful layer below).
Thanks for your help
