First layer flow problem
Hi,
Since I've updated from MK3S to MK3S+ I'm experiencing some problems with the first layer.
After upgrading I've performed a full XYZ axis (re)calibration and first layer calibration on my smooth cover.
I'm performing calibration & test using the Prusa silver PLA provided with the printer when I bought it. I use PrusaSlicer V2.3.1+WIN64 with the "Prusa PLA" material, layer height of 0.15mm "Details" and all default values (or values suggested by the Slicer according to the part to print). The test part I'm trying to print has supports and is gyroid filled at 25%.
The first layer calibration pattern is ok as when it was MK3S : slightly crushed as needed.
Now when I want to print a new part, the first layer (at 0.2mm, the default value) does not have enough flow to compensate the 0.2mm height and does not stick to the surface as well as the calibration pattern. If I go back to the first layer calibration by "continuing" from the last calibration, everything is still OK.
So I've tried to change the extrusion factor from 1 (default) to 1.1 and the first layer is just right. But anything else is wrong : the supports sticks too much to the parts, the top surfaces are over filled, the side surfaces are not soft anymore...
Now the strange thing is that it seems previously generated GCODE files (previous to last settings or software updates) does not seem to have that problem... (!?)
I've given a try with Cura and it also seems to work better (but I'm not very familiar with Cura).
So I don't know from where this problem may came : the nozzle, the feeder, the filament, PrusaSlicer or something else ? The clues seems to point at PrusaSlicer but it seems I'm a bit alone having this problem, so I don't know what could be happening here... 😞
A little help would be appreciated here...
Thankyou
Additional information
I've also tried to "cheat" by calibrating the Z height "on flight" while printing. It works for only one print.
The strange thing is the parameter seems to be recorded and even used if I restart a first layer calibration by "continuing" : where the flow is then overcrushed. But if I start a new print, the problem is still there again (!)
And another "strange" thing is I don't have that problem with Verbatim PET-G on my textured plate cover (!)
couple of thoughts
Calibration and live Z are completely separate things. Calibration square lets you know you are somewhat close enough. Each sheet should be matched (by you) to a separate sheet profile in the control panel - so you can change sheets and preserve initial Z values on a per sheet basis. If you keep the same sheet profile, the last used Z value is preserved for the next print.
"the first layer does not have enough flow to stick ..." - yes, you need to lower your live Z when this happens. that's all you need to do - while your print is starting, click the button, scroll to "adjust live-z", and then start turning the wheel vigorously counter clock wise until the head gets close enough for your print to stick. You'll want to watch that whole first layer to make sure you didn't go too close (not only sticks, but the overall surface starts to get waves in it - Z is too close to the bed when you see waves.
Don't touch any slicer settings. Getting this right is all about that little knob.
Already tried
Calibration and live Z are completely separate things. Calibration square lets you know you are somewhat close enough. Each sheet should be matched (by you) to a separate sheet profile in the control panel - so you can change sheets and preserve initial Z values on a per sheet basis. If you keep the same sheet profile, the last used Z value is preserved for the next print.
Thankyou, but I already do that : I've two sheets and each one has its calibration, so I change the software active sheet when I change the physical sheet.
But my problem is only with the soft sheet... that's what makes things strange...
yes, you need to lower your live Z when this happens. that's all you need to do - while your print is starting, click the button, scroll to "adjust live-z", and then start turning the wheel vigorously counter clock wise until the head gets close enough for your print to stick. You'll want to watch that whole first layer to make sure you didn't go too close (not only sticks, but the overall surface starts to get waves in it - Z is too close to the bed when you see waves.
Thankyou but as said in my first post, when I do that it works but only for the current print and I need to do it each time I start a new print (without changing the active sheet).
At the begining I thought it was a S-Pinda problem, or even a Z-Axis limit one, but considering I recover the right calibration when printing the calibration pattern, it does not seem to be the problem neither...
Sounds like you might need to re-flash
There's been a few complaints of this that have cropped up lately. I'd suggest re-flashing to your favorite build.
Not flashed - yet -
OK, but I've not flashed it since before the MK3S+ update : same firmware as when it was only MK3S and there were not that kind of problems... 😓
I've read on other topics regarding Z-Axis problems it seems to be a SuperPinda problem (???) It was supposed to work better than the "normal" PINDA... 🙃
Previous GCODE works better
I've tried previous gcode files and they works much better than new generated ones with PrusaSlicer ones (since last slicer updates).
I'm using the latest stable firmware (may 2021) : 3.10.0. Before MK3S+ update I had the same firmware without any specific problem.
It really seems to be a first layer flow problem (?)
Other suggestions
Any other suggestion about what can be the cause of my problem ?