Stringing and tiny gaps on first layer: How can I improve?
I've been having problems with my first layer. Here's an example with PLA and fairly easy geometry:
I wanted to fix this. I've been investing in live-z adjustments and sheet cleaning. I found a model that is consistently difficult to print https://www.printables.com/model/4172-first-layer-calibration. It has cogs, and the little fine teeth don't always want to stay down.
When I take my time and try to do everything perfectly (including washing the sheet and drying it before the next print while wearing gloves, then applying iso alcohol when dry and cool), then I can get it to stick without failure, but it is still not perfect.
Here are my best possible results:
I think if I can figure out how to get this calibration to come out better, then it will improve my general case too.
This is with PLA on the smooth sheet using this model . In my calibration photos, it's decent, but there are some small gaps where it didn't fill between the teeth of the cogs. There's really fine stringing around all the cogs and some larger stringing across the sheet. On each piece, there's some extra material where the nozzle retracted after infilling and left a tiny glob. I think there's always supposed to be some, but I'm curious if it could be better.
What do you think? Other than sheet prep and live-z, what can I improve next?
It may be time to refresh the smooth PEI sheet with an acetone wipe:
Don't do this more than a couple of times a year and never do it to a satin or textured sheet.
Cheerio,
RE: Stringing and tiny gaps on first layer: How can I improve?
The issue presents itself on both my sheets (satin and smooth). I've hit it with acetone before, though not recently. It can't hurt to try, though there's some other issue at play if the problem exists across sheets. Any ideas on non-surface prep non-live-z things that might cause this?