First Layer Problems

Martin Stone · 22 Feb 2022 at 12:58

A couple of days ago I used my Ender 3 V2 for the first time in several weeks. It wasn't printing properly so I checked the nozzle & it was clogged up, so decided to fit a new nozzle anyway. After levelling the bed I was still having first layer problems so ordered a CR Touch & fitted it yesterday. I also installed the latest Marlin firmware. I have since spent hours trying to get a good first layer, going back & forth between the printer & watching Youtube videos. Here are a couple of test prints...

ScoobyDoo · 22 Feb 2022 at 17:38

Picture isn't working

Normally first layers problems are down to the nozzle being too close or too far away.
Did you set your Z offset after setting up your touch, try adjust this to see if you can improve your first layer

Martin Stone · 22 Feb 2022 at 18:36

Yes, I set the Z offset.

Sorry about the pic. I've tried to get it to show up but nothing doing. If you right click on it and "Copy image address", you can paste it into chrome and it's fine.

ScoobyDoo · 22 Feb 2022 at 22:08

Looking at those photos I'd say your nozzle is too high and your cr touch isn't adjusting.
Are you running G29 before you print

Martin Stone · 23 Feb 2022 at 00:32

No, not running G29. I ran it a couple of times but, as I'm using the 5x5, it was taking too long. Maybe I should install the 3x3 instead?

ScoobyDoo · 23 Feb 2022 at 15:39

I only use a 3x3 mesh. In Cura I've got my startup code to include a g28 followed by a g29 to create the mesh before the print starts

Scougar · 23 Feb 2022 at 18:56

Here is my reply in another thread: https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/posts/35417156/

Here is my starting G-code (in Cura found under: Settings / Printer / Manage Printers / Machine Settings / 'Printer' tab > Start G-code

These are specific to my machine, running a Jyers UBL 15x15 firmware with a CR CR Touch and a Micro Swiss Direct Drive. The first 5 lines should be useable if you are using Jyers UBL though. You will NEED to have run the levelling mesh on the printer first before using this is your prints.

G28 ; home all axes
M420 S1 ; enable the mesh
G29 L0 ; load mesh
G29 A ; enables UBL
G29 J ; tilt mesh
G1 X20 Y20 Z0.2 F3000 ; get ready to prime
G92 E0 ; reset extrusion distance
G1 X160 E15 F600 ; prime nozzle
G1 X180 F5000 ; quick wipe

Martin Stone · 23 Feb 2022 at 18:56

I changed the firmware today for the 3x3 and included the G29 code but the first layer still looks the same as my pic.. I'm not sure what to try next?

Edit: I've just tried using the G29 and the M420 S1 code but still the same. This has only been happening since I changed the nozzle (twice), so I wonder if it is something to do with that because they aren't exactly the same as the creality nozzles.

Martin Stone · 25 Feb 2022 at 13:14

I've now printed that test piece a dozen times or more with various settings and it misses in exactly the same places every time. I also tried another test and that misses too.

It almost seems as if there is something in the gcode creating these spaces.

again, If you right click on it and "Copy image address", you can paste it into chrome.

ScoobyDoo · 26 Feb 2022 at 13:23

Thats a serious issue going on there.
I'd try the Jyers firmware and see if that makes a difference. Im running Jyers.
Did you compile the marlin firmware youself?.
If its happening in the same place everytime its either a firmware issue or the cl touch isnt working correctly.

Martin Stone · 9 Mar 2022 at 17:10

Sorry I haven't got back sooner, I got fed up with it so left it a few days. Good news is, I've sorted it. It was the extruder. I went back to the printer yesterday and noticed that although the blue plastic wheel was turning, the filament wasn't always being fed. I tightened the adjuster as much as I could, which helped, but still patchy. I then ordered a Redrex Tech dual gear extruder which I have just fitted.

Thanks everyone for your help & suggestions.