Problem - priming after retraction seems insufficient

[gpvillamil]

I'm noticing a problem with S3D v3.0 that I didn't have before.

I am using S3D with a Makerbot Rep 1 Dual and a Makerbot Rep 2X, standard S3D profiles set to high quality.

I notice that after the extruder priming line is drawn, a fairly long retraction takes place, but then no corresponding priming operation happens before printing. When I was using Skirt, this did not matter, since a section of the skirt was not drawn and it did not matter. However, I turned off Skirt (tired of scraping little bits of the platform when done), and now the beginning of the first layer is not drawn, or drawn thinly.

In a related note, I am using the new dual extrusion functionality (which is mostly fantastic), and I notice that a similar retraction/priming problem seems to be affecting the ooze shield.

Basically, the ooze shield seems very wispy and fragile, on the first object printed. I find that if I have multiple dualstrusion objects printing, for example 4 objects laid out as a square, the ooze shield on the right front object is almost nonexistent. The ooze shield on the other copies of the object is better. This almost seems like a retraction is taking place, and then no priming occurs before the ooze shield starts printing.

A workaround for both is to stick a small sacrificial object on the build plate, and use this to force priming, but it seems a waste.

[JATMN]

Sacrificial object.. Love the reference Yea that would sound like a waste as well as add to print time..

I have noticed similarly when printing my first layer or rafts first portion doesn't usually exist..
As for your first layer being very thin.. Thin line? or Thin layer? If its the layer than your heads might be leveled too closely to your bed.
On the other hand if the line is just too thin than I would go with your thoughts and say its not heated right.

Keep us posted on this, I know more than you an I have these issues..

[gpvillamil]

When I say the first layer is drawn thinly, I mean that the amount of filament coming out of extruder is basically what would be dripping from a heated but inactive extruder. I know the bed is leveled correctly, because once the "real" extrusion starts it is perfect. (Also I measured it with a micrometer...)

It is very clearly some kind of priming issue.

Sacrificial object.. Love the reference Yea that would sound like a waste as well as add to print time..

I have noticed similarly when printing my first layer or rafts first portion doesn't usually exist..
As for your first layer being very thin.. Thin line? or Thin layer? If its the layer than your heads might be leveled too closely to your bed.
On the other hand if the line is just too thin than I would go with your thoughts and say its not heated right.

Keep us posted on this, I know more than you an I have these issues..