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Topic: Z issue

Hello, I recently upgraded to the e3d v6 because my stock nozzle was clogged too much to repair.
I calibrated my Z-axis, and the first layer prints great, but the second layer and beyond is too far from the print bed, printing stringy layers that don't stick to the bed. Any idea what could be causing this?

Solidoodle 4-E3D V6- Rumba-Glass Bed-Upgraded PSU

2 (edited by grob 2015-08-05 23:43:03)

Re: Z issue

Sounds like something that should be able to be fixed! smile

A couple of questions (which might lead you to an answer)...

* To clarify, by 'calibrated your z-axis', do you mean you've levelled your bed and got your first layer height looking good?

* When installing the e3d, did you update the firmware to use the correct thermistor and allow for an increased maximum temperature? If you haven't changed the firmware, the temperature set/shown might not be accurate.

* Have you done a PID calibration to make sure the extruder temperature is nice and stable?

* What temperature are you using to print? ABS I assume? Normally the temp is set a touch higher on the E3D than on the stock solidoodle extruder due to the way the thermistor is mounted (230-240C on the E3D is pretty typical).

* Have you calibrated your extruder steps-per-mm (ensuring that when you ask for 100mm of extrusion, 100mm of filament goes into the extruder)? This is important, and could have changed a bit with the new extruder!

SD3. Mk2b + glass, heated enclosure, GT2 belts, direct drive y shaft, linear bearings, bowden-feed E3D v5 w/ 0.9° stepper
Smoothieboard via Octoprint on RPi

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Re: Z issue

grob wrote:

Sounds like something that should be able to be fixed! smile

A couple of questions (which might lead you to an answer)...

* To clarify, by 'calibrated your z-axis', do you mean you've levelled your bed and got your first layer height looking good?

* When installing the e3d, did you update the firmware to use the correct thermistor and allow for an increased maximum temperature? If you haven't changed the firmware, the temperature set/shown might not be accurate.

* Have you done a PID calibration to make sure the extruder temperature is nice and stable?

* What temperature are you using to print? ABS I assume? Normally the temp is set a touch higher on the E3D than on the stock solidoodle extruder due to the way the thermistor is mounted (230-240C on the E3D is pretty typical).

* Have you calibrated your extruder steps-per-mm (ensuring that when you ask for 100mm of extrusion, 100mm of filament goes into the extruder)? This is important, and could have changed a bit with the new extruder!


Thanks! I calibrated my extruder and flow rate, and did the PID tune, so far it's printing pretty good.
I'm printing at 240 with ABS

Solidoodle 4-E3D V6- Rumba-Glass Bed-Upgraded PSU

4

Re: Z issue

Super! Great news. Let us know if you have any other trouble (but you probably won't with that hotend!). smile

SD3. Mk2b + glass, heated enclosure, GT2 belts, direct drive y shaft, linear bearings, bowden-feed E3D v5 w/ 0.9° stepper
Smoothieboard via Octoprint on RPi