First Layer Calibration
This is probably a daft question, or just a sign of my age, but I have real trouble seeing the layer when you run the v2 calibration gcode. I try as much as I like but the line it prints is very small, I understand what its doing but cannot see it clear enough to decide one way or the other as to if it is ok. I have printed some prints and have not had any issues and they have stuck well but I guess that if not correct, wouldn't the problem magnify a microscopic amount each layer likely causing issues on printing taller builds?
If anyone has a good set of eyes or a way to print a magnifying glass would be good here or an idea of how to really tell, I have a digital caliper so could take it off and measure it if I knew roughly what it should be in height?
thanks in advance, from a man who got his printer Friday and had it running constantly since then
Nick
Re: First Layer Calibration
Nick, to be honest, V2Calibration was never useful for me to set first layer height precisely. It was good for first shot, to check if it sticks or not, but I tuned it much better by printing some large-base object (PRUSA logo at least).
Also, printing with filament of contrast colour helps a lot. Transparent or black filament is very hard to see on black heatbed. Use white or red or blue one, non transparent.
Re: First Layer Calibration
This is probably a daft question, or just a sign of my age, but I have real trouble seeing the layer when you run the v2 calibration gcode.
As David suggested, even without seeing the filament, you can get still value out of the process.
After the print is finished, check for the following:
1) When the print is complete, and the extruder returns to the left rear of the printer, does it drag any of the "box pattern" filament out of position? If so, you need to lower the Z value.
2) After the print has cooled, if you run your finger nail across the lines, do they stick to the bed, or do they easily come up? You want them to require some force to lift off the bed. If they lift too easily, you need to lower the Z value.
I'd recommend you purchase a good work light and a magnifying glass. I use both a handheld magnifying glass (for tasks like this) and also a lighted, desk mount magnifying glass.
With the light and magnifying glass you can see if you have lowered Z too far, and are squishing the filament too much.
John
Re: First Layer Calibration
I agree on the extra lighting. Adds a world of difference even with black filament.
If you have any type of magnifying glass to examine the results, it will be easier. Also check out the underside of a 1 layer print (stop the printer once it moves to the second layer). PEel this off and check for conformity and tight lines on the bottom. You can measure the thickness with your calipers (as long as it's a nice smooth layer with no jagged lifting or anything). It should match whatever "first layer" height you used in slic3r. Once i got mine to .15 mm everything stuck MUCH better. It turned out I was not bringing my Z low enough (for fear of damaging the bed).
I used a USB Microscope to check out the bottom of prints (first layer). I compared my bottom to the pieces that made up the prusa. Thats how I figured out I was way too high on my Z..
Re: First Layer Calibration
I have just finished a printer build with my son and our foreign exchange student and I too have the same question regarding the first layer calibration. It has been a good project for us and the very first print was the frog which turned out well. I had younger eyes judging the first layer but wasn't sure if we got it right based on the finished product. Do you guys think the 1st layer needs to be a bit lower based on the picture?
Re: First Layer Calibration
If everything else is ok then the first layer is definite to high. It must be a closed surface. YOu can see it when you print the first layer, parallel lines need to touch, infill should not have gaps.
Carsten
My Prints: https://www.prusaprinters.org/social/15695-carsten/prints
My Employer: https://make-magazin.de
Re: First Layer Calibration
I have just finished a printer build with my son and our foreign exchange student and I too have the same question regarding the first layer calibration. It has been a good project for us and the very first print was the frog which turned out well. I had younger eyes judging the first layer but wasn't sure if we got it right based on the finished product. Do you guys think the 1st layer needs to be a bit lower based on the picture?
Yes I would lover the Live Z adjust with maybe -0.02 to -0.05 or so
Re: First Layer Calibration
Thank you all! This discussion was very helpful to me.
Re: First Layer Calibration
I think you should read the "Life Adjust Z - My Way" thread. It shows a much better way to fine tune your Live Z.
If you are having trouble getting the Live Z even close enough to fine tune, try this link:
Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage or loss. If you solve your problem, please post the solution…
Re: First Layer Calibration
You could buy one of those USB endoscopes. Dealextreme has a bunch of them for really cheap. Obviously you get what you pay for, but it might just do the trick.