E3D V6 inconsistent layers

[pinthenet]

I have installed E3D V6 hotends on my Vertex K8400 and I am trying to tune the settings.

I now have most things OK, but I see severe inconsistency in the outer shell and the top layer is not covering the infill completely.
I attach a picture of an example - it's a 40x40 cube with Z reduced to 10mm for quicker completion.

I don't think it''s actually an S3D issue but maybe someone has ideas. I looked at the Quality Troubleshooter, and I'm afraid it may be a mechanical issue, although the filament is probably at least 1 year old so may not be the best quality any more.

It appears to print the bottom layers OK then there's about .3 - .4 mm with very poor sides, then it improves. Then there's a narrower section before the final couple of mm, which print OK.

I'm printing PLA 0.1mm @210°. Cooling is on permanently, extrusion multiplier was 1.2 for this test (I've tried various values), and width is auto. I defined 3 perimeter shells (outside-in). I have 8 bottom layers and 10 top layers

Any suggestions are appreciated

John

[wirlybird]

A bunch of things here.
Filament is old and probably wet. Start with new fresh filament or you may never get it right.
Start with a .2 layer for set up and get it working well before going to thinner layers..
Temp also may be a bit high - depends on the PLA but most is about 195-205.
I don't know the machine but PLA usually starts out with an extrusion multiplier of .9.
You don't mention print speed but my guess is too fast. Start at about 2000mm/min.
Also bed temp. It all looks hot.
The number of bottom and top layers is a bit of overkill for a test.

After getting new filament you need to measure the diameter over ten feet or so and enter that average size into the slicer. You probably also need to calibrate the extruder first if it is not stock to the machine.

Lots to do but one thing at a time and you will get there.

[pinthenet]

Thanks wirlybird, lots of help there

I've had the printer for over 2 years but only changed the hotends recently. I started off printing things I'd done before but I get your point about .2 for now.
I have to admit that after upgrading it seemed to print better than now, but then I saw lots and lots of tips.

I don't have a heated bed at the moment (next upgrade). I used to print around 190° but with the E3DV6 I thought it was too low at first, maybe I should go back to that.

I went up to 10 top layers in an attempt to get a decent finish

Back to the drawing board.

[wirlybird]

Sounds like good try's.

I'd get some basics covered first then. Make sure the filament is good and sized in the slicer.

I like to use .2 to get things going since it is a pretty cooperative height. I think print speed will be a factor so slow at first.

Your temp wasn't crazy I just though a bit high but still ok so play a bit with that. I'd hit the middle of the range for that PLA then.