1 Topic by ken986

  • ken986
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Topic: Back to Square 1

Hi everyone.
I purchased my first printer (Soli 2) about a month ago, and got off to a frustrating start, but all of your help with other members has greatly assisted me.
However, after a few weeks of semi-successful prints, I am no longer able to get much accomplished.
As of today, the printer will not create brims, the extrusions are extremely thin, and nothing will stick to the printbed (heated and coated with ABS juice).
I feel this might be a Repetier issue, but after reinstalling the software, I'm still having problems:

#1 - After the pre-print homing, there is a long pause (even when printing simple parts I've done before)
#2 - When printing begins, there is no brim
#3 - Extrusions are very thin, and tend to lift off the bed and drag from the nozzle

Again, I assume this is an issue with the software and not so much the printer itself. Can anyone offer any suggestions as to Repetier default restorations or custom settings? Or anything else?

Thanks in advance for your help!

2 Reply by Tomek

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Re: Back to Square 1

Clogged nozzle?

3 Reply by ken986

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Re: Back to Square 1

Thanks, Tomek.
I'll be addressing that as a precaution regardless, but it still doesn't explain the lack of a brim.
When I do an extrude through manual control though, it comes out as it always has, it's just thin during a print.
I'm sure it's an easy fix, but I've still got a lot to learn.
I appreciate the input though!

4 Reply by autoxer

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Re: Back to Square 1

One probably useful bit of info for anyone trying to help is, does the machine code look correct and show the brim in the preview mode for the first layer?  That would help narrow it down.

5 Reply by ronsii

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Re: Back to Square 1

You don't mention changing the Z-tab screw on the inside back wall of the printer, this could cause no brim and very thin initial extrusion layers

Here is a link to the wiki with instructions on how to check it and calibrate it if needed ---> http://wiki.solidoodle.com/first-layers … e-z-offset

6 Reply by WWC

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Re: Back to Square 1

Did you perhaps change the extrusion multiplier?

7 Reply by Tomek

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Re: Back to Square 1

Sorry I didn't post more info when I made my post.

For me what you described sounded like when my nozzle is way too close to the glass or the nozzle is clogged (eitherway, somehow limited from leaving.)

But the other point is of course to examine how the gcode looks in repetier. Or, grab some Gcode you generated a few days ago that you knew worked, and try that.

Regards.

8 Reply by Skyblue

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Re: Back to Square 1

Have you checked to see if you are actually using the Slic3r you intend to.  In Repetier, under the slicer menu button, go to filament settings, setup.  In there, you can change the dir to point to another installation of Slic3r, if you have upgraded, it might have changed location...and your settings might not be seen.  Just a thought since you say you set brim and have none.

9 Reply by TahoeTim

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Re: Back to Square 1

Download Cura and give it a try. I find it much easier to adjust my settings. It has hints that pop up on each setting that explains how to adjust it. Cura will output your gcode file.

I personally run Cura and then upload the gcode from Cura into Octoprint.

Hardware: SD3, Octoprint, Raspberry Pi
Software: Cura and ViaCad

10 Reply by ken986

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Re: Back to Square 1

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I must apologize, by "brim" i actually meant "skirt", though regardless, it's not printing much of anything.
Based on all your advice, it looks like i'll have to do quite a bit of research regarding gcode - i'm more mech- than tech!
I'll be sure to post the solution when i find it.

Thanks again!

11 Reply by Briggs (edited by Briggs 2013-10-06 13:33:51)

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Re: Back to Square 1

It sounds like a z-tab issue, and first layer not being squished, which will then make all other layers above it skinny. The skinny could also be because of improper extruder calibration or incorrect setting in Repetier host filament width, and/or extrusion multiplier.

Ken, here's what I'd do. Calibrate extruder. Level bed. Then, set z tap so that first layer is squished. See if this helps. As for the pause, perhaps your printer is waiting for the nozzle to heat up? Hopefully you haven't set it up to wait for your bed heater! Good luck.

12 Reply by Gomisan

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Re: Back to Square 1

Does the head run through the motions of printing a skirt and just not put one down? or does is not even try?

Gomisan's Website

13 Reply by ken986

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Re: Back to Square 1

Gomisan,
It does not go through the motions, at least not for the skirt. The last thing I did before having the trouble was reducing the extruder speed in Repetier. I don't recall changing anything else.
I had to adjust the Z-tab screw and physically tweak the Y settings prior to my first successful print, so I'm sure there's no issue with the printer itself.

Does anyone know of a reliable link to the Repetier/Slic3r settings for the Solidoodle 2? I've found several, but they seem to vary, and I can't get anything to help with my interface problems.

Thank you for your help!

14 Reply by ken986

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Re: Back to Square 1

Got it!
I'm back to printing again, but unfortunately, I was not changing settings one at a time, so I can't pinpoint the real problem...got a little impatient.
I believe it had to do with brim width and extrusion multiplication (thanks WWC), but I'm ready to actively adjust speeds/temps now with working prints.

Again, thank you all SO much for your friendly help and guidance - i learned a lot. You guys rock!

-ken