Issue with PLA print but works when using PETG settings
Greetings to All,
I am trying to print a spiral spring coil for a toy car from a file from Thingiverse (object file only - no gcode).
I am using PLA+ and used all the settings I have used in the past for PLA. The skit prints fine, as well as, the center drive section, but when the file starts to print the spiral design layers the filament doesn't want to stick to the plate & slowly starts to drag all the extruded filament all around the design causing a big ball of filament. I tried different setting in PrusaSlicer, but got the same results.
I have watched it print & it seems like the "z" height is too high to lay down the spiral design. Why I think this is because the skirt and the center drive part have had two layers before the spiral starts to print. To me that means the filament could be extruded at a height that may not be conducive to establishing a good contact to the table/plate.
So, I re-set the printer settings for PEGT, used the same infill, skirt, and other settings, and the print seems to be working.
Just curious if anyone has some ideas as to why the print does not seem to work properly using the PLA settings, which has done several projects for me already.
Thanks to all that reply, greatly appreciated.
Rusty
RE: Issue with PLA print but works when using PETG settings
I'm having a hard time visualizing what you're describing. Can you provide a link to the STL and notes on the specific part causing problems?
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He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Issue with PLA print but works when using PETG settings
RE: Issue with PLA print but works when using PETG settings
Make sure the underside is truly flat. Slice it and inspect it in preview mode. If it's elevated in parts, you may not be getting good bed contact. I fought this a few times before I realized the underside of some prints have bumps that I now know to watch out for.
I would expect that part to print on PEI without a brim, at least from what I can see.
Again, if you can provide a link to the part, we might have better suggestions.
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He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Issue with PLA print but works when using PETG settings
Thanks @bobstro, great tip/advice, you nailed it. I checked the slice and yes there was an issue with the first couple of layers. I flipped the object 180 degrees/upside down, re-sliced, re-checked the slice, and now the first few layers are all good.
Went back to the correct heat settings for the PLA+ and the print was perfect, much better looking than when I increased the heat to PETG settings.
Moving forward, I will check the slices before exporting and printing.
Thanks again, great help.
Rusty
RE: Issue with PLA print but works when using PETG settings
[...] Moving forward, I will check the slices before exporting and printing.
I forget to check myself, and get burned every time (or so it seems). A minute spent in preview can save a lot of grief!
Glad you got it going. Have fun with it.
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He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Issue with PLA print but works when using PETG settings
Side question: How is PLA for springs like this?
I would think PETG would hold up a bit better?
RE: Issue with PLA print but works when using PETG settings
@rmm200, good point, I am test printing with PLA+ and I will let you know how the spring performs. I am waiting for the new coated plate that Prusa is coming out with before I try PETG. The Canadian distributor is slow in getting this new product.