Not so long ago I bought my first 3D printer. It hasn’t shipped yet, but I’m gathering knowledge so hopefully I’ll be able to use it when it arrives.
One of the things I noticed while choosing the printer was that many specified “perfect first layer”. What’s so special about it? What should a beginner such as I know about it?
The first layer needs to stick to the build plate well. If it doesn’t stick the print will fail and best case you’ll need to start again.
First layers are notoriously fiddly to get right because there are so many variables that affect it.
Also 90-95% of print failures are due to a bad first layer (citation needed).
ITS ME. IM THE SOURCE
I Concur, ninja kitty is the source of all bad first layers
In addition to first layer adhesion being critical, it’s a good calibration tool. The first layer makes it easy to see if you have your z-offset right, among other things.
I had mine too high and my e steps too low and compensated by adjusting flow and temp in my slicer which lead to other issues later on like bad overhangs, random gaps between layers, ugly top layers, etc. I was pulling my hair out trying to adjust slicer settings but my height and extrusion were just off.
After getting a really good first layer, prints have been way cleaner, simply because the settings required to get a perfect first layer matter for other layers too, they’re just not as obvious there.
That’s my newbie take anyway. I’ve been printing for about a month
Another good take: never compensate if you can calibrate or adjust the actual value. Or, simply, never compensate.