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First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion  

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Gungrav3
(@gungrav3)
Eminent Member
First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Hello,

I've had my Prusa i3 MK3 now for 3 weeks working wonderfully, printing various objects. Recently, I came across a mario STL in thingiverse ( https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2365478 ) and I've been trying to print it, but the first support layer keeps coming up and it then get stuck to the tip of the hot end (See pictures uploaded). I have tried various setting on Slic3r (i.e. hotter bed, slower first layer, add glue to bed, clean the bed with acetone) and re-calibrated all of my settings including first layer, which comes out good, but those first support layers keep coming up. I have tried to place Mario flat on the bed and standing but those first layer support comeup. I have printed other items and they work fine. The interesting part is that my Skirt is always nice and clean, sticking to the bed but not that first layer. I dont know what to do.

Posted : 24/09/2018 6:25 am
RH_Dreambox
(@rh_dreambox)
Prominent Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Your bed does not look so clean. Acetone does not dissolve dirt that is water soluble.
Wash the bed with warm water and detergent. It provides a perfect and clean surface.

Also check your Z level, it seems to be a bit too high.

Bear MK3 with Bondtech extruder

Posted : 24/09/2018 10:16 am
surfgeorge
(@surfgeorge)
Estimable Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Thank for posting the pictures!
Your nozzle is definitely too high.

The standard calibration procedure is not that easy to use, IMHO, and there is a better method with excellent information and many photos described here:

https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting-f62/life-adjust-z-my-way-t2981.html#p108525

Good luck and report back!

Posted : 24/09/2018 4:35 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion


[...] The interesting part is that my Skirt is always nice and clean, sticking to the bed but not that first layer. I dont know what to do.
RHDreambox has given you good advice. You really need to get your 1st layer down before trying those more ambitious prints. It's the foundation everything builds on. That support pattern should print cleanly by itself before you start layering stuff on top of it. Give the bed a good wash with dish soap and water, then use the "Life adjust" method to perfect your 1st layer.

I know it's frustrating when you just want to print, but believe me, you're going to get a great sense of satisfaction when that 1st layer of support goes down cleanly. That fine support pattern looks awesome when it prints correctly. Spend some time getting it right and you'll be glad you did!

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 : 24/09/2018 4:39 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

I had some issues wth this. I spent hours with support. I finally got the first layer right by adjusting my live z and it works perfect now.

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 24/09/2018 7:03 pm
robert.c53
(@robert-c53)
Active Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

New to 3D printing myself. I didn’t have a perspective on the amazing tolerances these printers have, and I had thought that I had adjusted the z-axis very small and tight to the bed. My prints even looked pretty good...they just failed every other time to stick to the bed.

So then I brought that z-axis down even further, even past -1mm for my machine, and all of a sudden every print stuck to the bed perfectly and the prints look very smooth. Even small parts stick perfectly. I was nervous I would gouge the print bed with the print nozzle but the adjuster does such tiny adjustments I found that it was easy to control and keep safe.

I had to lower the z-axis all the way down to where the texture of the bed was showing through in the test print lines and making them sketchy and rough, and then I backed it up a smidge higher and it helped.

Posted : 24/09/2018 7:57 pm
Gungrav3
(@gungrav3)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Guys,

I cant appreciate it enough. I thought i had done a good job at lowering my z axis, but as you can see i didn't. I couldn't not have done it without your help. I will do the live z axis test and see if it works out. The worst part is that i spent 1.5 day trying to figure out what was wrong.

Posted : 24/09/2018 10:45 pm
Gungrav3
(@gungrav3)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Alright guys, I did the live Z test, and got the print to be .21 thickness, and it looked very nice. Now my problem seems to be the end pieces coming up. Should i slow down the 1st layer even more. i have it at 15mm/s. I cleaned the bed and then used glue stick on the bed.

Posted : 25/09/2018 3:59 am
Gungrav3
(@gungrav3)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

My slicer settings that are not default

Posted : 25/09/2018 3:59 am
surfgeorge
(@surfgeorge)
Estimable Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

It looks like your nozzle is still too high.
I'd really recommend printing the square used in this thread:
https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting-f62/life-adjust-z-my-way-t2981.html#p108614
before attempting your print. (Use version 6.1 files from the first post in the thread!)

It's much easier to judge layer height with a solid surface than with individual extrusion strands.
Get the square smooth and solid, then I am sure your raft will print just fine!

Posted : 25/09/2018 10:59 am
RH_Dreambox
(@rh_dreambox)
Prominent Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Yes, your Z level is still too high.
And why do you use glue stick? I suppose it's PLA you use and then just a clean bed is needed.

Bear MK3 with Bondtech extruder

Posted : 25/09/2018 12:27 pm
Gungrav3
(@gungrav3)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

I did do the square ( https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/assembly ... ml#p108614) and followed the instructions. The square came out perfect, very smooth and thin, nothing like how the pictures for mario show. I dont understand how the test square lines comes out smooth and thin, and this mario lines come out a little bit bigger and thicker.

Posted : 25/09/2018 5:12 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion


[...] I dont understand how the test square lines comes out smooth and thin, and this mario lines come out a little bit bigger and thicker.
I don't see your nozzle size or extrusion thickness settings, but one obvious explanation is that you are printing a 1st layer for your Mario that is almost entirely support. Specifically dense support for the 1st layer. You are trying a very ambitious 1st print. I'd suggest a simpler print with a flat underside until you get a feel for things. Dense support lines are going to be different than top or bottom layer surface lines. Start with something simpler, a 20mm cube perhaps. Get the hang of that, then move up gradually. Realize that Mario is going to have very rough surfaces on top of all that support, so you're probably getting your hopes up a bit too high starting out.

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 : 25/09/2018 6:23 pm
Phil
 Phil
(@phil-4)
Trusted Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Most people will change the orientation of a model to reduce supports. Have you tried printing it standing up? I haven't looked at the actual model, but if 95% of the first layer is support material, there is probably a better orientation that will give you good first layer adhesion.

Posted : 25/09/2018 6:27 pm
Gungrav3
(@gungrav3)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Guys, good news. I was able to print it after following all of your advice. I stood Mario, added a brim, and slowed down the first layer. It was a very good lesson for me. And of course cleaned the bed really good. I'm static, it came out beautiful.

Posted : 27/09/2018 4:19 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
Re: First Layer Problem - Bed Adhesion

Is -1.256 too high for a live Z?

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 27/09/2018 7:50 pm
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