A good 3D print first layer is smooth, even, and adheres well to the build plate. It is the foundation of any successful 3D print, and it can make or break the quality of the final product. In this article, we will explain why the first layer is so important, how to achieve a good first layer, and what are some common problems and solutions for the first layer.
The first layer of a 3D print is the one that comes in direct contact with the build plate, which is the surface where the print is created. The first layer is crucial for several reasons:
It determines the adhesion of the print to the build plate. A good first layer will stick firmly to the build plate, preventing the print from warping, curling, or detaching during the printing process. A bad first layer will have poor adhesion, which can cause the print to fail or have defects.
It affects the accuracy of the print. A good first layer will have the correct dimensions and shape, matching the design of the 3D model. A bad first layer will have errors or deviations, which can propagate to the subsequent layers and compromise the accuracy of the print.
It influences the appearance of the print. A good first layer will have a smooth and uniform surface, creating a pleasing aesthetic for the print. A bad first layer will have gaps, bumps, or irregularities, which can ruin the look of the print.
To achieve a good first layer, there are several factors that need to be considered and adjusted. These include:
The leveling of the build plate. The build plate should be leveled and parallel to the nozzle of the 3D printer, so that the distance between them is consistent across the entire surface. This ensures that the first layer is deposited evenly and with the right amount of pressure. To level the build plate, you can use a sheet of paper or a feeler gauge and adjust the screws or knobs that control the height of the build plate until you feel a slight resistance when moving the paper or gauge under the nozzle.
The temperature of the build plate and the nozzle. The build plate and the nozzle should be heated to the optimal temperature for the material that you are printing with. This ensures that the material flows smoothly and adheres well to the build plate. The temperature can vary depending on the type and brand of the material, but a general guideline is to set the build plate temperature to 60°C for PLA and 110°C for ABS, and the nozzle temperature to 200°C for PLA and 230°C for ABS.
The speed and flow of the extrusion. The speed and flow of the extrusion should be set to a low value for the first layer, so that the material is deposited slowly and precisely. This reduces the risk of over-extrusion or under-extrusion, which can cause blobs, gaps, or stringing on the first layer. A general guideline is to set the speed to 50% and the flow to 90% of the normal values for the first layer.
The height and width of the first layer. The height and width of the first layer should be set to a value that is slightly larger than the normal layer height and width. This ensures that the first layer has enough contact area with the build plate and fills any gaps or imperfections on the surface. A general guideline is to set the height to 120% and the width to 150% of the normal layer height and width.
What are some common problems and solutions for the first layer?
Even with the best settings and adjustments, you may still encounter some problems with the first layer of your 3D print. Here are some of the most common ones and how to solve them:
Elephant foot: This is when the first layer is wider than the rest of the print, creating a bulge or a flare at the base of the print. This can be caused by excessive pressure or heat on the first layer, or by a too low height of the first layer. To fix this, you can reduce the temperature of the build plate or the nozzle, increase the height of the first layer, or add a chamfer or a brim to the 3D model.
Warping: This is when the edges or corners of the first layer curl or lift up from the build plate, creating a distorted or detached print. This can be caused by poor adhesion or thermal contraction of the material, especially for materials with high shrinkage rates such as ABS. To fix this, you can increase the temperature of the build plate or the nozzle, use a heated enclosure or a fan to control the ambient temperature, apply an adhesive or a raft to the build plate, or use a material with lower shrinkage rates such as PLA.
Stringing: This is when thin strands or hairs of material are left behind on the first layer, creating a messy or hairy print. This can be caused by oozing or dripping of the material from the nozzle, or by a too high speed or flow of the extrusion. To fix this, you can reduce the temperature of the nozzle, increase the retraction distance and speed, or decrease the speed or flow of the extrusion.
The first layer of a 3D print is one of the most important aspects of 3D printing, as it affects the adhesion, accuracy, and appearance of the print. To achieve a good first layer, you need to adjust the leveling, temperature, speed, flow, height, and width of the first layer, and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. By following these tips and guidelines, you can improve the quality and success of your 3D prints.
