Small multi piece prints working - larger prints failing

Bambu Lab X1 Series
1

I have issues where my larger prints using PETG (near full bed sized) are failing while smaller things that I have tried with PLA are working fine.

Now I will also state that other individuals within the same company (cryptocloaks.com) are using the same printer (X1C with AMS) same filament and same files and having no issues at all.

So, that leaves it to either something is wrong with the printer or some sort of environmental issue is causing this, correct? That being said, I would think anything other then extreme temp changes would be nullified by the fact that the X1C is in a full enclosure.

Can see in the image that the first layer does not complete. Again, I want to state, other Bambu X1C’s are using the same filament and the same file and are successful.

ipcam-record.2023-02-24_01-53-00.159

1 Like
2

How is it failing. A better picture is a must. Black on black is awful for diagnostic immages.

first layer does not complete is not a great description.

have you tried upping the first layer line width and layer height?

be sure to use glue stick or lower bed temps(60-65C bed for example with my ender on smooth pei) with a PETG/PEI bed combo. PETG likes to rip off the PEI.

3

Same printer, same file does not always = same slicer settings

Can you confirm that the settings you are using to slice are the same or is this a matter of the same file being sent through the cloud to different printers but yours is acting up ?

Even the simplest difference in the slicer settings can cause different results

Layer hight, speed, filament profile are all critical settings in order to rule out a change in the profile

But like I said, if the file is bring sent to multiple printers from one common server then you can look at mechanical issues right away

4

It is the same file is being pushed to multiple printers. It is being ran thru different slicers - in that a different pc is connected to this printer and another pc connected to the other printer.

5

sorry - everything I am printing is black - I think i took a picture from the top down.
here is one that was on layer 4 - after I removed it from the bed.

photo_2023-02-24_19-16-16
photo_2023-02-24_19-16-161280×960 214 KB

6

also to clarify further - it is a .3mf file that when loaded up on each pc, has one option - print. there is no editing the file and then re-slicing.

1 Like
7

Ok so its mechanical then

Have you cleaned the bed and run a calibration test already ?

8

And with the textured PEI plate always leave the front door open either part way or full way otherwise the enclosure temp can reach close to or above 40° which is no good for PLA or PETG

You might also try bumping up the aux fan from 70% to 80% and make sure your chamber fan is on at 100% as well

9

This looks like a clogged nozzle or something interfering with nozzle height on first layer. First option is most likely.

10

Yes, numerous times. tried several sheets as well. small prints that dont use the full bed surface are fine. even using the whole bed surface is fine if its multiple pieces.

11

I did leave the door open - even the printer suggests this before it starts.

I did not mess with the fan settings but can look at that as well.

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12

I doubt clog as previously stated - smaller prints work - a clog would affect those too - wouldn’t it?

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13

Yes a clog would affect all print sizes

14

Might be worth while swapping out the nozzle/hotend

15

that is what I thought as well and smaller prints are not affected.
I have seen the thread with warped beds and while mine is not as bad as some of those I saw on that thread, its not flat either.

16

Just for s**ts and giggles check the 3 bed leveling screws

I used a flashlight and actually had to tighten the front left after I removed the brace plate used for shipping

It was very tight but the black bolt in the middle wasn’t as far up the thumb screw as the rear and front right

Got about 3/4 of a turn on the front left until it was the same depth up as the other 2

I did a few preventative pre trip checks and small changes on mine right out of the box so I can’t say for sure how it would have or be running if I’d just left everything alone

I even loosened then re tensioned my X Y belts before running it

While I was waiting for mine to arrive I soaked up as much maintenance and repair information as I could, every day for a few months

And as a mechanic I just can’t trust other peoples tools on my personal property so I did as full a pretrip on it as I could with what I had learned about

In fact the Z axis setup underneath is a great idea but the tensioner is kind of janky and the drive assembly is very exposed so I’m watching that for issues with the Z drive assembly

Soooooooo, you might even want to flip yours upside-down (with the top off of course) and inspect your Z axis belt and pulleys for something funky causing issues with the endstop

I love how the drive motors are used for endstops but also know that any excessive resistance can cause the motors to stop early, or with too much slop and they stop a bit late

In my opinion the X and Y axis motors require less force as the my are independent of each other but the single Z axis motor needs to put in more work by using larger pulleys and a less direct path making it more susceptible to failure or issues

The larger pulleys make for faster moves but puts a lot more drag on the single motor

If your bed is warped and previously the printer was able to compensate Z offset for it but now the motor is not performing then the warped bed will show its ugly face

17

thank you - will look at these today.

18

Have you tried checking that the print bed is reasonably flat?
You should also check that the filament is reaching the heater nozzle properly.
Some people have reported that there is sometimes more friction as the filament enters the nozzle.

19

There is a difference between multiple small parts and a big part wich is maximum speed and so maximum flow rate, on small parts you probably never reach full speed, so I would try to reduce your filament max volumetric speed, it look like filament cannot be pushed out as it should be. Or you are also using the same filament (brand) as other people that succed ?

EDIT: also to stick well some filaments (brand or humidity) require to slow down first layer infill (from 105mm/s to something more like 30/40), maybe try both, max volumetric speed and slow down first layer infill.

20

same exact settings as others and its running in standard speed

will try your recommendation as soon as I can get time back at the printer.