First layer curling

Interficiam

(@interficiam)

Active Member

First layer curling

I have an issue where my first layer curls up from the bed on PLA prints. This usually happens on the right side of the print.

I already tried several things to try to solve it, but they didn't help:
- I ran the full setup again to re-level the bed.
- I also tried a hotter bed temp and a lower bed temp and changing the hot-end temp
- I also tried printing with and without glue stick.
- I tried the old hotend and the new one where the fan is angled.

Any ideas how I can solve this?

Posted : 02/09/2018 6:47 pm

doa

(@doa)

Estimable Member

Re: First layer curling

if the curling appears always on the same area, it looks like your bed is not in level. it's visible at the rights side the lines are not squished to the bed.

but you can try printing the 1st layer slower and maybe print it thicker (200%?)

Posted : 02/09/2018 7:16 pm

bobstro

(@bobstro)

Illustrious Member

Re: First layer curling

I have an issue where my first layer curls up from the bed on PLA prints. This usually happens on the right side of the print.Assuming no hardware problems, there are several likely culprits:

Bad adhesion. Have you fully cleaned your bed? For a big clean, try using dish soap and water on it. Avoid touching it at all costs! Use 91%+ isopropyl alcohol regularly. Avoid touching it all costs! Clean it if you've touched it.

Poor 1st layer adjustment. Work through the "Life Adjust" procedure until your get a good 1st layer every time. If your 1st layer isn't good, there's not sense trying to print anything more ambitious.

You might have a partial clog resulting in poor extrusion. Raise Z to max, heat to print temp and extrude material. Does it come out in a straight flow or angle to one side? Is it even? Try some cold pulls if it's not flowing properly.

It's hard to see much in your pic,

My notes and disclaimers on 3D 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

Posted : 02/09/2018 7:54 pm

Interficiam

(@interficiam)

Active Member

Topic starter answered:

Re: First layer curling

You might have a partial clog resulting in poor extrusion. Raise Z to max, heat to print temp and extrude material. Does it come out in a straight flow or angle to one side? Is it even? Try some cold pulls if it's not flowing properly.

Thanks, that was it 😀

Posted : 03/09/2018 10:35 am

JMHaro

(@jmharo)

Trusted Member

Re: First layer curling

How do you do a 'cold' pull? I'm thinking I might have this problem also.

Posted : 04/09/2018 4:53 am

bobstro

(@bobstro)

Illustrious Member

Re: First layer curling

Rather than repeat the detailed process, I've compiled my notes here. Basically, you melt some material in the hotend, let it cool, re-heat and remove the filament when it's just softening. This will help trap and remove gunk in the pulled filament. You can find some variations by searching on the web.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D 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

Posted : 04/09/2018 8:56 am

JMHaro

(@jmharo)

Trusted Member

Re: First layer curling

Rather than repeat the detailed process, I've compiled my notes here. Basically, you melt some material in the hotend, let it cool, re-heat and remove the filament when it's just softening. This will help trap and remove gunk in the pulled filament. You can find some variations by searching on the web.

Thank you, I hadn't heard of that yet. I've marked your page for additional references and will give that a try to see if it helps me.

Posted : 04/09/2018 3:18 pm