“Zits” outer wall surface imperfections PLA PETG HF

Was wondering if anyone has encountered issues such as this (see pic / title) when technically nothing has changed - maybe other than a firmware update.

I’ve had much success both with PLA and PETGHF black filament - I dry both before using. I’m just wondering how long I should be drying for even if it seems 12 hours doesn’t do the trick if this is moisture related. I have 4 X1C printers and occasionally this happens on all of them so I’m confident the printers are fine -

Are there any sort of tests that can identify this upfront that the filament needs to be dried some more without having to ruin a five hour print? Also, I don’t want to over dry.

Sometimes I print a calibration cube prior , and the cube looks good, but then I print my model and the end result of the desired print is not the same on the outer wall.

Just trying to get some consistency once again

This happens both with PLA annd PETG HF filaments

I’m leaning towards moisture. The printers are in a humidity controlled environment, and I do dry the filament, but it’s a little concerning that this occurs even after the filament has been dried.

I do 12 hours 65° with PETG.

And six hours at 50° with PLA

Then, I’m always wondering if I just got a really bad batch of filament because this doesn’t happen all the time.

I’m open to suggestions to get the best outer finish possible thank you for your help

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Manually tune Pressure Advance.

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As far as drying goes get yourself a gram scale. Weigh it and the start drying, keep weighing it until the weight doesnt drop anymore.

When I’ve seen this the seam setting is set to random.

The only correct endpoint for drying is when the filament stops losing mass. Weigh the spool before drying, weigh it again when you think it’s dry, then run another half-length cycle. If it keeps losing weight, it isn’t dry—run at least another half cycle and repeat until the mass stabilizes (within your scale’s resolution). Record that total time as a baseline for that filament type, but still weigh before and after next time—spools and conditions vary.

But hey, don’t take my word for it—some insist I’m an AI. Better consult the “experts” first. :joy:

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