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(Beta) Print Quality Calibration [PLA]

Updated

Whether upgrading your printer or powering it on for the first time, you might not be getting the perfect prints you were hoping for.

This guide will take you through the process of diagnosing issues with your print quality and showing you potential fixes. This process can be applied whenever your prints aren't looking up to scratch!


1. Click on the image to download our benchmark test! #E3DBuggy 
Only available on Printables.

P1640152.JPG


2. Slice and print: Use your default settings for variables not mentioned here.

For a 0.4 Nozzle:
- Scale: 100%
- Layer Height: 0.2mm
All the prints in this guide were made with a 0.4mm nozzle but you can still use this guide with other nozzle sizes by altering the model's scale and/or your layer height:

For a 0.15mm Nozzle: For a 0.25mm Nozzle: For a 0.6 Nozzle:
- Scale: 37.5%
- Layer Height: 0.07mm		 - Scale: 62.5%
- Layer Height: 0.12mm		 - Scale: 100%
- Layer Height: 0.2mm


Help make this guide better by sharing your Buggy in our discord. Your print might just make it into our guide! You can find our #E3DBuggy channel here!

 

 

3. Compare your print against these images and their captions.
If your Buggy looks like any of these, use the guides to help diagnose and fix the cause of the issue.

P1640213.JPG

 

Dimensional inaccuracy

For this check, you'll need a pair of calipers. Measure the union jack flag on the top of the buggy in the X and Y directions. X and Y should measure 20mm.
Then measure the entire height of the buggy for Z. It should be 38.6mm.

If it is more than ±0.3mm in any direction, read this guide!
P1640224.JPG

 

Poor overhang performance

The most important thing is to increase your part cooling. If you're already at 100%, you can also try:

  • Smaller layer heights
  • Lowering your print temperatures.
  • Lowering your print speed
  • Drying your PLA. 
P1640211.JPG

 

Incomplete or sagging bridging

Look at the underside of the Buggies roof, is there any sagging or loose lines of plastic?

The most important thing is to make sure part cooling is working properly. If you're already at 100%, you can also try:

  • Decreasing flow rate at the bridges. More material means more cooling is needed. 
  • Lower your print speed for bridges.
  • Lower your print temperature
P1640281.JPG

 

Gaps in layers

Gaps between layers or very wispy incomplete layers are normally a sign of a clog or blockage in the nozzle.

  • Try increasing/decreasing your HotEnd temperatures
  • Have you recently changed from a different material? - Try a cold pull to clear the Nozzle.
P1640198.JPG

 

Layer shifting

Are you getting random shifts in your layers?

  • Check your belt tension
  • Check your pulleys are not loose 
  • Check the axis responsible for the layer shift is not being obstructed by anything
  • Consider increasing your motor currents 
  • Check your stepper motor drivers aren't overheating

 
P1640206.JPG

 

Stringing

Got lots of fine lines of filament where there shouldn't be any?

  • Lower your print temperature
  • Increase your retraction distance
  • Dry your filament
  • Use a smaller value for lift-z

 
Has your printer got bad Z-banding?
We need your help getting an example image!

 

Z-banding

Got consistently inconsistent layers in the Z direction?

  • PID tune your heated bed (don't use BANG BANG)
  • Check your Z-axis rod is straight
  • Try using filament that is more dimensionally accurate
P1640197.JPG

 

Unmitigated Disaster

Let's just hope yours doesn't look like this!

 

 

4. If you don't have any of the issues listed in this guide, and your #E3DBuggy is looking good, why not move on to some of our more difficult 3D Printer stress tests? - Available on Printables.

If you have a print quality issue that isn't captured in this guide, let us know on our discord. You can find our #E3DBuggy channel here.

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