Wanhao Duplicator i3 Issues

[jtanner]

Preamble: I've been using CURA 15.04 for ages without issue, having seen videos on Adafruit.com AND having an issue with a model I've tried to print I thought I was give Simplify3D a go and hope it lives up to it's super expensive reputation.... and already I'm regretting it and considering putting in for a refund....

I have tried at least 5 or 6 different printer FFF profiles as as trying both "Other" and "Wanhao Duplicator i3" from the setup menu.

The problem I am having is that no matter what I do, it seems to start the first later about 1mm high off the bed and thusly never prints (the PLA just makes a mess or gets blobbed up round the nozzle). CURA has no problem and apart from this 1 model - I have printed at least 300 parts without a single problem. The model in question though failed with CURA so at many recommendations I gave in and bought this but like I say, it's not working. My layer height is set to 0.0600 and the part should only take 3.5 hours to print... but after having tried 10 times now, with numerous FFF profiles and settings, I can not get a single print to even complete 1 layer.

Any ideas what's wrong?

[CompoundCarl]

First of all, each 3D printing program tends to use different settings for printing the very first layer. So it is very common to need to adjust the first layer positioning when you switch between programs. Thankfully, it's very easy to do, and once you do it, you won't have to change it again. But just be aware that this is very common when you switch between programs. Don't expect them to all magically print at the same position if you haven't adjusted it yet.

The easiest way to do it, in my opinion, is to use the global gcode z-axis offset on the G-Code tab. For example, if you entered -0.5mm, then the nozzle will print 0.5mm CLOSER to your bed. Just adjust it until the layer is positioned where you want.

They have a great guide online that also has other tips for these first layer issues: https://www.simplify3d.com/support/prin ... to-the-bed

[mroek]

Trying to use a printer outside of the specifications will often lead to trouble, and a layer height of 0.06 mm is way less than the stated 0.1 mm minimum.
Could you post a factory file of what you are trying to print?

I am using the same printer and S3D with impeccable results. I'm very happy with S3D (not saying that it is perfect, though).

[mroek]

There should be no need to use a global Z offset. The printer homes by a switch, and then you should do a proper bed levelling, keeping the global offset at zero. If done correctly, it will start printing at the correct (as levelled) height.

[jedimcca]

Hello,

I am also having the same problem. I can produce beautiful prints off of the supplied sd card, but as soon as I load a file from S3D, the z axis moves up and every print is ruined. I have tried adjusting this through the z axis offset, but to no avail. Any help will be appreciated.

Can you screen print and post your settings for me?

Thanks

[diogorsergio]

I'm having the exact same problem.
OK.gcode printed beautifully, 3DBenchy the same.. but when i'm trying to print something sliced by Simplify3D the first layer is always to high.. and doesn't stick... the extruder seems to be slow.. I don't know :/

[CompoundCarl]

Read what I wrote above. This is a very thing to adjust in the software. That post explains it.

If you're still having trouble, post a gcode file from S3D and another one from whatever program you are using that was working previously. That will make it very easy to tell you what setting you need to change.