Troubleshooting 3D prints, first layer issues

Troubleshooting 3d prints focusing on first layer problems.

Video on e-steps calibration:

[ojuleko]

Little tip I learned from my local 3D printing Pro; use a postit note as the piece of paper you'll be dragging between the nozzle and bed when leveling. Postit notes are thinner, so you'll get a smaller gap.

[ColtonOnushko]

1:14 thats some certified dad joke material right there. Sweet video, thanks!!

[MarkWilder]

Nice I went from months of great prints to bad ones. I was having ptfe issues and I think my tube is now too short which is throwing my perfect settings off.

Could that be the issue and what settings should I change to fix it?

I slice with S3D.

Thanks

[freegeek]

Hello i have a question i have a da vinci mini i try to calibrate multiple times but I still have the same problem the extruder have no gap at all for a first layer pass the first layer is doing great some help please

[linzeym]

All your vids are great Isaac! Any chance you could possibly touch on auto bed levelling and maybe how to install new hot ends and/or probes for auto levelling?

[rich]

Why does it suggest such a low temp for PLA. I print from 205-215C with PLA as it helps with layer delamination, which is normally a problem with PLA, especially on thin walled prints.

[GodzillaGoesGaga]

I just found a pretty interesting issue. If my first layer uses a concentric fill it warps and doesn't bind properly vs using a zigzag fill makes everything perfect. I'm assuming this is due to the big difference in cooling rates on concentric lines vs zigzag. Zigzags are typically very similar lengths where as concentrics are not. I'm guessing this is the issue.

[attadvancedthermaltechnolo]

It's pretty cool you can upgrade heating mats for enclosed housings to prevent large parts from warping

[DJMovit]

I level my bed to the extruder tip with standard sheet of paper. But as soon as I print my test benchy the bottom layer appear as if the extruder nozzle is right on top of the bed. The printing on the bottom isn't there. The bottom is almost clear.
Seems like I need to raise the nozzle, but why does it do that if I just set the height? I'm a newbie so I might be missing something.

[AdamMannD]

My first layer makes the clicking sound and puts down on the left, and looks to be engraving the print bed on the right. I'm guessing it's out of balance and too close.

[l.merbecks]

So I'm printing right now and the start always looks good. good adhesion etc. But then after the perimeters and the first half of the infill of the first layer the extruder is just extruding thin lines or threats or little balls on certain spots. And it's doing it for the third time now I rotated my model lifted the bed closer to the nozzle and as the error occurs every time on the same spot I don't think it's a filament problem. Any suggestions? Because I'm really frustrated right now :-/.

[dashingheights]

Hi,

How do I exactly fix the mash error ( the error you mentioned at the end of the video) ?
I'm quite familiar with 3D softwares, but when I open the downloaded file, everything seems to be fine. I've reprinted many times but to no avail, strange shapes keeps reappearing.
Moreover, sometimes my printer would print the second layer offset from the first layer, then the third layer would be back without offset, but in the end will stack and burn the overlapping offset layer. Any idea what is the problem?

Thanks

[ydoucare]

Haven't been able to solve corner curling/lifting, but i'm using a Da Vinci Jr that has DRM'd filament. Currently using a sheet of BuildTak as my bed surface and it helps, but still have to end up building "mouse ears" into my model to ensure it stays flat. Surprised that wasn't mentioned in the video.

[Bobster]

I'm new to 3D printing and bought an XYZ Printing Da Vinci Pro for my first printer. I have discovered that the Boden tube keeps hitting (clicking) on the cover above (seem to close). Is there anything I can do to fix this issue without creating other issues with the tube? Thanks!

[WCGwkf]

Do you set your nozzle zero to the bed surface or to the paper?

[shintashi]

Stupid question. But if you are using things like Glue, Syrup, and Hairspray, does that mean "tape", like the blue painter tape, is supposed to be sticky side up?

[arnaudtnt]

Hi, I just saw your video, I am doing some research m because I  am having a problem with my nozzle, filament is not extracting. That would be so great if you can help me . Or give me more information . Thank you for the video. I learn some stuff too

[steamboy]

mine just treved does the set up level then backs up leaving a 5 mm gap or bigger the bed ive checked and checked again yet have alot of birds nests/mess im new at this and using a Tronxy X3a any advise welcome

[nitinkumar]

2 filaments out of 3 PLA filaments are not sticking to the platform. Can you give me a hint what can be done with such problem? Thanks

[lesserz]

I've noticed gaps recently in my prints. Like printing out the letter A, the outside wall separates from the inner build. And edges that are suppose to be rounded, like for a curved hinge, are lopsided. I've been using the purple Elmer's glue sticks, so pretty sure that's not the problem from previous builds. I'm thinking my bed is not leveled. When adjusting with a piece of paper. Should there be a little bite on the paper or should it glide between the extruder and bed effortlessly? I was printing good for a past two years. Then one print was all cracked and wispy. I tampered with the bed and got the same result, found it was a clogged extruder. Cleaned it and now my prints are like I first mentioned. Btw I'm using the XYZ Da Vinci with hacked firmware to run Repetier host. Because the XYZ software wouldn't work on my laptop for some odd reason. Any advice?