How can I solve too thin deposited wires?

[Elaup 2]

Hi guys!

I'm a beginner in the 3D printing universe and I really struggle to obtain my first good prints with my new Ultimaker Original +.

I think my problem is that the extruded filament is far too thin, like I'm having sort of under-extrusion but at a constant rate. I managed to obtain a regular plastic deposition, but the deposited wires are really really thin. I tried to mesure this width with a digital caliper but it's too thin and too flat to measure anything.

I've tried to print a first layer test square with the silver metallic PLA that is provided with the printer, with the recommended settings first. I obtained this one layer part with unjoined extruded wires, as it can be seen on the picture. I assume these gaps between the wires are not normal as I selected "solid fill", am I right ?

To solve this issue, I've tried first to increase the flow rate to 125% without noticable improvement, and then to increase the nozzle temperature from the default 200°C to 215°C while reducing the print speed to 40 m/s as recommended by many experienced users, without success again. All this after many nozzle cleanings following the Atomic method.

What else could I try to solve this issue ? Since my machine is new, I assume the coupler is ok, as well as the bowden tube. I also checked that the filament moves on when I rotate the feeder wheel and that it's slightly marked by the drive wheel.

Thanks in advance for your expert feedback!

Elie

Edited June 10, 2017 by Guest

[Elaup 2]

Problem solved!

The under extrusion was only caused by the feeder locking that I have misunderstood... --' I just didn't realize that the black lever has to be pushed inside the lock before to be pushed down. Now it prints perfectly!

[kmanstudios 1,120]

...that I have misunderstood...

Is it not fun to find those things? Really cements the process. And, thank you for sharing. Other noobs can see this and it helps them to understand too.

[Elaup 2]

You're right! First I hesitated to go for the original+ rather than the ready to use machines. Now I don't regret my choice at all! As a beginner, it really helped me to understand better how it works, it was a good learning process as you said.