I am having problems with some first layer prints and I am struggling to get to grips with it. Some items print fine then others don’t, it is generally when the first layer is more than one colour. I printed off a lightbox and a keyring and found holes in both. It will on occasion, albeit rare, print holes on the first layer of just one colour prints. I’ve continued to print trying to sort it with the keyring as it is 17p in filament to print.
I have a Bambu A1 with a 0.4 stainless nozzle. I am printing with BL Matte PLA for the attached example. I have put a dehumidfier in the room the printer sits in and it gets to about 35%. All filaments are in vacuum bags with sachets of silica gel. I am printing on the smooth plate.
Unfortunately, I can not look at the 3mf on my side atm. But I hope I can provide a few points worthy of consideration.
The holes appear to be a result of the first layer toolpaths, so the filament is probably ok.
Since the holes appear at diverging tool paths, you could have some luck by changing to a different pattern for the 1st layer. You could have better luck with a concentric infill pattern (or increase wall count to 999) in particular in combination with the Arachne wall generator.
Similarly, you could try slightly increasing 1st layer flow, but that may lead to overextrusion in other areas.
Thank you for the reply. For the 1st layer flow (after turning on develop settings) I have a setting in quality>advanced call initial layer flow ratio, is this the same? I can’t find anything about the first layer flow.
In the initial layer flow it ratio it says 1 as default. Would I be right in assuming this means 100%, so if I change it to say 1.4 this would be a +40% flow or 140%?
That should be it. Unfortunately, I can not double check atm. But usually, it is only applied in low numbers, i.e. max 5%.
Also, from the error pictures, I assume that you will have better succes with Arachne wall generator and a concentric bottom layer (in Quality settings). I believe that is the first thing you should try.
You may even be able to spot the holes already in the slicer preview for the first layer? Using the line width preview?
First layer looks a bit… let’s say, disconnected. Firstly, what i would check is bottom layer patern. Playing with that setting might give you better results. Secondly, try testing out the infil to wall procentege overlapping. Its usually set by default to 15% Thirdly, from what i can deduct, you have multiple STLs in the same object, and looks to me that every STL has its own print pattern. Try changing that so there is an uniformity to the layer. Forth. What nozzle are you using? Ive tested out the 0.8mm nozzle and BS sets every setting as for the 0.4mm nozzle. They are not the same, regarding line width so the bottom layer always has holes if the model is small. Also, it needs some flow calibration for that specific nozzle. Check that setting out if you are using a different nozzle. Finally… maybe the STL is too small for the nozzle youre using, hence the lines are impossible do be drawn by it. Switching to a smaller nozzle might help.
Ok, i can see from the 3MF that youre using a 0.2 nozzle.
Immediately i can tell you that gap issues might be fixed with an update of that STL. you have colors that are way to close to each other for the slicer to print correctly, even for the0.2mm
What makes it even worse is the fact that the wall count is set to 4, which means that the infil patern doesnt matter in some areas, and in others it doesnt have enough room to infill so it intrerrupts.
Try printing out the first layers with these settings…
infill was set to 90*
line height was set to 0.1
reduced the number of walls to 2
increased the infill / wall overlap to 100% ( you can play with this settings if you want to experiment )
Line width was set to 0.06 with monotonic line instread of monotonic. But i think it should work with 0.08mm as well…
Thanks for the reply and apologies for the slow response. I am recovering from surgery but also have a 3 yr old to care for.
I am not sure how to apply those settings to the first layers, but I would be interested in learning. I am not stupid (in my work role I learnt Power BI, semantic models, Power Automate and Power Apps in 2 months), however, using youtube videos to try learn is just confusing me. Everyone has a different opinion.
Based on what you said, I have given up on that model I downloaded from Maker World and used the keychain maker to make my own. It offered me a 3mf or stl file, I went with 3mf. Should I use stl? It’s printed perfectly, albeit too small. So I have just sent a bigger version to print now. As it is only 20p ish to print this one, I am going to mess about with a few different settings. Printing face down vs face up with ironing etc. A few friends are going to end up with keychains.
No need to apologize. Get well soon and take care of the little one.
And many thanks for reporting back In particular in your situation.
In fact, just (temporarily) lowering ambition is frequently the best way to tackle a complex problem.
Using 3mf files, slicing them yourself and then observing the print is often the best way to learn.
I will give it a try once this bigger version has finished.
Point of interest, I did change the bottom layer pattern on my version and I changed the initial layer flow to 1.1, so in my head that is 110%. I will send some pictures on once I manage to get back online.
I have on my list of learning now how to change those first few layers to have different settings. I will download the 3mf you made Sigama_Crafts and compare it to see what has changed.
I only bought the 3D printer to print custom vacuum parts for my wood workshop. The A1+AMS lite worked out cheaper than paying someone to make the 15 parts for me, and I am almost there with Fusion 360 for doing the first few parts. I didn’t realise I would end up addicted, with a box room office full of 23 different filaments, baskets printed to store tools and some skadis bits for my workshop. It’s insane. I have friends asking for things now too!
In particular in your situation.
