UM3e First layer not even at back of base plate

jasg · May 14, 2017

I've been having an issue lately that I didn't have originally, where a small section at the rear center is printing super thin, or not at all. It's like the base plate isn't even, but no amount of manual or auto leveling seems to help.

Here is an example with the calibration print, but it's the same for all prints. It seems to be just a semicircle in that area.

Has any anyone experienced this or know what is causing it?

kmanstudios · May 14, 2017

Could be a few things.

1) Other people have commented that their glass is not level. Actual 'bowing' or uneven surfaces. Some have even called a banana shape, fat in the middle and thinner on the edges.

2) Also do a solid leveling before starting to print. I found my machine can drift a bit over time that it will not active level. This can happen for a variety of reasons. But it does require a manual leveling before you can depend on the active leveling. It can also go off level if you have bumped or pushed the plate around when removing a part. I had to start taking my plate off the bed when removing parts to keep that from happening.

3) Make sure your plate is completely clean. If it has any surface areas that are slick (Oils from hands, etc) in any amount, it will not let the filament stick to the plate evenly.

4) What are you using as a plate adhesive? I like to use a PVA slurry and some the glue stick with a wet wipe down with a damp cloth or paper towel to smooth it out. Others hairspray, one guy even uses a novel solution of salt for certain filaments. This may vary a lot with the environment and filaments used. I do not think there is a one and done solution for buildplate adhesion.

I have had this happen and it was usually one or a combo of the above issues. Although my glass has been smooth and even, so that is the one exception I was lucky with.

I have also taken to taping a piece of bubble wrap over the front to help keep the air inside the build area more even. I actually found a series of layer differences one day when I opened the doors on a nice day to get fresh air in and it made a noticeable/visual difference in my layers.

Edited May 14, 2017 by Guest