2 Tricks For Getting the Perfect First Layer - 3D Printing

Learn how to get that perfect first layer in your 3D prints for when your print won't stick, sticks too well or isn't quite right. Learn how to adjust your first layer on the fly and you'll be on your way to excellent completed prints.
#3dprinting #firstlayer #3dprinter

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00:00 Intro
00:22 1st Layer Guide
01:18 Example: Too Squished
01:35 Example: Too High
01:48 Example: Perfect 1st Layer
02:09 Adjusting On The Fly
03:03 Troubleshooting

[andyspoo]

I'd say that getting the fist layer right is THE biggest pain in 3D printing! I've spent countless hours trying to sort the first layers on my printers. I can absolutely see why so many people are buying printers like the Bambu Labs models, as they just work! A couple of other things that you can do to help with the first layer that Youtubers rarely talk about is 1) increase your first layer height, 2) increase your first layer flow percentage (it will help squish the first layer down without the nozzle grinding in to the surface.

[UFO_researcher]

I use a 'feeler gauge' to level my print bed, here's how. On the Ender 3, first autohome your nozzle and move it to first layer position (+0.3mm). Use a 0.275mm feeler gauge to ensure even spacing, do each corner and recheck. To remove printed parts, take bed off printer and flex it, parts will pop off.

[Bordpie]

I also like to use a small spatula and just gently drag it around the outside of the skirt to test the adhesion, and adjust on the fly accordingly. I need to make a simple grid test across the whole bed, to see how level and flat my printer is. I sometimes need to adjust all four corners when printing in the centre when compared to the front right corner I usually use.

[tophatvideosinc.]

So keep it leveled and clean. I'd be dumbfounded if someone though that keeping it skewed and filthy was the key. Thanks, Corporal Clearly.

[stickboyfpv]

Very good video my friend! I like your explenatuon of things😁

[EpicUnbox]

I know this is off topic but you really give me Gerald Undone vibes lol Thanks for the video!

[taketheblame]

Ive been having this problem alot on the creality ender 5 s1, i apparently just adding rafts helped alot and fixed it, but thats been starting to use alot of filament.

[kevinbell]

What about FIRST LAYER HEIGHT vs (ACTUAL LAYER HEIGHT)?

What about EXTRUDER MODIFIER vs LAYER HEIGHT?

What is a good rule of thumb for these varibalbes?

[justwingitkreationsbyleigh]

if the bed is too squished with it also create a 'lip' style on the bottom of the pieces printed as well? im noticing there is a lip or flange on every item..

[Brett]

I'm struggling I have auto leveling and I have some gaps in my lines I did a boat and I had a dent in the middle of it and the front looked like it hit an ice burg lol 😂

[D_Printing]

Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks is fist stick layer magic

[paulcole]

Hi the problem I am having is that the first layer is not seperating from my projects any ideas to why

[peanutbutter]

I just use Elmer's liquid glue and brush it on. Personally I never disable my steppers. Instead of pushing it corner to corner just use the move function. Start at x23 y23 then x 23 y 193 x193 y 193 and so on about 3 times around. Using a piece of copy paper to get it to where it's grabbing it but it can slide.. this way you aren't just pushing the nozzle around with your hand since I had much pain leveling this way.

[jirivaltr]

What if I have both problems at once? Since I installed BLtouch, I'm not sticking to bed, but even though my first layers are too squished. I know it sounds weird, but I'm quite fucked :D Edges just won't stick. Sharp corners are following nozzle instead of laying down. But centre of first layer is so squished that there is visible overestrusion effect.

[mbjac]

I'm always having adhesion problems on the outer perimeter of the bed, even after a manual level and auto level, the first layer in the centre is superb, then it goes to do the outer edges and they curl up every time

I've clean the bed with iso and tested the nozzel at the corners, I've even cleaned the nozzel and switched to a fresh sealed pla, it always lifts

One thing that I have down that's naughty is told the slicer that my bed is 1cm larger so I can do edge to. Edge printing only where the print head will avoid the bed clips

Wonder what's going on

[minimoose]

So mine is sticking perfectly and all that but i have the feeling its to squished

[beyondfossil]

How much does the BLtouch add-on device help with getting the head height and leveling correct? Do you still need to manually tweak if using BLTouch?

[gravis]

Great video. Quesation for you as I am new to this. I just got the CR 5 S1. Its fantastic. I notice though that the front right knob is way tighter than the others when manual leveling. Almost bottomed out to make it level. That would be position 3 on the leveling program. Im not sure why this is. It has the silicone spacers instead of springs.

I took the time to tighten all the knobs down till they are hand tight, then backed them all off 3 turns and went through the bed leveling process. Same results. The prints are fine...I just dont like the idea that one corner is so different from the rest.

Any suggestions?

[Cortenelli]

Does it make sense to use a thin 0.4 mm feeler gauge so the gap is equal to the nozzle diameter?

[HansDroneLow]

Any tips for removing a thin layer that was too close Im trying to get it off but dont wanna scratch the bed