PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue  

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

Hey,

Wash your build plate with the hottest water you can get and handle from you faucet and dish soap, something like unscented dawn soap. Handle the build plate only on the edges for better results.

Do a first layer calibration again. The pre-sliced gcode is for PLA, you can take the stl and slice it for PETG.

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

Yes, the temperatures could affect the first player.  

My top two things I always do with the first layer failures:  

1. Clean the bed:  IPA is often insufficient but you can start there.  I often scrub the bed with a Greener Clean scrub sponges and Dawn Dish Washing Liquid.  I buy them locally, the links are from the US Amazon store for you to see images.  I can provide international products that work if you are not from USA.   The bottom line is a sponge that will not excessively scratch the bed.  
2. Adjust your Live Z: PLA is very tolerant of a Z that is too low or too high.  Too low will cause it to flex up and stick to the hotend and nozzle.  Too high will not stick,  Prusament appears to be a little more sensitive to live Z than some brands I have owned.    

Be patient and record your results in a notebook to refer back to in the future.  

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

Hi Guys, 

Prusa is quite clear to not wash this sheet with water.. What do you guys think?

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

@alec

I have done it for 2 years plus and the sheets still work.  The key is dring it thoroughly and heating to evaporate the water ASAP after washing it.  

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

Posted by: @alec

[...] Prusa is quite clear to not wash this sheet with water.. What do you guys think?

There's no warranty on the textured sheets. If you're not having any luck with adhesion following the official guidelines, there's nothing to lose by trying additional measures. Just dry it by heating after a wash.

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

And what about changing the first layer calibration nozzle/heatbed temperature?

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

Posted by: @alec

And what about changing the first layer calibration nozzle/heatbed temperature?

If your sheet works using Prusa guidelines, you're good. Just do that. There is variability in the sheets. For some, a wash fixes problems. Others sand theirs.

I had a turd that wouldn't work reliably with any material or treatment. Do what you need to do.

I ultimately picked up a 3rd party textured sheet that does everything the Prusa was supposed to, so abandoned the Prusa sheet and sent it off for testing. Details here. 

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

@alec

First layer Calibration or z height (live Z) was in the two suggestions I gave you.  The temperature may also work, btu that is less common to cause this problem.  

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

@charles-h13

I will tinker a bit more with that. What I also noticed that whenever a blob forms around the nozzle (usually in the beginning due to the nozzle being to high=>blood around nozzles or being too low=> nozzle scoops up the filament), the whole first layer calibration fails regardless of further corrections. Any tips to avoid this? 

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

@alec

I did paint my nozzle in Slice Engineerings anti-stick compound.  I have found it helps. 

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

Hi again, 

In the meantime I was able to do some more testing without any succes. I did a bunch of calibrations and washed the sheet but without any effect. The helpdesk gave a tip too loosen the idler and warm-up the heatbed to 90°C but this didn't help. I always end-up with the same scenario: or the layers adhere but are way too close to the heatbed or it is just a bit higher and it clogs to the nozzle. I added another picture to illustrate.

I am quite stuck. Might there be a nozzle issue??

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

I don’t think this is a nozzle issue.  Can you adjust it up o.o50 and posts a picture of th print?

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

I posted my process in a newer post:

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/problems-wit-adhesion-of-petg/

To add to what you have here. Yes, you can use Hot Water occasionally, but first try Name Brand Windex.   It is "Safer" in that it is less likely to cause rust or remain trapped in contact with the steel.

I recommend Hairspray over scuffing the sheet, and IMO it's better than gluestick.

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

The other thing that I'd add is to try 7x7 levelling based on your photo, and that your live Z is too low.
Raise it up a bit, use hairspray, and aim for the line looking just a little squished not flat like your picture is.

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

Thanks for the tips, i will test it. 

I also noticed that the standard first layer calibration for PETG takes place on 230°C nozzle T while the advertised T for Prusament is between 240-260. Could this also be the reason?

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

@alec

Yes

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

Yea, depending on the colour I would say that 230 is a smidge low.  Ive not tried Prusament Orange.. But Red likes 245, as does Black.  Silver liked 240 for me.   Hotter=Stickier, and easier flow (but more stringing).   I err on the side of slightly hotter, as I prefer stringing to poor layer adhesion.

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

I've had great luck printing on the textured sheet with PETg.

If anything, it sticks a bit too well.

#include <shameless_plug_layerneer_bed_weld.h>

RE: PETG Prusament + Powder Coated Steel Sheet Adhesion issue

@jsw

Prusament - yes.  A few other brands stick too much.