I have a new X1C. Have printed a bunch of things using the PLA that came with it. Small parts like paracord beads created their own small bases to hep with adhesion. Bigger prints with larger surface areas worked well too.
I just tried to print this spool using the textured plates and PLA profile here
The one side printed perfectly but when it came to printing the center spool it would start lifting after the first few layers. I cleaned the bed thoroughly with alcohol beforehand.
What can I do to fix this?
Some will say no to alcohol to clean, use dish soap/hot water.
If it was me, I’d use alcohol (I always do, right or wrong- its just easy- my printers are out in the garage without running water handy), and apply stick glue in the areas I saw adhesion problems.
I actually went the opposite route - upping the bed temp to 60 and the nozzle up to 225 on the 1st layer, then 220 on the rest all doors closed and no more problem.
I noticed you’re using a textured plate, with those after they’ve been used a while I’ve found you’re best to use dish-washing detergent, warm water and giving them a really good scrub in multiple directions with a plastic dish-washing brush to work up a lather to get into all the nooks and crannies. Then after drying a quick wipe with IPA is probably worthwhile too.
I previously used the textured plate exclusively when I first got my printer because it’s what was supplied, but lately I’ve swapped to a smooth plate for most jobs. It’s much easier to clean and depending on if I’ve been using glue on it just give it a wash with soap once a week or so and a quick wipe with IPA and a lint-free cloth before each print.
Also I’ve had better results printing PLA with the door / lid closed despite the usual recommendations.
Before you do anything, there is an important diagnostic step that will reveal any problems with your bed adhesion. I did not see you mention performing a first layer test, so I assume you are not familiar with it.
Do you think your plate is clean? Do you think you have the right settings? Do you believe your bed temperatures are dialed in and your filament is tuned? A first layer test will quickly reveal any issues with build plate hygiene, filament extrusion, and flow rates, all without using much filament.
Here’s a recent thread on this topic that may assist.
Thanks for this. I actually see how the X1C does an automatic first layer test - message comes up on the screen. I sed the X1C setting specifically for this profile so didn’t think anything needed to be changed. The problem here was it started lifting only after a number of layers, Anyway, I increase both bed and print temps and this time it seemed to work. I will however give the bed a good clean before printing the small parts of this project.
Thanks all for your help. I have only had the printer for a week!!
