Ultimaker 5S first layers running rough.

[Yoniweb 0]

I've been printing a big project, and have had my Ultimaker running almost daily since Christmas. While my first layers have not been as nice as they once were, things were always ok and consistent. Since a few weeks ago things have really started to degrade. I've been using the same filament, so I don't think that is the issue. I updated my Ultimaker after not having done that for ages around the same time, but that could be a coincidence. I've manually leveled the bed, which didn't really seem to help.

 

Any thoughts?

[Slashee_the_Cow 269]

What type of filament are you using? Some (like PETG and TPU, among others) are hygroscopic (absorb moisture from the atmosphere) and need to be kept dry or else they can bubble like that.

 

Also: I think UltiMakers use "print cores" or something like that, so not sure how applicable this is, but is the nozzle clean? If it's partially clogged that can easily cause spotty extrusion like you're seeing.

 

Have you ever had trouble with bed adhesion? Some (though not all) of your examples could easily be caused by the material not adhering to the bed properly for the first layer.

 

There is also a (probably small, given UltiMaker's standards) that the update did do something. It certainly wouldn't be the first time a software update has caused printing issues, but that's usually on cheaper printers, mostly from Chinese manufacturers; I'm pretty sure UltiMaker thoroughly test updates before they unleash them in the wild.

[Dustin 130]

Based on the constant printing you said your doing..
I would try starting with a print core cleaning.

Guide here: https://support.ultimaker.com/s/article/1667411136256

[Yoniweb 0]

I'll try a print core clean. I am using PLA, fresh roll.