At my wits end
MK3S+
I've had the printer for a little over a year. I used in frequently and consistently for about 8 months, mostly printing parts I designed. Then, I didn't use it for about 4 months. I finally turned it back on again a few days ago, and nothing has gone right.
I'm trying to print one particular piece that I printed a lot before the hiatus, and now it will not print consistently at all. I've tried multiple brands and colors of PLA with very sporadic success. I did a full calibration wizard without improvement. I've adjusted the bed and nozzle temperatures. I even tried PETG, and got the same failures.
As part of the calibration wizard, I did the first layer calibration, and had that looking like the manual. I was able to print a few pieces, but with imperfections I had not had before. But now, the first layer has stopped sticking again, and the first layer calibration cannot be duplicated. The first pass of the zig zag pattern sticks, then the rest just globs on the nozzle.
I don't understand what's changed. The printer is in the same room, in the same place as before. I've tried old and new filament. I just did not have this much trouble before the machine was dormant for that period of time.
I'd greatly appreciate any help.
STL files is here: Airway Owl STL
RE: At my wits end
Four months idle is a long time. Depending on storage conditions, the steel plate may need to be thoroughly cleaned. Or did you already do that?
The three common reasons for prints suddenly failing after a printer has been unused for a while:
A dirty print bed. Give it a really thorough clean and avoid touching the print area.
Damp filament. Look up threads here about drying filament especially if it has been left open.
General neglect, dust and cobwebs... Basic cleaning, lubrication and general maintenance have all been missed. See: https://help.prusa3d.com/en/article/i3-printers-regular-maintenance_2072
Cheerio,
RE: At my wits end
Definitely what Diem said, to expand on that use a fragrance free dish washing detergent and lots of hot water.
On another note, why do you have to print these? We get tons of them with the closed suction systems we use. If it's for use in a non ICU setting check with your ICU if they use something that has them bundled and recycle. I'm all for printing cool stuff but at the end of the day it is not the most sustainable practice 🙂
RE: At my wits end
The ones that come in the suction sets don't have a flashlight and oxygen wrench included...
RE: At my wits end
🤣 that explains the strange shape, absolutely cool gadget, probably totally over engineered but that's why I like it!