[SOLVED] First layer doesn't stick unless using a raft.

[ThePurringLion]

Currently, I can only get my wanhao i3 to print something if I use a raft.

If I try and print something without a raft, the first layer just will not stick. It just clumps around the extruder head.

However, if I print the same thing with the EXACT same settings, except using a raft, it prints perfectly. I have tested one print where I printed two items in the same print, one with a raft, and one without, and only the rafted one worked out.

I just don't understand how it is only working with a raft, even with the same simplify3d settings, same leveled bed, and same distance to the extruder.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[brian442]

The raft prints slower and thicker than your normal part. So maybe try going to the Layer tab and changing the first layer width to 200%, first layer height to 150%, and first layer speed to 30%. That should print the first layer of the part closer to what the raft would use.

[ThePurringLion]

Oh, thank you! I didn't realize the the raft used different settings. Thanks for that info. Prints seems to be working a lot better now.

[RoboDLC]

Currently, I can only get my wanhao i3 to print something if I use a raft.

If I try and print something without a raft, the first layer just will not stick. It just clumps around the extruder head.

However, if I print the same thing with the EXACT same settings, except using a raft, it prints perfectly. I have tested one print where I printed two items in the same print, one with a raft, and one without, and only the rafted one worked out.

I just don't understand how it is only working with a raft, even with the same simplify3d settings, same leveled bed, and same distance to the extruder.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

This really sounds like your Z height is not correct in your firmware. You can test this my adjusting your Z offset down by 0.05mm in the G-Code tab of your settings. It could also be that your firmware settings (typically the offset between your auto-level sensor and tip) is too high and won't let the tip go down low enough.

DLC