Bed Leveling / First Layer Issue
Hello Everyone,
I've been trying to get my first layer dialed in on my new MK3 and it's driving me nuts. When I first built the printer and got everything setup I was able to get a perfect first layer every time after doing some minor (+- 10um) bed leveling adjustments.
Early last week I ordered a hardened steel nozzle so I could print some more abrasive filaments. I thought the install went flawlessly, but ever since the nozzle change I can't get a consistent first layer to save my life. The left side of the bed appears to be significantly lower than the rest of the bed. I've maxed out the bed level correction @ -50um to raise the left side but it still wasn't enough. Then I decided to put thin washers under the left side of the bed and I was shocked that it didn't seem to make any difference. I've rerun the z-calibration and started from scratch and done a complete calibration a couple times and I still get the same thing.
And even then, it's not consistent. I've post some example calibration squares. I printed the first one which showed some small gaps on the front left side, removed it from the bed, and instantly started the same exact print again, and it came out with nearly half the print having the gaps. I cannot figure out what is going on.
Does anyone have ideas on what could be causing this? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
- Jon
Re: Bed Leveling / First Layer Issue
Any chance your nozzle diameter is undersized? That would lead to constant underextrusion. I know it's a hassle but you can check that by installing the standard nozzle and see if the problem persists.
Also, the bed requires approximately 10 minutes to thoroughly heat up after the thermistor reads it has reached the programmed temperature. That may explain the reported difference between your initial print (probably started right after bed warming up) and the next print (where the bed is thoroughly and evenly heated.