Underwhelming adhesion on new X2D when printing small parts

I know print failures comes with the territory when printing small letters and logos, but I was really hoping the X2D would at least outperform my X1C. I’m pretty sure it’s capable but it might just be down to fine tuning slicer settings.

I’m using a 0.2mm nozzle and the default 0.08mm High Quality preset in Bambu Studio, what should I change first?

Edit: I know I could use a brim and I’ve experimented with this before but the extra post-processing time really adds up so I’d like to find an alternative solution if possible

I think this are big enough letters to not need brim. And this is PLA or PETG?

And what is the brand and model of the filament?

Any chance that the first layer is not level enough. As there is one topic here in the forum, some fellas found they need to re-align the Eddy current sensor.

1 Like

Thank you for the reply! This is Bambu Lab PLA Basic, but I also print in PLA Matte occasionally.

I’ll have a look into the Eddy current sensor issue, thank you for the tip.I just want to note that I am using only the left nozzle for these intricate prints though.

How are you cleaning your bed plate? Oils from your hands are the most common cause of adhesion issues especially with small parts on a textured plate.

BTW did you got your AI camera to warn you about this mess?

BTW you can also see some reports about strong fans making troubles with adhesion.

Of course wash your plate and dry your filament :slight_smile: .

If you don’t want to use a brim, the next option would be glue.

1 Like

I’d honestly try glue before chasing too many slicer settings.

With small letters and logos the contact area is tiny, so even PLA can let go if the first layer isn’t absolutely perfect. A very light coat of Bambu liquid glue, 3DLac, Magigoo or something similar can make a big difference, and it may save you from using a brim.

I’d wash the plate well with dish soap first, avoid touching the print area, add just a thin film of glue, slow the first layer down a bit and test again.

For tiny parts like this, glue isn’t really a workaround. Sometimes it’s just the fastest way to make the print reliable.

1 Like

Besides using glue, increase the build plate temperature if not using glue. Assuming PLA but it sticks better at higher temp than lower.

When my PEI plates were losing their stiction, 5C could make a fair difference.

But on textured PEI I always use liquid glue now. I’d much rather get on with printing than be trying to diagnose why stuff doesn’t stick well.

1 Like

If this plate is not worn out, as it looks like new, and the printer in general is relatively new, I would look more in other directions. And there are several other topics with print quality and inconsistency issues. Glue may help of course but most probably this is not the root cause.

This letters are not really small, and the one X that failed is very close to the side fan vents. So most probably it warped out.

My experience so far is similar and it all about inconsistency with this printer. The race for crazy accelerations and blowing fans seems to be race to the bottom.

I find the first layer print speed is always too fast. Halve the first layer speed both walls and infill and it will improve adhesion and first layer quality.

This is for which profile, as it seems it changes the speed between layer sizes and draft, standard and high quality profiles. Or maybe all of them?

All of them. I’ve always cured adhesion issues by slowing down the first layer.

For small and intricate shaped parts, I like 15mm/s and maybe 25mm/s first layer infill speed.

Since no one has mentioned this yet, I’ll say it: the textured plate isn’t at all suitable for such small objects. What you need is a smooth plate - it solves exactly the problem you’re having.

The problem with the textured plate: It’s a jack-of-all-trades - it can do everything, but nothing well. It’s designed for beginners. The adhesion isn’t very strong, so that newcomers don’t damage their print plate.

That’s just the wrong plate for your intended use. Especially with a 0.2 nozzle, it’s safe to say that this plate is completely unsuitable and you should switch to a smooth version. Of course, Bambu doesn’t tell you that - it’s just something you learn from experience. You simply need a plate with more adhesion.

Trust me, once you buy a decent print plate and toss that “jack-of-all-trades” aside, a whole new world of printing will open up to you.

It’s always good to have the right print plate for the job. The main problem is that you don’t have the right one, but you can always buy a suitable plate at a reasonable price.

2 Likes