Hi all!
Our team has been trying to 3d print this plate (https://grabcad.com/library/plate-80) , but the printer keeps on messing up the print.
Here is a pic of what it looks like: https://imgur.com/gallery/WxdXOxh
We know this is a printer problem because files that have printed fine before are not working. We also have changed our PET tape a few times but that hasn’t worked either.
Does anyone have any suggestions for us to fix the printer?
Thanks!
Has the temperature of your room changed recently? What material are you printing with?
Does it seem like a bed ahesion issue or something else? Also what is the temperature you are printing at?
Have you calibrated your bed/nozzle height recently? If there’s too large of a gap, or if it isn’t level, you can have issues with the first layer.
We are printing using PLA filament; the extruder is set to 230 degrees and the bed is set to 65. It seems like a bed adhesion or extruding issue- the first layer of filament begins peeling up, and the printer sometimes has trouble extruding smooth lines.
We find that using a glue stick on a glass bed is much more consistent in adhesion than the tape.
we hold the piece of glass on the bed with binder clips adjust the z dimension, we mostly have used ABS though – but have made significant structural components that hold up pretty well - such as swerve modules, and 3x 775 gearboxes etc. mostly for off-season proof of concepts. smaller in season applications.
It probably depends on your PLA, but I’ve found that I have the best luck running it at 210 on the extruder and 50 on the bed, though again, your mileage may vary. You should also make sure to avoid cold drafts on your parts as they print and slow down the first layer print speed (an option usually available in most slicer software).
Out of curiosity, does your printer have an auto-leveling/zeroing function, or do you have to manually adjust it? If not, your issue may be related to Z-axis zeroing or bed level.
Also, looking at the picture you posted again, it looks like your printer may be under-extruding or possibly even jamming (or at least not feeding correctly). Generally you would expect the first few passes to get progressively better after it starts extruding but the thickness and quality of what did print seems to be all over the map. You might want to check the filament gear to make sure it’s not clogged and make sure you have the proper tension on it.
To be more specific, Washable School Glue Sticks are great for adhering to print beds and easy to clean off later. Using non-washable glue may result in adhesion that’s a bit more… permanent… than you’re looking for. :rolleyes:
Also, a neat trick if you ever have trouble getting a part off of a glue-sticked build platform: Mix 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% water in a spray bottle, spray it on the part (especially around the edges) and wait about 30 seconds.
The temperature setting definitely are on the high end but is probably fine. I would check recommended temps on the manufacturer’s website just in case.
I have used the glue sticks quite a bit as well and they work well. One easy method that I have been using recently is putting masking tape on the bed. The rough surface really helps the material stick, and its really easy to clean up compared to the glue sticks.
Can someone change the thread title? I feel it is misleading.
Done.