GETTING A GOOD FIRST LAYER
The first layer IS the most important layer of any print and perhaps
the most difficult. A good first layer is vital to the success of your
print.
Qualities of a good first layer include:
•
Clean (clear of debris), prepared glass.
•
Sticky build plate
•
Proper bed temperature.
•
Optimal first layer nozzle height
A good first layer adheres to the print bed, is the correct distance
from the print bed, is visibly smooth and level, without gaps or
bumps.
Here are a few tips for getting a good first layer:
•
Make sure the print bed is level.
•
Prepare the glass using fixative spray.
•
Adjust the build plate height while printing fisrt layer
Getting the first layer height dialed in is critical
•
If the first layer is too high and it will not stick.
•
If the first layer is too low it will create a valley, and may drag
the nozzle on the glass.
The first layer height is correct when the bead of filament is
flattened slightly and even.
•
Heat the print bed to the recommended temperature base
upon the material being used.
If adhesion problems persist:
•
Increase bed temperature to 80-85º C
•
Increase the nozzle temperature by 10-20º C for the first 1-3
layers to aid in adhesion.
•
Decrease the printing speed by 30% for the first layer
•
Increase the flow rate by 5-10% for the first layer
•
Print a test print to ensure good first layer adhesion
Gap Too Large
Gap Too Small
Correct Gap
Stop
Stop
Go
ATLAS SERIES
Printing Tips
26
ORIENTING THE PART
Part orientation—the direction the part is positioned
on the print bed—effects the print quality, print time,
surface finish, and overall print-ability of the model.
The following tips are intended to assist in orienting your part
for a successful print:
• Position so the most surface area is in level contact
with the print bed.
• If possible, orient the part to reduce or eliminate
support structures.
• Consider surface finish. Which part of the model is
most important? Position the part accordingly.
• Reducing support structures will reduce print time.
• When break-away support structures are used
directly on the print bed, the use of a raft may be
necessary to avoid adhesion problems.
