Cura sets the first layer to have different properties - set it to the same height as all the other layers to give better quality as per k'slicer. However external quality of surfaces is far better with k'slicer, so I'd stick with that if I were you.
You are correct, heated bed is the way to go for better quality - I also came to this conclusion, but like you realized there are far too many 'solutions' of varying quality out there and no official or even 'most recommended' solution.
heated bed would be one of my top 3 wish list upgrades for UM right now.
thedude> you're right it is possible to adjust the bed this way - I had mine set up that way too for a long time. but since I've been upgrading the hotend recently I decided to keep the bed level but have the wrong z and just manually adjust it until I'm done with the mods. I also discovered printing at 50 microns is pretty challenging anyway - some form of automated levelling is in order here.
random thought - why not a 3 screw position bed (instead of 4) arranged as a triangle with a hole under the bed (instead of the wooden tray) so you can use a hairdryer to 'heat bed' the part off afterwards. someone already reported some success with hairdryers.
now I come to think of it. why is the bed acrylic anyway? what's the benefit? why not copper or aluminum and just heat it from the underside when you want parts to stick or unstick?
for ABS it only needs to be a hot bed for the first few layers surely, after that it just needs to be a warm bed doesn't it? perhaps destroyer or someone who prints ABS can comment?
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thedudevt 0
You're on the right track with your list, but one thing i would mention regarding first layer in cura and your having to pry parts off the tape:
Both these issues indicate that you may need to spend some time on bed leveling and/or Z home adjustment. When properly adjusted, parts should pop off the tape with very little force. You'll need to use this with a heated bed too so it's not wasted effort.
search the forum for the tinfoil / multimeter method of leveling the bed which is the most effective i've found, and install a fine adjustment device on your Z home switch. Cura's first layer thickness is set to .3mm by default, which actually helps alot when the bed's out of level. Once your bed is level, and you've got a fine adjustment device, you can print a simple cylinder, stop the print after the first layer, and measure the ribbon. adjust your Z height until you get .3mm as measured and you'll see much better results.
Kyle
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