First layer issues
Hi all-
Looking for help with some new first layer issues that I've started having. I have been printing for months with no issues, however I hadn't printed anything for the last few weeks and have consistently been having issues since trying to get printing again after that gap in time.
I'm printing PLA on the smooth steel sheet with the i3 (and the MMU if it matters, but I'm doing single material prints right now). It seems like what's happening is that when the printer starts a new extrusion line, on the first layer sometimes the starting tip of the line is pulling up just slightly, and then when the nozzle passes over the bit that pulls up, it's catching on the tip and then yanking more up. This either results in spaghetti monster, or it results in a messy first layer and really bad warping.
I've attached a photo to show the starting tip of the line that's been pulled up after the extruder has passed over it.
Here's what I've tried:
- Re-calibrating everything. Seriously. First-layer calibration (getting beautiful results); XYZ, etc etc.
- Cleaning the steel sheet thoroughly. Soap & water.
- Cleaning the nozzle thoroughly with a brass wire brush
- Changing filaments -- I've tried different colors of the same brand and different brands entirely
- Flipping the steel sheet
- Re-positioning the print to another part of the print bed
Any ideas? Does this mean I need to replace my steel sheet? It's not all that old and I haven't been printing all too much so I'd be surprised if it was ruined already.
Thanks for any tips you can provide!
Best Answer by JoanTabb:
If you think the Steel sheet may be at fault,
consider using HOT Water, Scotchbright pad and dish soap, give the build plate a really good going over, Left to right and back, forward and backward and back, diagonally all directions and then in circles..., then rinse well with HOT water and dry immediately, do not use anything else.... (well maybe the Jedi 'FORCE' if you can summon it up!) Lol
then without touching the build surface, return the build plate to your heatbed, and set it to pre heat,
Whilst it is Pre Heating,
Press and hold the LCD Knob until you get the Z axis movement control, and run the Z axis all of the way to the top, both Z motors should stall, if they don't, press the 'X@ reset button,
reset the preheat, and then try running Z upwards again...
this should ensure that the X axis id parallel to the heatbed.
then check your live Z setting (readjust again, if necessary)
I use a 75mm square, 0.2mm thick for my test piece
Are you using 7x7 Mesh Bed levelling, If not, now may be a good time to turn it on with the LCD Menu
when all is good, try your model again
If you think the Steel sheet may be at fault,
consider using HOT Water, Scotchbright pad and dish soap, give the build plate a really good going over, Left to right and back, forward and backward and back, diagonally all directions and then in circles..., then rinse well with HOT water and dry immediately, do not use anything else.... (well maybe the Jedi 'FORCE' if you can summon it up!) Lol
then without touching the build surface, return the build plate to your heatbed, and set it to pre heat,
Whilst it is Pre Heating,
Press and hold the LCD Knob until you get the Z axis movement control, and run the Z axis all of the way to the top, both Z motors should stall, if they don't, press the 'X@ reset button,
reset the preheat, and then try running Z upwards again...
this should ensure that the X axis id parallel to the heatbed.
then check your live Z setting (readjust again, if necessary)
I use a 75mm square, 0.2mm thick for my test piece
Are you using 7x7 Mesh Bed levelling, If not, now may be a good time to turn it on with the LCD Menu
when all is good, try your model again
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
Thank you!
@joantabb THANK YOU!!! I don't know which of those steps did the trick, but I ran through that whole process and I'm back in the game.
Probably I just wasn't doing a thorough enough job cleaning the sheet -- or maybe the 7x7 Mesh Bed Leveling did the trick -- in any case, owe you big time and thanks again!
Good News...
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