First layer issues: filament dragging around and lifting
Hello,
I have started having problems with the first layer adhesion on my MK3S+ : the filament gets lifted off every now and then, and dragged around by the nozzle, resulting in mangled areas and "pile-ups". I have tried several different PLAs, some of them straight out of a sealed package, I have redone the XYZ calibration, and done the first level calibration several times, but I can't seem to get a perfect result: every time there's points at which the filament gets lifted and/or dragged around. This seems to be a new issue: I have been printing without a problem for about a month now, and I haven't observed it happening much before.
I use IPA every time to clean the bed.
Would be grateful for any suggestions, as I am just at the start of my 3d printing adventure!
RE: First layer issues: filament dragging around and lifting
Here's a photo that didn't attach to the main post for some reason to illustrate the problem.
RE: First layer issues: filament dragging around and lifting
You can see the bed isn't clean from your pics. Those darker areas look like grease/oils. Usually from your fingers. Areas printed on top of patches tend to lift up.
IPA doesn't do a good job of removing them unless you use a lot of it. It dissolves oils into solution and results in a thin layer being deposited when the IPA evaporates. There are loads of threads on cleaning a sheet already but basically use plain unscented no additive dish soap and plenty of HOT water to rinse. That's it. Don't use IPA afterwards as its not needed. The do not touch the plater except at the edges. The less you touch it the longer you can go between cleanings.
Some PLA's can also leave a residue behind that builds up over time. For those a detergent scrubbing with a clean paper towel or the green side of a dishpad can remove the build up.
Of course you could also use a glue agent to stick things down as some suggest. Personally I've not needed to with common materials like PLA once you get your cleaning regimen correct.
RE: First layer issues: filament dragging around and lifting
You can see the bed isn't clean from your pics. Those darker areas look like grease/oils. Usually from your fingers. Areas printed on top of patches tend to lift up.
IPA doesn't do a good job of removing them unless you use a lot of it. It dissolves oils into solution and results in a thin layer being deposited when the IPA evaporates. There are loads of threads on cleaning a sheet already but basically use plain unscented no additive dish soap and plenty of HOT water to rinse. That's it. Don't use IPA afterwards as its not needed. The do not touch the plater except at the edges. The less you touch it the longer you can go between cleanings.
Some PLA's can also leave a residue behind that builds up over time. For those a detergent scrubbing with a clean paper towel or the green side of a dishpad can remove the build up.Of course you could also use a glue agent to stick things down as some suggest. Personally I've not needed to with common materials like PLA once you get your cleaning regimen correct.
Thank you so much for your suggestions, they make a lot of sense! I was following official prusa advice to clean the bed with IPA, but didn't realise it actually distributes the grease around in thin layer! I might start using gloves for handling the bed, and will get myself some plain soap. Hopefully that'll solve the issue.