Amazon Basic PLA?
Tried using this but have had little success so far. I've recalibrated the first layer, cleaned the PEI sheet with acetone, and increased the bed temp from 60c to 70c but the first layer just seems to have poor adhesion.
Is this just an inferior filament or am I doing something wrong. I had no problems with the Galaxy Silver PLA that came with my printer but those were mostly small projects.
Help!
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
Sorry to hear you hit your PEI sheet with acetone. It will shorten the life and is not a solution of early resort.
Sounds like you need to change your Z value for your amazon filament. The profile in the slicer will take you some of the way, but live Z is your best friend. I find that I might have to use a different z value for different filaments - it's not unusual if you ask me.
Do start a print and watch the skirt and first layer go down. If you see it's curling or not bonding between the lines, lower your z value in real time by clicking your control button, counter clockwise one click to the "adjust live Z" selection - click that. your current Z is displayed. Counter clockwise (negative) moves the head closer to the sheet. Adjust it until the first layer improves.
Once you figure a good Z for your amazon filament, write it down - you'll want to probably be prepared to adjust again if you go back to prusament, but it all depends on that first layer
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
Did you apply the acetone to the smooth or the textured sheet?
The official Party Line from Prusa, as in those who make and support the printers and should know best, is that acetone is fine for occasional cleaning of the smooth sheet, but should never be used on the textured sheet. Some users here have reported that they have cleaned the textured sheet with acetone and the world did not end.
Having said that, some time ago I ordered a sample pack of umpteen colors of Amazon Basics PLA filament. All of those which I have used have printed just fine, same as any other PLA from most name brands and oddball brands. I used the generic PLA profile in PS and no tweaks to the operation.
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
Thank you all for your responses. I only used the acetone because I saw it recommended by PRUSA as mentioned by JSW.
I will try the Z Calibration. I take it this process is similar to the first layer calibration?
And thanks for the assurance that the Amazon Basic should produce acceptable results.
I haven't tried the glue stick. Is that a last resort?
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
It's not a fatal mistake time #1 - I read that in the book too, and have probably over-used it before I learned that it makes the PEI have some kind of structural issues, and the textured sheet will just melt, but at least the textured sheet comes with a sticker that warns you of that.
I use glue stick to solve warping problems or those pesky plating issues where the first layer has a bridge in it for who knows why and you want the print to succeed (that's my reason and I'm sticking to it).
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
I haven't tried the glue stick. Is that a last resort?
That can be a touchy subject. 😉
An adhesion booster is not an alternative to keeping the build sheet clean, but if you are sure that your sheet is Really Most Sincerely Clean and your Z is dialed in and you still have issues, yes, that can help.
I prefer a different product, which really helps with such things as very small support footings. It's the Layerneer Bed Weld. It's kind of a dual-purpose product, as it's great for helping adhesion (I will often dab a bit where the corners of a large flat piece will land to prevent warping) as well as a release agent for filaments such as ABS, PETg and PC Blend. I use it when needed on both the smooth and textured sheets with the Prusa and on the glass plate for the Ultimaker, but that's venturing off topic. This goes on in a much thinner coat than you can get with a glue stick. There's another product which some of the folks here like called Magigoo, and some use generic hairspray as an adhesion booster and release agent.
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
If my first layer looks good wouldn't that mean my Z is where it needs to be?
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
OK, so I went back and researched First Layer Calibration. My mistake was misunderstanding the property of the negative numbers.
So 0 is an position in space relative to the sheet. Increasing the value of the negative number moves the nozzle towards the sheet, decreasing the gap. I actually thought it was the other way around. I recalibrated the first layer with my new understanding and I am five hours into printing the project I had so much trouble with.
Thank you all very much.
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
Z calibration is to make the left and right side, the same height, this is needed after moving the printer, or if you think something is wrong, or if nozzle has a crash against model.
Clean bed with dish soap(hot water and a lot of water), this works the best. In between(a few prints) you can use 98% alcohol, and use a lot of alcohol.
If you get confused for first layer calibration, start higher and lower it, to low is not good(model will release).
First layer and a clean bed is important, it prevents a big ball of filament sticking to the nozzle, and other problems.
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
[...] So 0 is an position in space relative to the sheet. Increasing the value of the negative number moves the nozzle towards the sheet, decreasing the gap. I actually thought it was the other way around. I recalibrated the first layer with my new understanding and I am five hours into printing the project I had so much trouble with.
Yes, a more negative number lowers the nozzle towards the bed. It was actually the reverse with the Mk2 printer from what I've read, so you're hardly the only one to get confused by the terminology.
This is why I always emphasize getting Live-Z and bed cleaning down 1st. If you don't understand the fundamentals, you can wind up slathering all sorts of goop on your bed and only being frustrated over the long term as it gets further out of adjustment. Get the basic adjustments right, then apply extra when and only if you need to. Makes life much simpler!
Happy printing.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
What are the basic steps and details to consider when checking your Amazon receipt? What information elements on the receipt are important for tracking and accounting for accounting or returning goods?
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
What are the basic steps and details to consider when checking your Amazon receipt? What information elements on the receipt are important for tracking and accounting for accounting or returning goods?
Maybe contact Amazon direct
Please help me out by downloading a model it's free and easy but really helps me out https://www.printables.com/@Hello_474427/models
RE: Amazon Basic PLA?
At least in the states, just request a return (valid for about any reason) via the Amazon web site.
They will send you a return authorization with a QR code. In most US cities you can drop off your item in person at one of their affiliates.
If you purchased Amazon Basics Filament and it did not live up to your expectation, they will most likely take it back and offer a refund with no questions asked.
What are the basic steps and details to consider when checking your Amazon receipt? What information elements on the receipt are important for tracking and accounting for accounting or returning goods?