Odd first layer with PETG and glue
I printed PETG for the first time today. The first thing I did was print a live adjust z square. I printed the first one straight on the PEI sheet. Mistake. It was difficult to remove and left a residue that I was not able to completely get rid of on the PEI sheet. However, the layer height seemed fine.
So next I attempted to print the same thing with glue on the bed and this was the outcome :
I know that it's best to print PETG with a z-offset to prevent the filament from sticking to the nozzle and messing up the print, but how am I supposed to do that if I can't get a good first layer with normal settings?
The following was printed with a z-offset of 0.1. Other than the overhangs that were disgusting and the bad quality first layer, it printed great but it didn't adhere to the bed despite the glue.
Re: Odd first layer with PETG and glue
Is glue recommended for PETG? I thought it was window cleaner. That's what I use anyhow.
Re: Odd first layer with PETG and glue
I use window cleaner also, works perfectly.
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Gert
Re: Odd first layer with PETG and glue
Is glue recommended for PETG? I thought it was window cleaner. That's what I use anyhow.
Apparently it is, along with windex and tape. The window cleaner I have shows no ingredient list so I have no way of knowing whether it will work or not and I don't want to risk ruining my bed.
Re: Odd first layer with PETG and glue
Well I have no idea what's in the window cleaner I use either, it's brand name is Windex, I gather it's fairly common. I've had no problems with using it.
If glue isn't working, which clearly it isn't, then give window cleaner a go. Try a small test print first.
Re: Odd first layer with PETG and glue
After reading multiple things on the Internet about printing with PETG, I had come to understand that the z offset that people talk about to prevent the PETG from catching on the nozzle was supposed to apply to the whole print rather than just the first layer, which is wrong. So I was wondering how I was supposed to print closer to the bed to fix my first layer, then higher above the print after that. Now I understand that this is not the case and that all I need to do is fix my first layer.
I will still switch to using window cleaner though, as it's a lot less messy and a lot of people seem to swear by it.
Re: Odd first layer with PETG and glue
Well, here's an example of what is meant to work versus what may actually work for you.
I have never adjusted my z offset to print PETG, but I have only ever used Windex. Granted my first layer is not perfect but it's good enough for my purposes, and the print (nearly) always works. Where it probably becomes critical is for complex first layer prints, but I mostly print boxes, enclosures etc so perhaps I might pay more attention if the first layer was intricate.
That's what you get for being involved in a hobby that is both a science and an art. 😉