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1st Layer Calibration issues  

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Anthony
(@anthony-10)
New Member
1st Layer Calibration issues

My first layer isn't sticking very well. I've found that above -1.000 the filament isn't squished enough to fill in the gaps between lines, and below -1.200 the filament appears to be squished too much, as there is a lack of extruded filament and you can see the bed below in places. But at both of these heights and all heights in-between the filament is just not sticking very well to the powder coated steel. It was brand new, and I've cleaned it with isopropyl each time, and each time at many settings the print will just start curling up. I can attach link some pictures if that'd be helpful. All of the posts and videos I've seen of people doing this calibration have had their prints not curling at all.

Posted : 10/12/2019 6:08 am
Anthony
(@anthony-10)
New Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: 1st Layer Calibration issues

I didn't realize how easy it would be to upload an image to this forum from my phone. The lines leading up to the square were surprisingly well behaved during this print, but usually they have an occasional peel up as well. The square usually looks basically like this. Maybe I need to update my firmware? Could be some error with the bed temperature, hot end temperature, or maybe even a defect with my powder coated spring steel sheet? I tried both sides and they both have this issue.

Posted : 10/12/2019 6:27 am
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(@)
Illustrious Member
RE: 1st Layer Calibration issues

Hot Water wash: often, as needed, and after any of the following
              (not recommended for daily use on Powder Coated sheets)

  • Handle the bed only by the edges.
  • Wash the bed in hot water, use a fresh paper towel as a wash cloth, with a few drops of plain dish soap (Dawn, unscented, no anti-bacterial, etc.).
  • Rinse well in hot water - if you have very soft water, rinse a bit longer.
  • Dry the bed with a fresh paper towel.
  • Handle the bed only by the edges.
  • Place bed on printer.

 

 

Alcohol wash: every few prints as needed

  • Gloves recommended.
  • Once in a while, an alcohol rinse is helpful to remove PLA residue. It does not remove finger oils well.
  • Pour a 5 cm puddle of 91%+ alcohol in the middle of the bed, with clean hands use a fresh paper towel to scrub the bed. Wipe up all the alcohol.

 

Acetone wash: infrequent as needed
              (Not recommended for USE on Powder Coated sheets, but some find it necessary)

  • Pour a 2 cm puddle of acetone on the bed, scrub it around with a fresh paper towel. It will evaporate fast as you clean. This step removes PEI oxides that form over time and with heat, and improves PLA adhesion to a like new state.

 

Streak test: when contamination is suspected

  • With a fresh piece of paper towel, and very clean fingers, dampen the towel with 91%+ alcohol, and wipe the bed side to side moving back to front, like you're painting it with alcohol. The alcohol should be thin enough on the towel it quickly evaporates from the bed. If you see any streaks, the bed is dirty and needs a wash.

 

 

 

Posted : 10/12/2019 7:51 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: 1st Layer Calibration issues

As well as cleanliness, 

7x7 Mesh bed levelling is your friend, if you are not already using it, turn it on using the Mk3 LCD Menu configuration option. 

the Prusa first layer configuration tool, is NOT your friend...   it works but is a bit difficult to tune, as you have already found. 

Jeff Jordan's process is much easier to adjust satisfactorily, see link below. 

 

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/life-adjust-z-my-way/

there is a zipfile at the bottom of the first post which contains test files for PLA, PETG and ABS. 

 

good luck, 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 : 10/12/2019 11:16 am
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