Not so long ago I bought my first 3D printer. It hasn’t shipped yet, but I’m gathering knowledge so hopefully I’ll be able to use it when it arrives.
One of the things I noticed while choosing the printer was that many specified “perfect first layer”. What’s so special about it? What should a beginner such as I know about it?
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The first layer needs to stick to the build plate well. If it doesn’t stick the print will fail and best case you’ll need to start again.
First layers are notoriously fiddly to get right because there are so many variables that affect it.
Also 90-95% of print failures are due to a bad first layer (citation needed).
ITS ME. IM THE SOURCE
I Concur, ninja kitty is the source of all bad first layers
In addition to first layer adhesion being critical, it’s a good calibration tool. The first layer makes it easy to see if you have your z-offset right, among other things.
I had mine too high and my e steps too low and compensated by adjusting flow and temp in my slicer which lead to other issues later on like bad overhangs, random gaps between layers, ugly top layers, etc. I was pulling my hair out trying to adjust slicer settings but my height and extrusion were just off.
After getting a really good first layer, prints have been way cleaner, simply because the settings required to get a perfect first layer matter for other layers too, they’re just not as obvious there.
That’s my newbie take anyway. I’ve been printing for about a month
Another good take: never compensate if you can calibrate or adjust the actual value. Or, never compensate.
It’s where the Spaghetti Monster is most likely to spawn from. True believers don’t walk away until the first layer is complete.
Think of it like laying rows of bricks. If the bottom row is uneven or off in some way, it’s going to throw every row above it off.
Prusa has a stellar knowledge base for their printers as well as general info that can be applied to most other printers. You’ll get some pla with the printer and I recommend loading the silver one to do the calibration with. You’re looking for enough squish, there’s a long lead in before the square for you to live adjust z, basically want a nice square that’s cohesive but not peeling up in the corners, too low can cause adhesion problems as well. There’s a good bunch of sample pictures on the prusa knowledge base.
Ellis’ Print Tuning Guide is another solid resource that’s applicable to most printers, not just vorons, the first layer squish is detailed and can help give you some more samples of what you’re looking for. Just make sure your sheet and nozzle are clean before you start, cold nozzle ooze can impact your z calibration.
I think about it like the tires on a car. They are (hopefully) the only part of the car that touches the road. If they aren’t working correctly everything else isn’t going to save you from a gentle curve in the road.