Top solid layer keeps printing and causes dents, and a rough surface.
Hello I am new to the forum and would like some tips on how to solve this issue!
I have been printing on this printer for a couple months now and for the majority of the time when I print horizontally the extruder digs back into the top
layer. This is only on the top solid layer and I can not figure out what settings can fix it. I have had successful outcomes but the next print goes back to making the surface rough. Is anyone else having this kind of issue ?
RE:
What Printer ? you do not specify. No picture of your issue so its difficult to understand exactly what the issue is. No attached Prusa Slicer project file so we can see your settings and look through the print preview etc.
Give more information and you might get some reasonable help. Please read https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/english-forum-general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/we-want-to-help-you-you-have-to-tell-us/
RE: Top solid layer keeps printing and causes dents, and a rough surface.
I apologize I was unable to post a picture at the time. I have a Mk3s + printer with a .4mm nozzle .
I am not sure how to post a photo because I have never posted on a forum before. I do not know how to link my prusa slicer project.
RE: Top solid layer keeps printing and causes dents, and a rough surface.
To attach a project load one up in Prusa Slicer. Get Prusa Slicer to have the same model and same settings/profiles used where you have the problem. The use File>Save Project As. That will save a 3mf file. A 3mf file saved from PS will contain any models, the profiles, and modifiers etc. It is essentially a snapshot of your slice.
With it it allows anyone loading it to slice with the same settings you are using, so we can check the preview layer by layer, look for misplaced settings etc all much more easily than asking 20 questions.
Saving your work as projects is a good habit to get into in general anyway. They allow you to make changes easily later if needed. Especially if you have used a modifier or painted a model for supports etc.
To attach a 3mf (or other file) to the forum however they MUST be zipped. The forum only accepts a very limited number of file types. So things like 3mf or stl files etc all need to be zipped up first. Then you just use the Attach File button (bottom left of the text entry field when replying) to attach the file.
Pictures can be added using the Add Media button, this is top right of the text entry field when replying.
Also be aware that the forum has a very short time window for editing a previous post. So its always best to check your post actually attached something or contains what you want immediately afterwards. Leave it too long and its locked at that point.
RE: Top solid layer keeps printing and causes dents, and a rough surface.
I'm back! I have attached my zip file and some media to show the issue. I am a research assistant and this is one of the test subjects that I have to print, and it must be smooth or I can not test it properly. The main question that I have is is this a Gcode issue or is this a printer issue. Any printing advice would be appreciated, I have been using a MK3s+. DB_11-1grid40%soidevery10layer
RE: Top solid layer keeps printing and causes dents, and a rough surface.
Opened the file and here are some observations:
1. You specified ABS but the nozzle temperature is set at 215˚C. Typically ABS prints at 240˚C and above. If instead you meant to print in PLA, then your cooling fan speed is probably too low at 15%.
2. The model is painted with supports where none are needed.
3. There are some minor differences in the Start Gcode but that is probably due to outdated configuration presets in PrusaSlicer for your setup.
RE: Top solid layer keeps printing and causes dents, and a rough surface.
I have to agree with Reify, your filament cooling settings make zero sense. The fan is actually OFF for all extrusion except the 2 internal bridge infill layers where its on 25% (from your Solid Infill every 10 layers setting).
While the fan speed is set to 15% the fact that 'Keep Fan Always ON' in unticked means that its off completely most of the time due to the layer print time.
Could you clarify what material you are printing with and why the filament settings are so out of 'normal' expected ranges. If it is ABS then a small amount of cooling for the top layer would probably be in order and if it is PLA like the temps would suggest then cooling all the time and using a normal PLA filament profile would certainly be better.
RE: Top solid layer keeps printing and causes dents, and a rough surface.
Thank you all so much! I realize that I had the ABS selected when I was exclusively using PLA. I even saw that the extruder was too high and fixed it and didn't realize that I had the wrong settings. I am going to print this new specimen and post the results here. Thanks again ! 🙂