Printing text on first layer issues
 
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corey.a
(@corey-a)
Trusted Member
Printing text on first layer issues

Hi,

I am printing some fidget spinners (imagine that) with recessed text text on both sides. The top layer text looks great but the bottom layer is barely visible with a thin film of filament blocking the view of the letters (see pics). Some settings I am running are as follows:

Slic3r software:

- .4 mm nozzle
- bed temp: 55C and Nozzle temp: 215 1st layer and 205 others
- infill: 15%
- no support material
- inner and outer perimeter speeds of 20mm/s down from 30 for accuracy
- XY compensation of .049mm for shrinkage
- autocooling enabled
- retraction length, lift Z, and speed are .5, .8, and 35 mm/s respectively

Thanks in advance and if you need other info just ask.

Regards, Corey

Posted : 14/06/2017 10:13 pm
phil.s2
(@phil-s2)
Eminent Member
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

hi corey,
this is what happens when you need to tweak your z axis height
the first layer is squashing down too much
when you want a good bottom layer - especially with text - it might be worth adding a raft to your print to absorb the squashing
try it, you may get issues with roughness from the raft but you should be able to clean this up easily.
better to clean up than lose the text
good luck double sided printing

phil

helping others with 3d printer problems
building 3d printers
showing you can repair almost anything with a 3d printer and innovation - well, design!!
www.best3dprinter.stan-tech.com

Posted : 15/06/2017 12:18 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

shame you don't have the multi media kit, you could have printed the text a different colour...

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 15/06/2017 12:56 am
corey.a
(@corey-a)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

Thanks Phil, I will try this and post the results!

Posted : 15/06/2017 12:57 am
corey.a
(@corey-a)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

Joan,

I know right! Its on pre-order 😥

Posted : 15/06/2017 1:24 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

Hi
Corey,

mine arrived recently... just finished assembly and updated software...

literally about to start calibration

😀
Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 15/06/2017 10:48 am
corey.a
(@corey-a)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

Hey guys,

So I am fiddling now with the raft trying to tweak different parameters to make for easy removal of the raft. Overall, the text seems to turn out well. the bottom print surface is a bit rough which I can probably fix with some fine sandpaper or perhaps finer spacing on the raft??. However, I still have difficulty removing this raft. Please see settings and picture. Thanks in advance.

Posted : 16/06/2017 2:53 am
phil.s2
(@phil-s2)
Eminent Member
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

hey corey
i tend to use the default in cura
i notice you are only using one layer - this will cause you problems, cura uses 4 - base layer, interface layer and two layers in between
all of my rafts come away cleanly - yes the surface is a little rough - but as you say it can be cleaned up
snap shot below of the cura default settings - you may want to try to match up with slic3r

extra margin 5mm
line spacing 3mm
base thickness 0.3mm
base line width 1mm
interface thickness 0.27mm
interface line width 0.4
air gap 0
first layer airgap 0.22
surface layers 2
surface layer thickness 0.27
surface layer line width 0.4

good luck
phil

helping others with 3d printer problems
building 3d printers
showing you can repair almost anything with a 3d printer and innovation - well, design!!
www.best3dprinter.stan-tech.com

Posted : 16/06/2017 1:06 pm
PJR
 PJR
(@pjr)
Antient Member Moderator
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

Corey

I think you need to go back and look at the photos you posted initially.

The letters are filled in because the nozzle is too close to the bed. This problem is removed when you print using a raft.

So I would suggest that you raise the Live Z by at least 50 microns and try again without a raft, Set first layer line width to 0.4mm and print the first layer very slow.

Peter

Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. 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…

Posted : 16/06/2017 3:22 pm
corey.a
(@corey-a)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

PJR,

You were right. I adjusted live Z up by 40 microns and changed 1st layer width to .4 and this fixed the text issue. Also helped my dim accuracy as well. Thanks alot!! Hopefully this well help others printing 1st layer text.

Posted : 17/06/2017 3:15 am
phil.s2
(@phil-s2)
Eminent Member
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

that looks excellent corey

helping others with 3d printer problems
building 3d printers
showing you can repair almost anything with a 3d printer and innovation - well, design!!
www.best3dprinter.stan-tech.com

Posted : 17/06/2017 9:00 pm
corey.a
(@corey-a)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Printing text on first layer issues

Thanks Phil,

And thanks for the input on the raft data. Even though I ended up not using them on this. I know Ill need them in the future!!

Posted : 18/06/2017 1:55 am
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