Gaps in layers with PLA and PETG (Even after Drying)
I hadn’t used my Mk3s+ for about a month or so, and when I started printing again, both my PETG and PLA prints were getting these gaps in layers. Thinking the filament had been sitting out too long (both spools were about a year old) I dried a spool of orange PLA and red PETG, and I thought it made a difference with the PLA (See side by side comparison of calibration cubes).
When I tried printing a larger model, though, the gaps came back, but a little more spaced apart.
Same with the red PETG, even after I dried it I still got the gaps seen in pics 1 and 2
I’m not really sure what’s best to do next since the problem seems a pretty sporadic. Besides drying the filament, I’ve also replace the nozzle thinking there was something intermittently blocking flow, but that also had no affect. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
(I also do store all my filament in a tub w/ desiccant, and live in a very dry climate, so I’m kinda ruling out moisture at this point)
Don't rule out moisture. Dry again. If a spool has been left for a long time moisture migrates deep into the spool and the usual couple of hours of drying are no longer enough. The best strategy with long exposed filament IMO is: Dry for a few hours, bag with dessicant, wait a few days and repeat, perhaps three or more times if it's a near full spool.
Cheerio,
RE: Gaps in layers with PLA and PETG (Even after Drying)
Ok, that’s good to know. I’ll give drying it a few more times a try.
RE: Gaps in layers with PLA and PETG (Even after Drying)
Strangely, I just printed off the same model as I did with the red PETG with a newly bought roll of PETG, and I'm still getting the same artifacts. I still haven't gotten a chance to dry the red PTG and orange PLA rolls a few more times, so maybe this new roll also needs drying?
Despite the manufacturer packing with dessicant it's quite common for filaments to need drying even when new - you have no idea how it was treated in transit or how and for how long it was stored in the warehouse.
If you're seeing improvements after drying - keep it up until there is no more change.
Cheerio,
RE: Gaps in layers with PLA and PETG (Even after Drying)
Sorry for the very delayed reply, but the issue actually had nothing to do with filament itself. The pin on the idler gear was loose, and therefore it wasn’t gripping the filament fully. I found the fix here: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/postid/676953/