1st Layer problems

[bob-hepple 59]

I've been dogged with first layer problems , but just seems to get worse tried levelling the bed again, and again, but never seems to be any better it starts really good then wham PLA everywhere take a look below..

layer height 0.15

temp 200

I'm using S3D so first lay percentage is 120% but the first half of the layer is perfect...so don't see that the 120% is a problem

if I get past the first layer then the print is fine BUT it can get messy as picture shows....

[neotko 1,417]

That waves use to happen when the nozzle is slightly bit too close, pulling up the material as it passes. Turn the 3 knobs below the bed to make the level slightly away from the nozzle. Correct it onthefly, stop, reprint.

[bob-hepple 59]

Neotko

thank you for the reply, will try that, again where it is as you say pulling material up it is very thick there..

Thank you

[neotko 1,417]

Sorry not pulling, dragging. Since is too close, the lines are too close one to the other and after printing one, the next drags part of the previous one lifting it, making small tidal waves.

Edited February 1, 2017 by Guest

[tomnagel 126]

Looks to me as overextrusion. So either increase the distance (like Neotko suggested), or just lower extrusion to 100%. Overextrusion will not immediately lead to this effect, there will first be a buildup of tension in the bowden tube. That may explain why at first you see no issue.

[bob-hepple 59]

when you say lower extrusion to 100%, don't understand where you mean>> have re levelled the bed (again) and made sure the gap was slightly larger this time, it is working but for how long not sure...

[gr5 2,271]

I agree with neotko. Move a little away. Or change that 120% to 100% as tomnagel suggests.

[tommyph1208 55]

I always fine tune bed leveling as the first layer is being laid down... knobs for adjustment are under the bed, so no risk of getting your hand run over by a speeding printhead... works a treat.

I usually have 5 lines of skirt or brim as well, so this allows me to adjust while these are printing, meaning that I have perfect flow and leveling once the bottom layer of the actual object starts printing.

Edited February 6, 2017 by Guest

[yellowshark 153]

Lol Bob, persevere! I have spent 2.5-3 years printing without such a problem but have just spent the last 7 days tearing my hair out trying to get my bottom layer right!

My major problem was that I could get set up to print the walls so they really stuck, 3 islands so three sets of internal walls which meant jumping around sometimes pulling the filament along but when working the infill was a mess.

So today I went back to square one for the 3rd or 4th time. A new piece of card to make sure it was flat, and at some point OK is there a setting I have chosen in 2.3 that was not in 15.4. Yes there was - "Equalise Filament flow" - I set that to blank and problem solved - no idea why! So changed my z offset about 15 times varying by 10 or 5 microns and now have perfection and a big grin.

If you know what you are meant to be doing and I am sure you do, then stick with it, take a big breath, relax and start again and you will get there.