First layer approximately .012" wider than remainder of print
My PETG and PLA prints are coming our really nice, with the exception that they have an approximate .012" brim around the perimeter of all of the surface of the first layer, regardless of using the smooth build sheet or the textured one. Using PrusaSlicer for slicing and brim is not checked. When I look at the layers of the items to be printed in PrusaSlicer, they all look to be the same size. Any thoughts?
Best Answer by bobstro:
A few things to consider:
- Have you done Jeff Jordan's "Life Adjust" Live-Z calibration. If your Live-Z is too low, you will get a bit of squishing which can account for the "elephant's foot" effect.
- Have you calibrated your extrusion multiplier for your filament? If you are putting out a tad too much filament (physically moving more than the slicer software accounts for), solid layers such as layer 1 will bulge a bit. This may be more apparent on Layer 1 accounting for the "elephant's foot" effect.
- 1st layer temps can contribute to the effect if too high. This may be a double-edge sword if you're trying to use the textured print surface with PLA.
These are the preferred ways of eliminating this ridge. A less dignified way of dealing with this is to use the Print Settings->Advanced->Slicing->Elephant foot compensation setting to tell the slicer to intentionally under-extrude the 1st layer. This may work, but won't address other issues you may be having that proper calibration can address, and you'll definitely get the cold stare at the country club if you use it.
RE: First layer approximately .012" wider than remainder of print
A few things to consider:
- Have you done Jeff Jordan's "Life Adjust" Live-Z calibration. If your Live-Z is too low, you will get a bit of squishing which can account for the "elephant's foot" effect.
- Have you calibrated your extrusion multiplier for your filament? If you are putting out a tad too much filament (physically moving more than the slicer software accounts for), solid layers such as layer 1 will bulge a bit. This may be more apparent on Layer 1 accounting for the "elephant's foot" effect.
- 1st layer temps can contribute to the effect if too high. This may be a double-edge sword if you're trying to use the textured print surface with PLA.
These are the preferred ways of eliminating this ridge. A less dignified way of dealing with this is to use the Print Settings->Advanced->Slicing->Elephant foot compensation setting to tell the slicer to intentionally under-extrude the 1st layer. This may work, but won't address other issues you may be having that proper calibration can address, and you'll definitely get the cold stare at the country club if you use it.
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RE: First layer approximately .012" wider than remainder of print
The Live-Z adjustment from Jeff Jordan was very helpful and following the instructions was able to adjust the first layer thickness and eliminate the "elephant foot" issue I was having, Thanks so much for the helpful information.