A Different Direction..............

[Tim Marlow]

Well, bring on the first print then Dave…..all agog here!

[Dave Ward]

I spent an hour or so last night 'levelling' the build plate, which seems simple in theory, but in practice is rather tricky. Eventually I got it right - then started to print - ha! The model just wouldn't stick! It would lay down a layer or two, then it would start dragging it around. I had several attempts. I was using PLA, at 200C Nozzle & 60C bed temperatures. This was the PLA supplied with the printer, and I've come to the conclusion it's rubbish!
I'm busy this morning, but this afternoon, or evening, I'll open a brand new 1kg spool of PLA filament & hopefully have a bit more success. I do know now, that all the bits work, the printer reads from the micro SD card, and responds to the gcode file, heating the nozzle & build plate to the right temperatures & extruding filament & making the appropriate movements - now all I have to do is make it stick! I have got a magnetic build plate coming, I don't like the tape style, it seems rather hit and miss
Dave

[Neil Merryweather]

I spent an hour or so last night 'levelling' the build plate, which seems simple in theory, but in practice is rather tricky. Eventually I got it right - then started to print - ha! The model just wouldn't stick! It would lay down a layer or two, then it would start dragging it around. I had several attempts. I was using PLA, at 200C Nozzle & 60C bed temperatures. This was the PLA supplied with the printer, and I've come to the conclusion it's rubbish!
I'm busy this morning, but this afternoon, or evening, I'll open a brand new 1kg spool of PLA filament & hopefully have a bit more success. I do know now, that all the bits work, the printer reads from the micro SD card, and responds to the gcode file, heating the nozzle & build plate to the right temperatures & extruding filament & making the appropriate movements - now all I have to do is make it stick! I have got a magnetic build plate coming, I don't like the tape style, it seems rather hit and miss
Dave

You could try hairspray Dave if the build plate is removable. Or pritt stick.
Be sure you don't have a tail of filament sticking up which catches the nozzle and rips the layers off

[JR]

Good luck Dave, most would have given up by now

[Neil Merryweather]

Do you have the fan(s) set correctly? They are designed to cool down the printed filament, maybe the first layers are still too warm
Another tweak is the print speed, if you slow that down a bit it might give the first layers time to stick.

I've always said you need to be a tinkerer to get on with 3D printing....

[Jim R]

It's a challenge right enough. Success is but a breath away though :thumb2:

[Dave Ward]

Do you have the fan(s) set correctly? They are designed to cool down the printed filament, maybe the first layers are still too warm
Another tweak is the print speed, if you slow that down a bit it might give the first layers time to stick.

I've always said you need to be a tinkerer to get on with 3D printing....

There are so many settings in the slicer, that can affect adhesion, just a matter of getting the right combination - as you say - tinkering............
Dave

[Valeron]

Just caught up with this. Exciting stuff.

I feel your frustration Dave but this always tends to be the case with new technology. You'll get there.

[Tim Marlow]

Don’t know much about this process, but Neil’s tips sound worthwhile and your persistence is exemplary.

[Dave Ward]

persistence is exemplary.

Just Yorkshire stubbornness ( some call it pigheaded )
Dave

[Dave Ward]

Phew! - beginning to think I'd never get there! This is the first complete model that has come off the build plate.............................
Its a 20mm calibration cube -it does look a little rough in places (!!), but this is the way you start to tweak the settings. The size seems to be pretty good, at least it's the same on each axis.
I levelled the bed again, then put then used a spool of POGI PLA filament, using the recommended temperatures. No problem in the print sticking, so I'm pretty sure it was poor filament that caused yesterdays problems.
One thing that I have noticed is that the spool holder isn't very good, it needs watching, to prevent snags - not that good for long prints. The cube took about 1/2hr to print. I do need a rubber/cork mat to put under the printer, as it does make the desk resonate a bit!
Tomorrow, I'll print out the expected 'benchy' & see how things can be improved
Dave

[Jim R]

Well done Dave. Big sigh of relief :thumb2:

[outrunner]

Obviously patience, or pig headedness pays off and I am pleased you have cracked it Dave. The orders will be rolling in shortly.


Andy.

[JR]

Well I think that deserves

Congratulations Dave . Good for you have the perseverance to see it through .
Bet you feel relieved.

[Tim Marlow]

Great….onwards and upwards then….very interested to see where you take this…..