I have been adjusting first layer height, z offset, and first layer extrusion width, but I just can't get a first layer that doesn't stick out on the sides.
This is annoying when printing a very large number of small things that are supposed to easily fit together. I would strongly prefer to not have to fix each of potentially thousands of small pieces by hand with a razor blade. (especially considering the whole point of 3d printing is to make things with a computer, not by hand!)
I did the following tests, printing a 50x50x2 test plate. The actual plate measures 49.97 mm wide with calipers, while the foot part is 50.60 mm. Small, but enough to prevent blocks from fitting together nicely.
first layer height / z offset / first layer extrusion width
Test #1: uneven, lumpy elephants foot edge
0.3 / 0.0 / 150%
Test #2: parts didn't stick resulting in defects on the bottom
0.3 / 0.05 / 150%
Test #3: Seems like correct z height now, large noticeable elephant's foot though
0.3 / 0.025 / 150%
Test #4: still noticeable elephants foot
0.3 / 0.025 / 130%
Test #5: Didn't stick to bed
0.3 / 0.025 / 110%
Test #6: Seems closer to desired result, less noticeable foot but still there
0.2 / 0.025 / 150%
Test #7: Looks really good but still has elephant's foot
0.2 / 0.025 / 200%
Test #8: Seems pretty good also but still has elephant's foot
0.2 / 0.05 / 200%
Test #9: Probably the best result, so far I think, with the least amount of elephant's foot, but still noticeable. Unfortunately, after running this test a few more times, it only sticks 1 out of 5 times.
0.2 / 0.025 / 130%
Tests 6, 7, and 9 seem pretty damn close, with test 9 probably being the closest of all. (but has the sticking issue)
What do I do now?
I really wish I could just keep a large first layer extrusion width, but simply shrink the entire dimension of the first layer by a small percentage. (I'm using slic3r)
How do I fix this?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2020 06:49PM by foul_owl.