I’m having issues trying to successfully iron a print using an X1C with eSun PLA+.
I’ve calibrated the printer, and managed to get perfect surfaces on the various ironing test prints out there… But when it comes to using the ironing settings in anger nothing I do seems to work.
Ironing settings are as follows:
0.4 nozzle,
150m/s ironing speed
45% flow rate,
0.1 ironing line width,
All other ironing settings are default.
Model settings:
Gyriod infill,
15% (although I’ve tested up to 35% on other models with the same results)
8 top shell layers,
0.16 layer hieght
60c bed on WhamBam PEX,
speeds are as recommended by eSun.
So you say… but did you calibrate the filament? Since you didn’t explicitly state it and you’re on the X1, I’ll assume you relied on the autocalibration routines and factory defaults. While those are fine for most applications, manual tuning is the next step for ironing and achieving that “just perfect” look.
I use ironing frequently with over two dozen filament profiles. The ironing feature can work well, but if want that next level of performance, you have to manually tune the filament. If all you did was press the Bambu Studio Calibrate button, you’ve essentially wasted time and money—that isn’t sufficient.
Even though it’s PLA and usually doesn’t need drying, dry it anyway using the X1’s drying feature. Before drying, weigh it; check the weight before and after drying to confirm if moisture was present. If the filament lost weight after drying, that’s good since it eliminates moisture as a factor. In that case, tuning the filament might not be necessary. Keep in mind, 1ml = 1cc = 1g of water, and even 1–2g of moisture on a 1Kg spool can affect results when aiming for perfection.
Load Orca Slicer on your system and follow the instructions found in these videos, it will be worth your while.
@Olias to the rescue again! Thanks for your suggestions, I have been struggling with a perfect top finish as well with translucent filaments and will try your calibration suggestions, although I already went through several rounds of calibration, maybe I missed something. I always get the “extruder tracks” on the top layer, and I’m dreaming of a smooth glass finish.
well…i printed the ironing test-tiles and got really good results. i highly recommend doing that.
but now when printing with these settings, i get inconsistent results. it starts again flaking/chipping away. Sometimes it’s ok, sometimes not.
Printing PLA. Same Material (even same spool at the moment) as test tiles. The room climate is always the same. What could be the issue?
my only guess is Variable Layer height. Could this interfere with ironing?
And if so, is there a workaround to make adaptive layer height in some areas (painting layer height i find is not really satisfactory) but leave the Top surface i want ironed unaffected of variable layer height?
besides that - other reasons why it can be inconsistent?
Hey im getting the same issue here tbh. Esun PLA+ on an A1. Annoying thing is in the past its been fine for me. Then outta no where my ironing has gotten worse and worse. And looks the same. I can get. Ironing done. But its not a great finish if I really up the flow. Any ideas?
Thanks for your suggestions, I have been struggling with a perfect top finish as well with translucent filaments and will try your calibration suggestions, although I already went through several rounds of calibration, maybe I missed something. I always get the “extruder tracks” on the top layer, and I’m dreaming of a smooth glass finish.