I need a list of everything I can do to get good first layers

[Vodlex]

Printer Model

2.4 350

Extruder Type

Clockwork 2

Cooling Type

Stealthburner

I finished my 2.4 350 about half a year ago now, and I've never managed to get good and consistant first layers, even after doing things like reprinting all the parts for the gantry and z axis, squaring the entire printer frame better, lubing all the rails multiple times, installing a klicky, ect., the only times I could pull decent first layers would be after running QGLs and bedmeshes 3 times each.
And so I want a list of possibly everything I could do to get good first layers or at the very least not completely ruin a print sheet every so often

 

[5twenty]

Welcome!

Ellis’ Print Tuning Guide

ellis3dp.com

 

[lord-carlos]

What sheet do you have (Smooth PEI? Textured?) and what material are you printing?

Is the problem that the mesh / z offset is uneven? Or just not sticking? Curling up?

* 99% of the time it's wrong z offset. It happens to me so often. And different matieral want different offset :/
* Clean build plate. I think some people are going overboard with cleaning it way to often, but just make sure you use dish soap and warm water, or IPA to clean it once in a while.
* You can try with a higher first layer, like 0.24 mm

 

[Durahl]

I finished my 2.4 350 about half a year ago now, and I've never managed to get good and consistant first layers, even after doing things like reprinting all the parts for the gantry and z axis, squaring the entire printer frame better, lubing all the rails multiple times, installing a klicky, ect., the only times I could pull decent first layers would be after running QGLs and bedmeshes 3 times each.
And so I want a list of possibly everything I could do to get good first layers or at the very least not completely ruin a print sheet every so often

Since you didn't explain what exactly is wrong with your first layer, so as another 350 User I can only guess / suggest...

From MY personal experience:

• Belt Tension:
  Ensure all Belts - including the closed first Stage ones driven by the Steppers - are at a proper tension.
  I think it goes without saying to also ensure for all of the Pulleys to have their Set Screws properly tightened/secured.
  
  
• Loose Shroud:
  Consider checking if you can tighten the screws holding the Tool Head Shroud to the rest of the Tool Head Body...
  Probing is - as I see it - done without downward facing Pressure coming from the Extruder pushing Filament into the Hotend.
  The earliest layer manifesting a loose Shroud setting into a final resting position under Pressure is well... The First Layer.
  
  
• Print Start Order of operations:
  1. Initiate Build Plate and Nozzle Heat up.
  2. Do a G32 ( Combines G28 with QUAD_GANTRY_LEVEL )
  3. Once the Build Plate and Nozzle are at temperature do a BED_MESH_CALIBRATE and a final Z-Homing ( G28 Z )
  4. Start Printing
  
  
• First Layer Temperatures:
  Consider raising both the Print Bed and Nozzle First Layer Temperature by like 5-10°C to promote good Flow Characteristics.
  
  
• Smarter Probing:
  Consider using KAMP to narrow down the probing to only the affected print area.