First layer not printing at all

[kaanpan 0]

I am very new to 3D printing, and I have noticed the first layer is not printing in any of my prints 😞 I am using the Ender 3 printer with PLA filament and Cura as my slicer.

For the first layer the extruder just moves around in the shape of the skirt (I think that's what it's called? The line around the whole print) and the first layer but nothing actually comes out. Once it gets to the infill, it starts printing. I looked up some Youtube videos and looked at my Cura settings, and everything seems to be in place (bottom layers 5, bottom thickness 1mm), so I'm not sure what is wrong.

In the picture on the left, you can see the lines of residue where the extruder went but didn't print (ignore the dots in the middle, I stopped the print midway and it is residue from that). On the top right you can see that only the infill got printed. On the bottom left, you can see in my solidworks file that there is clearly a bottom layer that should have been printed.

I have no idea what to do! I am currently trying to print a hinge, but it won't work because there is no bottom layer. Please help!

[GregValiant 1,251]

You may need to review bed leveling process.  There are a lot of youtube videos on it.

When the nozzle is too close to the bed on the first layer, the hole is effectively closed by the bed and the plastic can't get out.  The nozzle should not be leaving marks on the bed (it should be "1st layer height" above the bed.)

When your second layer starts the head has moved up and flow starts.

Edited May 29, 2020 by GregValiant

[TestingIsKey 1]

On 5/29/2020 at 7:02 AM, GregValiant said:

You may need to review bed leveling process.  There are a lot of youtube videos on it.

When the nozzle is too close to the bed on the first layer, the hole is effectively closed by the bed and the plastic can't get out.  The nozzle should not be leaving marks on the bed (it should be "1st layer height" above the bed.)

When your second layer starts the head has moved up and flow starts.

I agree with GregValiant. In addition, you should listen for a clicking sound which is caused by the extruder trying to push the filament through the nozzle but unsuccessfully doing so (a good indicator that the bed is too close to the nozzle . Once you have properly bed leveled with some paper or very thin cardboard, make sure to check that the first layer cannot be easily scrubbed off using your finger.