3D Printing PSA- Clean that extruder nozzle, slow first layer for PC+PBT

[petran1420]

I was getting decent quality prints for my mintyPi pieces, but not perfect. Nothing that a little sandpaper couldn't take care of, but I wanted it even better. Tried tinkering with print speeds, extrusion widths, layer heights, temps, etc., but what did the most good was a good ol' clean out of the extruder nozzle. Just stuck a needle in there while it was heated to PLA temps, jabbed it around for a minute or 2, then tried to print again. The difference was stark:


Still not perfect, but a much smoother first layer. In addition, slowing down the print speed of your first layer is often well worth the extra print time. I've found this to be especially true when using the PC+PBT filament for the base, screen back and hinge. My failure rate with that filament was around 50%, but when I slowed down the first layer print time to 40% speed, I haven't failed a print yet.

Thought maybe this could help someone else too! I print on a Prusa i3 mk2S.

[wermy]

Nice. A cold-pull will likely give you a lot of the same benefit. I do one between every filament change.