[Solved] First layer not filling in

[mikedehaan]

I need some advice on figuring out how to fix my first layer. I've been trying to learn how to calibrate my extrusion multiplier, but I cannot seem to find a good balance. The bottom layer always seems like not enough plastic is extruded, but if I increase, the top layers become a mess.

In this print, the top layer looks pretty good. The edges are fairly square (though could be improved). I'm not sure if this is relevant, but the first 2 layers seem like they've shrunk compared to the layers above (forming something like an upside-down trapezoid).

I'm printing with ABS (Village Plastics - Black)

Top

Bottom

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[brian442]

Sounds like your nozzle is starting too far away from the bed. Have you read this already?
https://www.simplify3d.com/support/prin ... to-the-bed

That explains how to lower the nozzle closer to the bed using the z-offset, so it should be useful to you.

[mikedehaan]

Yes, I've read this article. I can give it a try, but I'm a little nervous in doing so. I'm using the Taz 6 3d printer which has auto bed leveling. It should have calibrated this for me. If this truly is the issue, it sounds like the auto leveling isn't doing its job.

[kabali16]

try adjusting the Z offset in very small increments ~ 0.05. In this way you wont damage anything. Have used this feature many times and it certainly helps a lot

[dkightley]

.......I'm using the Taz 6 3d printer which has auto bed leveling. It should have calibrated this for me. If this truly is the issue, it sounds like the auto leveling isn't doing its job.

The auto-levelling is more than likely doing exactly what it is designed to do...that is placing the nozzle at a certain distance (say x mm) above the bed ready for the first layer. What is being recommended is fine tuning this distance so that it is optimum for what you want it to do...which is squeeze the first layer sufficiently against the bed to give the finish you want....which is x mm less a very small amount!

[BerryBot3D]

Hey Mike please try this and let me know how it works. First and most importantly set your first layer width to 80% you could just try it that way and see what it does. Next I would recommend setting first layer height to 150% first layer speed at 50% this is all done under the layers tab. Then under the G code tab global G code offsets set your Z axes to -0.07. Please be sure to let me know how that works out for you. Have a great day Buddy good luck!

Werner

[mikedehaan]

You guys have hit the nail on the head with the z-offset recommendation. I emailed Lulzbot for their input and they suggested setting the value to somewhere between -1.35mm and -1.45mm. Mine was initially -1.10mm.

I think I'm going to change the value on the printer rather than the setting in Simplify3D just so I don't have to remember it for each factory file.

set your first layer width to 80%
set first layer height to 150%
set first layer speed at 50%

I also plan on testing these settings to see which combination works best. I'll update with pictures.

[mikedehaan]

Here's a picture with the results of various Z-Offset settings. I'm quite satisfied with the results. In the end my Z-Offset ended up being approximately -1.325mm. I'm still changing it in small increments with each print, but the initial problem is gone.

Thank you all so much for your help.

Various Z-Offset Results