Frode
1
Got a problem with the top layer, seems to be on every print I have done.
I use Cura. Is the top layer to thin? And if so, where do I increase it.
1 Like
Bubbles, probably your filament is bad, check with a different brand. And why it’s skipping one line after printing one?
2 Likes
Garyg
3
Hi
I use CURA also.
It appears that you are building the part using about 40% infill.
There is a place in the CURA that I use - It’s the Lulzbot edition, where you can select
how much infill overlap you want.
This is in the Fill section.
It’s usually 15% in my version of CURA.
In the box that displays the infill %, there are 2 other boxes
They say Solid infill top
and
Solid infill bottom
If those checkboxes are unchecked you are not using solid fill on top and bottom layers.
It looks to me like you want the top and bottom of your print to be solid.
…
I hope this answers your question.
1 Like
Frode
4
I found those settings, and I had changed those to 45% infill overlap. I noticed that it wasn’t printing all the way to the holes in the middle.
The Solid infill top and bottom har checked.
On this part I used 20% fill density. I would think that using a higher fill density number would fill in those gaps, but that would take a lot more time to print.
The bottom/top thickness is set to 1mm.
1 Like
Garyg
5
Hi again
You have not mentioned what printer you are using.
Is it possible that there is an incorrect nozzle size set up in CURA?
Now that you’ve mentioned that you are using 20% infill, the lines in the photo must be
the top layers.
Another thing that might be causing this would be if you have incorrect filament diameter selected.
…
Just more thoughts
Frode
6
I’m using a self build M Prime One, the nozzle is 0.4.
Yes, you are correct. The lines in the photo is the top layer. And I have set the Bottom/top layer to 1 mm.
The filament diameter is correct. I have 1.75 and its set to 1.75 in Cura.
Garyg
7
Hi again.
Have you tried printing with a layer height less than 0.2mm?
It looks like the printed noodles are pretty round looking.
I usually print at a resolution of about .25mm, but I have a .5mm nozzle size.
and it’s also possible that your hot end E-steps might be off, which could cause under extrusion.
…
Just more thoughts
and
Have you tried looking at some of the M Prime forums for words of wisdom?
Frode
8
Yes, I have printed as low as 0.1. Same result.
And the extruder is set to 140% flow.
Garyg
9
Hi again
Do the overall dimensions of your printed parts match your drawing dimensions?
for example:
If you print a 50mmx50mm cube outside measurements.
Does it actually measure out to be 50mmx50mm?
For some reason that I cannot explain, this is to me, an interesting topic.
…
These are yet more thoughts.
Frode
10
Yes, the dimensions are correct.
I’ve search the web and found out that this is called pillowing. And is due to to little cooling and/or to thin top layer.
So I’m going to check the fan and see if I can improve this. All so I need help to find out where the number of top layers is set in Cura. Have no clue where to find it.
https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/19503-pillowing
Are you getting adequate airflow onto the ptint? If it is pillowing as you stated then it could be that inproper airflow (or lack thereof) is flowing over the print as the nozzle moves over it. If so try adding better airflow (dual fan shroud etc) to see if rhis helps keep the peint uniform.
Garyg
12
Hi again
In CURA in the fill section, that’s where you set the fill density
Just above that, you will see Bottom/Top thickness (mm) setting.
Bottom/Top thickness cannot be set for only top or only bottom.
To set the number of layers, you multiply your layer height x number of layers you want.
enter that into your Bottom/Top thickness(mm) location.
Example: Layer height 0.25mm x 4 = 1mm.
To get 4 layers your setting would be 1mm.
…
I hope that helps you.
another thought
Frode
13
I was thinking the same thing. So I have ordered a better quality fan, hoping that will to the trick. If not, I’ve got two fans to mount.
Frode
14
oh, that’s how it works. So if I change the layer height to 0.1 and have 1mm of thickness it will make 10 bottom and top layers?
Garyg
15
You are correct.
At 0.1mm layer height with 1mm of thickness set, you will get 10 top and bottom layers.
But 0.1 layer height is pretty small
When I print down to that height, the prints take forever to finish.
The surface of the prints at that layer height usually look very good though.
Yet more thoughts
I would suggest setting up a fan setup that surrounds the nozzle so you even airflow. Also an enclosure also works well for various materials like abs. Lastly, good ball bearing fans always work better, last longer and are less noisy. (Not the cheap china ones!)
