First Layer vs Printing Temps
So I have a textured spring steel print bed on my MK3s. Printing with this filament ( SunLu PLA+ White ) and found that my best first layer was with 230C / 70C. The Generic PLA profile in Prusa Slicer does fine after the first layer however I was curious... what would be the optimal practice be for print temperature? Do you want to print as cool as you can or as warm for better layer adhesion? In the past, the generic PLA profile (210/60) worked, but for this PLA+, the 230/70 worked great vs 222/65 which did not for the first layer.
Specs on the product page note: Printed Temps 210-240°c. | Print Bed (optional): 50-70°c
Curious what other folk's practices are when determining the best temp to print at?
MK3s / My IKEA Lack enclosure
RE: First Layer vs Printing Temps
I go as hot as I can within the filament guidelines, for layer adhesion. Back off if I get stringing or sagging bridges.
First layer hotter for plate adhesion.
This is an art - not science. Much like cooking. Add salt until it tastes right.
RE: First Layer vs Printing Temps
Agree with @robert-rmm200. Hotter heated bed is generally better for adhesion, though not so hot as to cause elephant's foot distortion on the print. This will vary by filament type and even between brands. Some experimentation may be necessary when using a new type of filament. Equally if not more important is bed cleanliness and proper Live-Z calibration.
RE: First Layer vs Printing Temps
What I found with Sunlu PLA+ is that it really doesn't like regular PLA residue on the bed. I typically have to wash the PEI sheet with soap and water before switching from regular PLA to Sunlu PLA+. In addition, it seems to like a bit higher bed temperature (as you noted) and a somewhat higher Z-height. I still find it a pain to work with and still sometimes get bad adhesion on my first attempt to print with it.
RE: First Layer vs Printing Temps
What I found with Sunlu PLA+ is that it really doesn't like regular PLA residue on the bed. I typically have to wash the PEI sheet with soap and water before switching from regular PLA to Sunlu PLA+. In addition, it seems to like a bit higher bed temperature (as you noted) and a somewhat higher Z-height. I still find it a pain to work with and still sometimes get bad adhesion on my first attempt to print with it.
This has been my experience! I'm printing (20) pieces and (10) of those benefit from the textured surface printing correctly... nanoleaf clone build. Z height... too low and the layer peeled up... too high and less adhesion... just right, was mostly okay until I cranked up temperatures and improved more. I am nearly there but curious if this off-brand textured plate has some inconsistency? Friend gave me to try... curious - does the PINDA sensor sense the steel only? Thinking the Prusa textured sheet should be on my wish list.
Appreciate the responses! The generic profiles in prusa slicer have worked for the most part. This is the first time adjusting temps has been required for print quality and felt like a rabbit hole. 🙂
MK3s / My IKEA Lack enclosure