X-Axis: noise, string vibration, and bad prints only at the very sides (left and right) of print bed.
Hi all, got my Prusa a couple weeks ago and have been happily melting plastic till now.
I am noticing a problem, and frankly I cannot be entirely sure if it might have always been there, as it only shows in very wide prints that stretch to just a few cm of the end of the print bed on the x-axis. Here's what happens:
- deep vibrating noise, I cannot pinpoint from where (does not sound like the motor skipping, and looking at pulley that does not seem to be the case, but I am a total noob and could be wrong)
- print gets very smudged (see pics) only in places fairly close to the sides of the x-axis (both left and right, but more prominent on the right)
- rest of the print looks fine
- fail stats report no crashes or other problems
- this does not seem to happen on all layers (first layer always seems fine for example)
Anyone has an idea what this is and how to fix?
I am watching an 11h print get smudged and it makes me sad, plus I am really worried I might ruin the printer.
Thanks!
RE: X-Axis: noise, string vibration, and bad prints only at the very sides (left and right) of print bed.
Looks like you are having adhesion issues, the print is lifting at the corners.
ps: If you have ever touched the print sheet surface with your fingers, you left oil that prevents PLA from sticky properly. Alcohol only spreads it around; washing the bed in hot water is best.
Hot Water wash: often, as needed, and after any of the following
(not recommended for daily use on Powder Coated sheets)
- Handle the bed only by the edges.
- Wash the bed in hot water, use a fresh paper towel as a wash cloth, with a few drops of plain dish soap (Dawn, unscented, no anti-bacterial, etc.).
- Rinse well in hot water - if you have very soft water, rinse a bit longer.
- Dry the bed with a fresh paper towel.
- Handle the bed only by the edges.
- Place bed on printer.
Alcohol wash: every few prints as needed
- Gloves recommended.
- Once in a while, an alcohol rinse is helpful to remove PLA residue. It does not remove finger oils well.
- Pour a 5 cm puddle of 91%+ alcohol in the middle of the bed, with clean hands use a fresh paper towel to scrub the bed. Wipe up all the alcohol.
Acetone wash: infrequent as needed
(Not recommended for USE on Powder Coated sheets, but some find it necessary)
- Pour a 2 cm puddle of acetone on the bed, scrub it around with a fresh paper towel. It will evaporate fast as you clean. This step removes PEI oxides that form over time and with heat, and improves PLA adhesion to a like new state.
Streak test: when contamination is suspected
- With a fresh piece of paper towel, and very clean fingers, dampen the towel with 91%+ alcohol, and wipe the bed side to side moving back to front, like you're painting it with alcohol. The alcohol should be thin enough on the towel it quickly evaporates from the bed. If you see any streaks, the bed is dirty and needs a wash.
RE: X-Axis: noise, string vibration, and bad prints only at the very sides (left and right) of print bed.
Wow, talk about being a noob. The print is indeed slightly off the bed in the corners, so little I did not actually notice. Well, that's relieving to hear, and easier to solve than I feared.
Thank you for the super detailed answer!
RE: X-Axis: noise, string vibration, and bad prints only at the very sides (left and right) of print bed.
Keeping the PEI sheet clean is - well, for me at least - a hard learned lesson. Once you know it happens, it's pretty easy to spot.
RE: X-Axis: noise, string vibration, and bad prints only at the very sides (left and right) of print bed.
Thank you, now that I know what to look for I can spot it on other prints too, even if it's less extreme. Will keep this in mind.