I just received my new X1-C combo. I am a total newbie to 3D printing and have been unable to print the built-in Benchy using the included PLA filament.
Auto calibration completed without errors (Bed Leveling, Micro Lidar, Resonance)
Medium AI monitoring, Build Plate detection, First layer inspection
Printer sits on a very solid workbench fixed to house framing - Printer is not screwed to table.
I tried printing a Benchy using the default settings and had a total failure. I don’t know enough to begin to analyze the mode of failure. I will try to describe the result. Picture 1 shows a pattern left at the left front of the build plate. (picture 1) I have no clue whether the slight irregularities in the lines or the blobs at the end of some lines are normal. There were two lines at the back right corner of the build plate that intersected at 90-degrees (not pictured).
After these preliminary efforts, the machine began “printing” and I soon noticed that there was nothing on the build plate, but there was a 1 cm blob of plastic on the tip of the nozzle. I stopped the “print” and manually removed the plastic from the nozzle. (picture 2). {The black “V” points to the nozzle impression.}
I have cleaned the build plate, tried with and without glue stick and after several failures of this type, I decided to ask for help.
I use dawn, warm water, and a soft spunge then dry it. After I use a high % of isopropyl alcohol 91% or higher, then add glue. It looks like its not sticking…the calibration lines look fine so maybe try cleaning it again before we start jumpping to conclusions.
I am neither a newbie nor an expert, and my first print (the 17 min benchy) also failed. Yet not severe as yours.
Here are some notes which may help:
Cleaning it properly - warm water and a few amounts of dishwasher (regular one -not something abrasive) - when I started in 3d printing, it took me a while to find this procedure, and it works like magic;
After cleaning, only use paper towels, and if possible, let them dry in the air;
Print it with glue to avoid damaging the sheets - here was my issue, as I never used glue for printing, and thus I abused it;
Now I use a thin layer from one side to another, calmly to not fail spots and neither to double cover it;
Do not worry; the plates adhesion will improve with time - the utilisation and cleaning cycles help;
Dry the filament - I didn’t do this step, as I never had significant issues with moisture in other printers. However, by having failures with the same filaments I am used to, I noticed that X1C is very demanding regarding filament moisture.
I followed the recipe above and thoroughly cleaned the Cool Plate with soap, water and finally alcohol. I had done that before, but not as thoroughly. Also the PLA has been in the AMS (with desiccant) for a couple of days, so that may have been a factor.
In any event I now have a very nice little green Benchy as pictured. Now at least I know some of the symptoms of a non-adherent first layer. I am sure I will learn more about other faults, but you must start somewhere.
Thanks again. Problem solved.
Enjoy the journey! If the X1 is your first 3d printer then thats a heck of a first printer. Its the closest product is this hobby for someone to not know anything about 3d printing and get perfect prints, witch is very impressive, I cant wait to see what Bambu does in the next 3 years.
Glad to read that it is solved.
The X1C is a fantastic printer, but you may expect minor and everyday bumps depending on the use.
Regarding filament drying, I wouldn’t advise putting it on the AMS and waiting for the desiccant to work. The desiccant drying ability is limited, may affect other filament spools and will become expensive (unless you mod and use reusable breeds).
The printer has a drying function for that purpose. I cannot give you many details, as I use a dehydrator. Yet you may carefully read and follow the BL instructions:
Do it for every spool, even if new. Afterwards, store it properly (e.g. sealed bags with desiccant) or the AMS. Regular opening of the AMS (as I do) may affect the enclosure dryness.
Thanks for the tip. I am currently working with PLA which is said to be less hygroscopic and now that I have thoroughly cleaned the cool plate, it prints nicely. I will however keep your tip in mind. Perhaps I will build a dryer…
