Problems with MK2 (printing quality)  

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

Hi Janis

Can you check the retraction settings in the slicer? Should be no more than 0.8mm.

Peter

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

Hi Peter,

i have this settings ( its default - i am not changed nothing)

How its need to be? ❓

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

Yes, that's the old default setting.

If you download the latest driver software, the settings are now 0.8mm; there are issues with too much retraction.

Peter

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

Thanks Peter for information, i downloaded the latest version and try to print my litle test print 🙂

My new retraction settings:

And i have this result:

That lines from side (on this model) it is no longer visible, but TOP layer is not solid (have visible lines) 🙁

I also attach my GCODE for this file, maybe you can print on your MK2 and check result?
File https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12421040/mk2_test.gcode

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

Hi Janis,

I just printed your gcode with no issue on the top layer. I will post picture of it later.

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

Janis

Looks as though you have a filament feed issue. Check the screw on the filament feed gear and make sure the gear is clean.

Carry out a nozzle clean (use ultimaker "Atomic Method").

Ensure that the filament is feeding smoothly from the spool.

Peter

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

Hi Christophe, thank you for information, now i know my gcode settings is correct.

Peter, my printer nozzle is clean and as can be seen with the eye, then everything (filament) flows very good and smooth. I print only with PLA and allways after printing i unload filament.

Today i try print batman logo with 3 solid layers TOP and Bottom.

First layer have gaps, second and 3rd also...

.. and last 3 top layers also have gaps. And this model is not especially high, but i think i can see also gaps (lines) on side of model.

Photos:

First layer

2nd

3rd

Honeycomb infill

First layer from TOP

Final

I checked the screw on the filament feed gear - it is tightly screwed. Gear is clean (its brand new from upgrade kit)
These gaps on top layer are.. i dont know how to say... repeats on a continuous?

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

Janis

Christophe has confirmed that the problem is not with the gcode; unfortunately I have not been able to as my printers have been working for the past 2 weeks or so on one model which needs to be finished soon.

Looking at your prints, it does appear that you have an extrusion issue, hence my suggestion to clean the nozzle using that specific method. Quite simply, if you use that method and anything black comes out, then you possibly have an issue with the PTFE tube. If not, then tat least you will have a clean filament path through to the nozzle.

Simply removing the filament when hot will not provide the same results.

If you do decide to clean the nozzle using this method, then post a photo of the filament after it has been withdrawn. Best to use a light-coloured filament for this process.

Peter

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

I agree with Peter. You have an extrusion issue. Check your hobbed nut alignment to the ptfe feed tube. And also do the Ultimaker atomic method of unblocking if needed. Also check no fowled cabelling.

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

One question: does your filament spool move easily? If it does not, it is possible that jammed filament spool is causing that extruder motor loses steps and feeding fails.

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

David

I think Janis has sort of confirmed that is the case from my earlier post asking that question.

I don't think there is very much else it can be now other than a PTFE tube issue, which has caused problems for several upgraders.

Peter

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

You're most likely right. I've only added another possible reason based on my own experience, when filament spool holder was too tight around filament spool, which got periodically stuck for a moment and extruder motor lost few steps until the spool moved again. Filament feeding was very uneven and the result looked pretty similar.

Re: Problems with MK2 (printing quality)

David

We are absolutely in agreement with this, but having raised the issue earlier:

Ensure that the filament is feeding smoothly from the spool.

And Janis not having made further mention of that subject, I presume that he has confirmed that the filament is feeding smoothly.

Peter