What could be the cause if filament is lifted up while printing the first layer? The prints were fine with Sunlu Matte White PLA (with the settings for Bambulab Matte PLA) but after switching to black (same Sunlu Matte PLA), I have problems with the first layer. I’ve repeated flow calibration and leveling and cleaned the plate with dishwasher detergent. In the picture, it first happened while printing the skirt loop and then again in the actual print.
Try a little glue to help it adhere
Glue Stick for Build Plate | Bambu Lab UK Store
How are you cleaning your bed?
The replies about plate cleaning are good. Many are unaware that hand and finger oils can weaken the bond between model and build plate and it’s definitely important.
One other thing is high moisture content in filament can also cause those kinds of issues. You don’t mention drying but it may also help.
Different colors of the same manufacture and type of filament can behave differently because of the color additives. Plus with different colors there can easily be other differences since they may not have been extruded into filament under the same conditions or even from the same batch of uncolored plastic. It may be likely they aren’t.
That makes it where it’s difficult to compare between colors when you are on the edge of where filament moisture starts rearing its head.
The replies about plate cleaning are good. Many are unaware that hand and finger oils can weaken the bond between model and build plate
I’ve used a clear non-perfumed dishwasher detergent from W5 and a dish-cleaning brush. Would it be save to use isopropanol? Since the failure, I moved the model to a lesser-used space on the print plate. There, it printed ok. Could be chance, of course. Is that plate just metal or is there some kind of wearing-out coating on it?
You don’t mention drying but it may also help
It was in a Sunlu S2 dryer for 5h hours after it arrived (about a week ago) but not since then. Actually, it was in there but the device was not turned on.
Sounds like washing is probably good. The point about printing in a different part of the plate working may be confirmation of that.
Some use things like a “magic eraser” to scuff the plate a little but look for better information before you try it. Some use liquid glue rubbed out on the plate to help adhesion and keep some filaments from sticking hard and damaging the surface.
Also, though, build plates are taken to be consumables. If there is damage to the surface, you may not be able to get good performance back. Also, popping models free while the plate is hot can cause damage. You want to let the plate cool to where the model either comes free on its own or doesn’t take much force to separate.
About the dryer, yeah, leaving a spool in the off dryer isn’t going to help you any. Humidity will diffuse in pretty quick and the “dry” filament grabs water efficiently. Whenever you get done drying, thick sealable ziplock bags can help keep filament dry. Thicker is better. Some use thick polyethylene sealing cereal boxes and equip them with a desiccant packet and hygrometer.
Just be careful with desiccant packets - some materials like silica gel give up water as easy as they grab water. If you don’t keep them dry and verify that with a hygrometer, you can end up adding water to your dried filament which is obviously the wrong way.
