PLA not sticking consistently to smooth PEI sheet
Fairly new to 3D printing as I received this MK3s+ in October.
I'm having trouble with PLA sticking sometimes to my smooth PEI sheet. I will get major lifting at the edges that can be caught by the nozzle until it jams or collides.
It seems like if I wash it with soap and water it will stick, but the print after that might not stick. I'm not touching the build surface with my fingers, so it shouldn't be oil residue.
The printer itself resides within a PrinterBox enclosure, and it seems to be sitting at around 287-30C inside.
RE: PLA not sticking consistently to smooth PEI sheet
Welcome to 3D printing! Please run a first layer calibration and post a picture of your result.
Mk3S+,SL1S
RE: PLA not sticking consistently to smooth PEI sheet
Thanks for replying! Here's a first layer. (z -1.050)
RE: PLA not sticking consistently to smooth PEI sheet
And here's a 3x3 calibration square by gkmakeit.
RE: PLA not sticking consistently to smooth PEI sheet
Ideally run a square as described in https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/life-adjust-z-my-way/. It's easier to interpret than the default mini square, plus you can try several values of live z in one go.
RE:
Your sheet looks smudged. Are you washing it with dishwashing detergent (not soap)? Your z-offset looks a bit too high. Do you get better adhesion going a bit lower?
Mk3S+,SL1S
RE: PLA not sticking consistently to smooth PEI sheet
I'm washing it with a dish rag and regular dishwashing soap. I have been using 91% IPA in between every few prints, and then when it fails to adhere stopping the print, washing with dish soap, and restarting the print.
The thickness of the 3x3 calibration cube is 0.22mm.
I'll try going lower. Previously it looked like I was getting too much smooshing of the layers. (Using the Prusa guide and the image of the Z offset)