3D Printing 101: Getting Started with the First Layer

Having a good first layer is essential to an excellent print. Watch 3D Printing Nerd, Joel Telling, explain how to get an optimal first layer by using MatterControl.

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[Creator_Joules]

When printing an object with a large square surface, and printer moves diagonally to fill, i get filament rising slightly between lines - like a landscape. I suspect this is due to filament being squished out and pushing the previous line which then rises. I am going to try following fix/calibration: Set first layer thickness, e.g. 0.2mm. Start printing, stop when a line has been laid. Use a micrometer to measure thickness of line - then live adjust difference to get precisely 0.2mm thickness in next print. Repeat and remeasure to take into account material squished upward first run. Then print the part. This should make the material squish the exact extrusion width and produce a smooth surface. Final factor is extrusion multiplier, this has to be correctly calibrated for this to work since otherwise the width will differ even if layer height is perfect. Suggest printing a tall H (10mm) where middle measures 1mm in cad, with two perimiters each 0.5mm. Measure thickness with micrometer and calibrate the difference as this indicates over/under extrusion. Agreed anyone?

[JTMC]

Any advice on Dual Extrusion Printers?