Every layer after the first is under-extruded

[PatrickM 0]

I've had my printer for a while now and have had this problem a few times before, but it's really becoming a pain and screws up almost every print now.

The first layer goes down beautifully. Nice and flat, not too thin or thick. After that is where all the problems start. As soon as the second layer starts, it comes out thin and almost seems under-extruded. If I stop the print and restart, no clogging seems to have occurred as the first layer of the new print turns out great again. If I let the print continue in its under-extruded form, the print eventually becomes bumpy and causes the buildplate to rumble like crazy whenever the nozzle hits a bad spot.

Another thing I've noticed is that occasionally the nozzle will get clogged and then unclogged within 3 seconds. I've tried most every method of clearing the nozzle, but the problem persists.

What can I do to solve each problem, or will one fix correct both of these issues?

[Labern 718]

Can you post some of your setting so we can see what temps and speeds you are using?

Also what printer are you using? This can be added to your profile so we can see straight away.

What material are you using?

[PatrickM 0]

Can you post some of your setting so we can see what temps and speeds you are using?

Also what printer are you using? This can be added to your profile so we can see straight away.

What material are you using?

 

Default settings and speed, 210C, Ultimaker 2, PLA

[Labern 718]

I'm guessing that your PTFE coupler is deformed.

Have you done atomic pulls?

[PatrickM 0]

I'm guessing that your PTFE coupler is deformed.

Have you done atomic pulls?

 

I've done quite a few of them, but the issue persists.

[Labern 718]

I would look at your PTFE coupler if it has never been changed.

Good article on it Here

hot to change it Here

[PatrickM 0]

I would look at your PTFE coupler if it has never been changed.

Good article on it Here

hot to change it Here

 

I checked the PTFE coupler and there are no ridges inside and there is no friction when I pull material through.

[JohnFox 25]

I assume you have done some Atomic cleans? Can you see through the hole in the nozzle after a clean? Just wondering if you have a large bit of junk floating around somewhere.

[PatrickM 0]

I assume you have done some Atomic cleans? Can you see through the hole in the nozzle after a clean? Just wondering if you have a large bit of junk floating around somewhere.

 

I've done several atomic cleans and the nozzle seems to be as clear as it will ever be.

I took some pictures to better illustrate the issues I'm having.

http://imgur.com/a/Q2Lyl

[peggyb 139]

can you take a look at your speed settings:

first - expert - full settings

second - advanced - what are your speed settings?

[PatrickM 0]

can you take a look at your speed settings:

first - expert - full settings

second - advanced - what are your speed settings?

 

Travel Speed - 150mm/s

Bottom Layer Speed - 20mm/s

Infill Speed - 80mm/s

Top/Bottom Speed - 15mm/s

Outer Shell Speed - 30mm/s

Inner Shell Speed - 60mm/s

Edited January 19, 2016 by Guest

[peggyb 139]

try a print with the Infill-Top-Outer-Inner, set to zero. This way all the speeds are the same and will print more even. These settings will get the same value as the print speed.

[PatrickM 0]

try a print with the Infill-Top-Outer-Inner, set to zero. This way all the speeds are the same and will print more even. These settings will get the same value as the print speed.

 

No difference. The print continues to be extremely thin and my printer keeps clicking and skipping.

[yellowshark 132]

Ok I would like you to try a different tack. You do not say I think, what layer resolutions you are using. I will assume your bottom layer is .300 which is running at 20mm/s. You then move to some layer resolution printing at 30mm/s (now the speed used for printing all aspects of the geometry). Can you please keep this standard speed and reduce the layer resolution to .150 for layer two onwards. I have no idea of the size of your model but if you can, then please print two, even better three. at the same time. Load the model into Cura, right click on it and select "Multiply object" and set "No. of Copies" to 2. Go to the Tools menu tab and select "print all at once".

Then report back what you see.