Smooth and flawless first layers are crucial for 3D printing success, but ripple-like imperfections can often appear due to improper settings or printer dynamics. These ripples, commonly referred to as the "3D print first layer ripples", can impact the overall quality of your prints and even cause project failures.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind first layer ripples in 3D printing, practical solutions, and strategies to prevent them from happening in the first place.

What Causes Ripples in 3D Printing First Layer?

The 3D printing first layer ripples are usually related to factors such as bed adhesion, nozzle height, print speed, and temperature settings. Understanding these exact causes of 3D print first layer bubbling is the first step toward achieving smoother prints.

• Bed Adhesion Issues: If the 3D printing bed isn't leveled properly, some parts of the printed object will be higher on the bed, causing the nozzle to move unevenly. Additionally, an unclean 3D printing bed can result in poor filament adhesion, also contributing to the issue of ripples.
• Incorrect 3D Printing Nozzle Height: If the nozzle is too close to the print bed, the material may not be extruded smoothly or may get stuck on the print bed. This can lead to first layer ripples. Conversely, if the nozzle is set too high, it may result in the 3D printer first layer not sticking, which can also cause a 3D printing wavy first layer surface.
• High 3D Printing Speed:High speeds can disrupt material deposition, leading to uneven layers. In contrast, slower speeds are typically considered to yield more flawless prints because a slow and steady pace allows the filament to adhere firmly to the print bed.
• Temperature Settings: The first layer temperature can also influence 3D printing ripples. Higher temperatures may cause the filament to melt, while lower temperatures can result in insufficient filament extrusion.
• Over Extrusion in the First Layer: Over extrusion occurs when too much filament is deposited, which can lead to excessive material piling up on the first layer. This often results in visible ripples or an uneven surface as the nozzle struggles to distribute the excess material evenly.
• Printer Dynamics and Vibrations: Vibrations from the printer can significantly impact the quality of the first layer. If the printer's frame or components are not stable, the movement of the print head can cause oscillations, leading to ripples or uneven surfaces.

How to Fix 3D Printing First Layer Ripples?

The problem of 3D printing first layer ripples is not uncommon, and there are several effective solutions to address it. You can refer to the six methods below if you encounter ripples in your 3D prints.

Level Print Bed Properly

The primary concern is to ensure the 3D printing bed is level. If you encounter issues with ripples, it's essential to halt the printing process and use a leveling program, machine, or manual adjustment to ensure that the nozzle can uniformly extrude filament. Also, it's important to keep the print bed clean to prevent ripple issues caused by foreign particles.

This guide will talk more about how to level a 3D printer bed.

Set Up the Proper Nozzle Height

The recommended nozzle height for a 3D printer typically depends on the specific 3D printer model, the materials, and the requirements you are using.

In general, the height can be set within a range of 25% to 80% of the nozzle diameter.

For example, for a common 0.4mm nozzle diameter, the feasible height range would be from 0.1mm to 0.32mm.

To test this before printing, slide an A4 paper between the nozzle and the print bed. The paper should move in and out easily without any hindrance. At this point, the height should be appropriate.

Lower the Printing Speed:

As mentioned earlier, slower print speeds are key to achieving successful 3D printing. This is primarily to provide ample time for the extruded filament to cool and spread effectively.

Now most slicers will automatically calculate the first layer speed. But to avoid bubbles in the first layer of your 3D print, it's advisable to set the initial layer speed within the range of 30-50% of the overall speed, and a good initial speed could be around 20-30 millimeters per second.

Turn Off the Cooling Fan

The cooling fan for the model is closely related to the first layer printing temperature. In general, the filament needs to cool down gradually to enhance adhesion with the print bed, so it is suggested to keep the model fan off during the initial stages of printing to prevent the material from cooling too soon. This can fix 3D printing first layer ripples to some extent.

Calibrate Extrusion Settings

To resolve over-extrusion issue in the first layer, it is essential to calibrate your extrusion settings carefully.

Start by adjusting the flow rate or extrusion multiplier in your slicer software -reducing it slightly can help eliminate the excess material causing ripples.

Additionally, ensure that your filament diameter is accurately measured and entered in the slicer settings to avoid inconsistencies in extrusion. Running a test print, such as a single-layer square, can help confirm that the first layer is smooth and free of ripples before proceeding with your main print.

Minimize Printer Dynamics and Vibrations

To reduce ripples caused by vibrations, make sure your printer is on a sturdy and level surface. Check for loose belts, screws, or unstable frame components, and tighten them as needed. Also, inspect the Z-axis for any wobbling or misalignment and fix it using support brackets or stabilizers. If necessary, use vibration-dampening pads under your printer to further absorb movement during operation.

How to Prevent 3D Printing Ripples on the First Layer?

Troubleshooting first-layer ripples is crucial, but prevention is always better than a cure. By addressing key aspects before starting your print, you can significantly minimize the chances of ripples during 3D printing. Consider the following strategies:

Implementing Automatic Bed Leveling Sensor

If you want to quickly and accurately level your 3D printing bed, one of the most convenient methods is to use an automatic bed leveling (ABL) sensor. This sensor measures multiple points on the bed during the leveling process, recording data on the height between the nozzle and the bed. While printing, it automatically adjusts the nozzle's height based on the recorded data to ensure the best print quality.

There are various sensor options available now, but we recommend using a mechanical sensor for its versatility, suitable for different types of print beds and conditions. If you want to explore other options, you can also consider capacitive, inductive, and physical Hall effect sensors.

Using Manual Mesh Bed Leveling

In addition to sensor-based leveling, you can use mesh bed leveling. This method works well when your print bed is warped or the bed's edges are flat while the center is too close to the nozzle. Mesh bed leveling is often used with printers that have leveling firmware like Marlin.

Instead of sensors, the firmware records height settings at multiple points and creates a grid. During leveling, you can slide a piece of paper between the print head and the bed to help the firmware gather height data from different points on the bed, ensuring a level surface.

Choosing the Best 3D Printers

To prevent issues with the first layer ripples in 3D printing, the most direct solution is to choose a high-quality 3D printer with automatic bed leveling capability. Machines such as the AnkerMake M5 3D Printer or AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer are excellent options. They support printing with various high-quality materials, and provide precise printing at 0.1mm accuracy, reducing the likelihood of ripple problems.

And these printers feature an aerospace-grade all-aluminum alloy frame that effectively alleviates ripple problems caused by printing vibrations. Even better, both of these 3D printers support 7x7 automatic bed leveling, so you no longer need to be concerned about leveling the bed before each print.

Conclusion

Ripples in the first layer of a 3D print are a common issue for those new to the 3D printing world. However, by referring to the cause analysis provided in this article, taking timely action, and selecting suitable leveling tools or 3D printers, you can prevent first layer ripples when 3D printing to some extent. By taking proactive steps to understand and address potential issues, you can elevate your 3D printing projects from good to exceptional, ensuring that your prints are smooth, precise, and ripple-free from the very first layer.

FAQ

What is the best speed for first layer print?

Typically, the first layer printing speed is required to be slow to ensure good adhesion and print quality. It is suggested to start testing the first layer printing speed in the range of 20 to 30 millimeters per second and make adjustments based on your specific conditions.

What will happen if the first layer is too thick?

A thick first layer in 3D printing may lead to problems like poor adhesion to the bed, making prints prone to detachment or gaps. It can also result in lost details and an uneven 3D printing first layer, thus lower overall print quality. Moreover, the thick first layer will waste more material. Therefore, it's recommended to set the initial layer height to approximately 75% of the nozzle's diameter when 3D printing.

What temperatures should the first layer of a 3D printer be?

Usually, the first layer temperature is set slightly higher than the subsequent layers to ensure good adhesion to the print bed. Here are some common first layer temperature ranges for various 3D printing materials:

• PLA (Polylactic Acid): 190°C ~ 220°C
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): 220°C ~ 250°C
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): 230°C ~ 250°C
• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): 220°C ~ 250°C

Please note that these are general temperature ranges, and the specific temperature may vary based on your printer, the brand of the material, and other factors.