My raft layer will lay down nice and smooth, but the actual ‘first layer’ still goes on boogery. Leveling isn’t the issue as over the last week+ I have re leveled many many times and get same result: first layer funky, even with a nice raft underneath . In pursuit of solving this I have tightened belts, tightened everything, taken off and cleaned hobbed bolt, cleaned tip, installed a filament guide, etc.
If you refer to my precious few posts you can see examples. I feel as if I’ve tried everything here. I still have not found a good explanation of the technical/physical differences of a raft and a first layer- I feel like that info might help me get a lil more perspective on my issue. This community has been AWESOME with suggestions and ideas, yet I still can’t get that perfect first layer like I was able to before this started happening.
(My layers look great though, and my circles are more true than ever)
Any ideas? Anybody?: )
What is the layer height and speed? Maybe it is too short or too slow.
@NathanielStenzel . This is happening at any speed and layer heights. Has been an issue for weeks now. I do t know what caused it to start doing this. I have tried slower/faster, different layer heights, different first layer heights, temp adjustments, fan/no fan etc. always with the same issue occurring.
@Nigel_Dickinson . I have tried all of the fan/temp variations with no elimination of problem.
I have tried everything I have learned since I got this bot! Keep in mind- before this issue began, I was turning out very decent prints. I was also able to get near perfect first layers with slight adjustments when necessary. All of the obvious things I have tried- I think
I keep coming back to the extrusion- why does a raft lay down nicely but not a first layer?!?
Is there something that happened to the room/house? Maybe you are using air conditioning or opening a window? Maybe you turned on a fan? The layer closest to the heated bed will be affected the least by a breeze.
Are you using different bed temperatures for the first and the rest of the layers?
Check the default extrusion width settings as described by @Ashley_Webster , I’ve had the exact looking prints as a result of monkeying around with layer height and increased extrusion widths. It just looks like it’s tearing along the print and at first you might think it’s a leveling issue, but then there will be portions in the same vicinity that look fine while right next to it you’ll see the torn looking areas.
@Nigel_Dickinson . Hi. I think you have helped me before. Thanks. So, I have tried slowing down, even way way down, and I even tried speeding up, just to see the difference. I have repeatedly tried the same prints at 100% flow and 90% and all inbetween. Last night I took off the gears and took out the hobbed bolt, cleaned well, replaced everything tightly. I can visually watch 20-30mm extrusion(manually), and it goes smoothly and uninterrupted. That’s what’s getting me- everything that I have learned and tht has worked in getting good prints up to this point is not helping now. Tweaking this, adjusting that. Etc.
@Ashley_Webster . Yep. I’ve tried with different first layer settings in slicer. From 200% to 100% and several inbetweens:(
Only difference in environment is that it’s been warmer and dryer, but that’s been gradual- the issue with the not was not gradual, it just started .
Plus I’ve tried all of this with 3 filament rolls, all of which I have used before this issue to get nice, smooth dialed In prints
No heated bed. Have used only blue tape from day one and it has worked just fine in the past
And I keep my reels in gallon freezer ziplocks w/ dessicant. I will leave them out on My spool overnight tho when I know ima be printing the next day.
I only get this when my temperature is to low. And I’m talking 2 or 3 degrees when the fan is on and the heater doesn’t keep up
Try turning your Z axis threaded rod(s) a bit manually during first layer progressively (make sure that you do it exal if two or more rods) and see if increasing your print height a bit helps without a raft. Turn it significantly to figure if reducing or increasing is best. I have had the same issue and solved it with that test.
@Francis_Courchesne huh* never thought of that method, all this time I’ve always just stopped a print and either adjusted bed down slightly (4 screws), or added a layer of tape. Either way requiring the stopping of print, adjust, and restart print… Your way is a lot quicker way to find out. Thanks.
So why would a raft layer extrude and lay down fine, while a first layer wouldn’t, under exact same conditions?!? Assuming the bed IS level. If my issue is extrusion, which I am leaning towards, why WOULDN’T it be apparent in the raft layer?
If I am seeing correctly raft layer passes are more spaced out. On the first layer your print head makes printing strokes and each stroke is slithgly over the other. I believe if your print head is too close to the bed that second stroke over last one pushes semi-dry plastic against the bed and causes some warping/unsticking. Reducing the pressure between the extruder tip and your “last stroke” should avoid this. That is at least my deduction at least.
@Francis_Courchesne thanks for that explanation, worded that way. Helpful way for me to look at it and consider. Ah, how the brain works! About to try 1more round- if it persists I am taking lots apart*