1 Topic by metaldrgn

  • metaldrgn
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  • Registered: 2013-06-22
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Topic: curling problems with PLA

PLA is supposed to be low shrink, but on certain models it gets pretty bad.  It doesn't come off the bed, it's the layers after that are curling up.  It's the layers that need support material for overhangs over 45 degrees.  This is printing at 0.1mm layer height.  I've tried black and blue PLA with similar issues.  Even without with fan to cool the PLA it does the same thing.  I have it in the garage and the garage is cold (around 11-13C).  The printer is not fully enclosed either (just the sides not the top yet).  I use kisslicer and the support gap set from .5 and .3mm away to no avail. Anyone run into issues like this?

2 Reply by ronsii

  • ronsii
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  • Registered: 2012-10-28
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Re: curling problems with PLA

How hot are you extruding at? it's just like abs in this respect... the hotter you go the more shrinkage, so always test different temps to see how low you can go and still print decent.

3 Reply by metaldrgn

  • metaldrgn
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Re: curling problems with PLA

I'm only running @180c.

I'm in the process of reprinting it now and it's looking a lot better. I slowed it down and brought the gap to .2mm. Still seeing some problems where the model meets the support. It's an odd shaped model. I'll post pictures later

4 Reply by tolsonmn

  • tolsonmn
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  • Registered: 2017-09-18
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Re: curling problems with PLA

I'm very new to this too(1 week in)but what I have done is to attach a square model to my print on each corner with a 1 mm tolerance attached to my model so it prints on the full bed. Once the raft is printed I use blue tape to attach the corners down so they don't pull up.

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