Problem printing out the Adalinda Serpent demo file  

Re: Problem printing out the Adalinda Serpent demo file

Hi Paul

Well I have printed that model and many other using PLA and without issue.

I have never experienced a situation that you are describing; the only reason I can think of why the nozzle would hit the wing tip would be if the print lifted off the bed at some point.

Now I use blue tape when printing with PLA,; the only problems I have is getting the model off the bed without breaking the glass.

I presume you are using the glue stick and then ABS juice? What extruder temperature are you printing with? What layer height and bed temperature? Also have you tried printing with a raft? Rafts help adhesion, due to the larger area. Also the first layer is usually quite a wide extrusion (up to 1 mm) and pressed well down onto the print bed.

Peter

Re: Problem printing out the Adalinda Serpent demo file

Hi Peter

Many thanks for your advice.

I understand what you are saying, but I’m pretty sure the serpent was firmly stuck to print bed throughout the print (apart from attempt number two where the whole model broke away when the nozzle hit).

Also, it’s a bit of a coincidence that the same thing happens every time at 97% into the build. I was just wondering if a software problem could cause this.

As it’s PLA I’m just using glue stick. I’ve had a few issues on other models with the first layer sticking, but since adjusting the bed height properly things have been sticking really well. In fact, I broke the glass yesterday trying to get a model of the Greek Parthenon off it. 🙁

Anyway, I may have another go at printing Adalinda this weekend. I might see if I can put a video camera on it to see what’s happening.

Thanks again for your help. I checked out rafts, so some good advice for any future sticking problems.

Paul

Re: Problem printing out the Adalinda Serpent demo file

Hi Paul

I use OctoPrint, which allows control via a web browser, and has a facility to connect a webcam and record timelapse.

Good thing about this is that you can leave your computer switched off. All you need is a Raspberry Pi 2B, a memory card (8GB) and USB PSU, plus a network connection.

I find control of the printer is much better than from the front panel - I have 2 printers, both controlled via OctoPrint, so no matter where I am, I can check the state of the print and control the printers.

Now, on to your problem. Can't remember whether you mentioned this; can you check the Z axis and make sure that both sides are level? I use a vernier gauge and check the distance between the X rails and the Y rails at each side.

Then, can you home all and move Z up to 190, then move X to 200 and back to 0. All OK with this? Also at this point, check the cabling, to ensure nothing is too tight. Cable routing is very important due to the movements if each axis.

I am also wondering if a cable is getting caught somewhere on the way up?

I don't know of any other reason why/how the nozzle would hit the printed part other than the Z axis not moving upwards correctly, or the part lifting.

If the Z axis moves as expected and there is nothing hindering it, then it must be the part moving.

One other thought - do you have the latest firmware? You can check this on the LCD screen (I think it's under the "Support" option); should be 2.2.0.

Sorry, but other than the above, I can't think of any other reason; you may need to "live chat" with support to see if they have any ideas. Give them a link to this thread.

Peter

Re: Problem printing out the Adalinda Serpent demo file

Hi Peter

Many thanks again for the advice.

Cable catching is one of the first things I checked, but they all seem in order and move freely.

As for the firmware, well I guess I should have checked it sooner but I thought as my printer had only just shipped from Prusa Research in the last few weeks, it would be up to date. I was wrong though and it has 1.3.5. I’ll have a go with the newer version this weekend.

I’ll also double check the Z axis to see if its level.

I’ve started using blue tape and it seems really good so I’m sure something here will fix the problem.

I like the sound of OctoPrint. I’ll have to check it out further.

Thanks for your help once again.

Paul.

Re: Problem printing out the Adalinda Serpent demo file

Hi Paul

Thanks for your response. That version does not make any sense (to me, but then I don't know very much!). According to the drivers section, there are versions 1, 2, 2.1 and 2.2. Marlin is version 1.0.2 and the mini RAMBo is 1.3a (with 1.75 mm firmware). And yes, the printer should be shipped with the latest (at time of shipping) firmware. Menu button, scroll down to Support, menu button, first item: Firmware.

I like blue tape, although initially I did have to replace it with every print. Now I am at a stage where I can get 30+ prints from 1 piece. Make sure it's clean and flat and before first use, wipe over with isopropyl alcohol, this removes any fingerprints etc. I use a sharp 1" wood chisel to remove the parts. Pull backwards to repair any holes in the tape caused by the chisel digging in.

For the additional cost of a RasPi & webcam, Octoprint is brilliant. If you need any help with it, please ask. I found it best to do the config on a windows PC. Also, be aware that if you want to have a WiFi dongle and a webcam, you may need a powered USB hub as the Pi may not have sufficient power to drive both. I am using a wired network. Only certain types of webcam and WiFi dongle will work with the Pi, so check out before you buy.

I have a 720P MS Lifecam Cinema and 1080P Canyon webcams; I can't remember which WiFi dongle I had working.

Peter

Re: Problem printing out the Adalinda Serpent demo file

Failure and then success!

So, I installed the latest firmware 2.2.0, checked that the X axis was level and the print bed z axis was calibrated and levelled at the correct height, and I'm now using 3M blue tape.

I was now confident that Adalinda print attempt number 4 would be success.

I was wrong. I left it running over night and when I got up this morning, the same thing had happened and the right wing had snapped off. Again, you could see that the print nozzle had embedded itself in the wing tip. The model was still firmly attached to the print bed and took some effort to remove.

So I decide to try again and this time I would video the end of the print. But for this 5th attempt I used purple ABS and not the silver PLA that I'd used for the first four attempts.

I used the Prusa supplied demo G code file for the ABS version, which is obviously different to the PLA one that I'd used on print attempts 1 & 2. It was a shorter print time at around five and half hours. I had the camera on it, but needn't have bothered as this 5th attempt finish okay and I finally had perfect print of Adalinda the Singing Serpent.

So I'm going to leave it there and not attempt to waste any more time and filament as I'm fairly happy with my purple ABS dragon.

I'm really not sure why all my PLA versions failed in the same way. I can only put it down to something odd happening with the Slic3r produce g code file.

Regards to everyone.

Paul.

Re: Problem printing out the Adalinda Serpent demo file

Hi Paul

Thanks for the update; sorry I was unable to help. I really have no idea what is happening there, but I am sure that you will now start to enjoy your printing!.

Peter