Every successful building project starts with a sturdy foundation, and so are 3D prints. A poor first layer could ruin your 3D prints from the very beginning with a rough surface, the print not sticking to the print bed, etc. To avoid printing failure, it's essential to solve these 3D printing first layer problems.

If you also encounter these issues but have no idea how to solve them, you've landed in the right place. This guide has collected 5 common 3D printer first layer issues and how to fix them. We will also provide some practical tips for achieving a flawless first layer every time you print. Keep reading to learn more!

Common 3D Print First Layer Issues and Fixes

When you are already in trouble with the first layer, you may wonder what is the problem with the first layer of 3D printing. Now, go to the 3D printer first layer problems you're facing now and get the fixes below.

3D Print First Layer Rough

The rough 3D printing first layer issue refers to a condition where the surface of the first layer is uneven, bumpy, or not smooth. The rough surface leads to poor adhesion between layers and less fine details, ruining your prints.

Causes

• Nozzle too close to bed.
• The extrusion flow is too high or too low.
• The print speed is so fast that the filament does not have enough time to stick together.
• An uneven or non-flat print bed can cause uneven adhesion and result in a rough surface.
• Incorrect setting of the first layer temperature can lead to poor adhesion or insufficient melting.

Solutions

• Increase the gap between the nozzle and the print bed, ensuring it's not too wide to prevent 3D print first layer gaps or first layer lines not touching.
• Slow down the first layer printing speed, usually setting it to 30% to 50% of the overall printing speed.
• Level the print bed manually, or turn to an automatic bed-leveling sensor.
• Set the appropriate bed temperature based on the filament being used.
• Ensure that the extrusion flow is properly set to avoid over-extrusion or under-extrusion.
• Make sure the print head and nozzle are clean, without dust or impurities.

3D Printing First Layer Ripples

First layer ripples refer to undulations or wave-like patterns presenting on the surface of the first layer of a 3D print. These ripples can affect the overall appearance and quality of the print.

Causes

• If a cooling fan is turned on too early, it will bring uneven cooling, poor layer adhesion, and ripples.
• The print bed is too close to the nozzle or not even. This smudges filaments and thus causes ripples and waves.
• The nozzle releases excessive filament, which causes over-extrusion ripples and strings on your model.

Solutions

• Try placing the printer in a location where it is not exposed to wind during the printing.
• Lower the printing speed for the first layer to give the filament enough time to cool and bond.
• Check the print bed and nozzle to ensure appropriate extrusion flow settings so that the nozzle does not extrude too much material.

3D Print Elephant's Foot

When the first layer is slightly larger than the rest of the print, it means you run into 3D printing elephant's foot. It is a common case for large prints as the rest part pushes down the first layer before it's not yet fully cooled. This can result in a wider and distorted base and prevent the model from fitting properly.

Causes

• Excessive filament extrudes on the first layer, bulging the base.
• High bed temperature settings leave less time for filaments to cool and keep the bottom layers in a semi-melted state, causing them to spread out.

Solutions

• Lower the temperature of the print bed by 5 °C until the first layer is smoothly and evenly adhered.
• Set the appropriate settings for extrusion flow to avoid excessive accumulation of filaments.
• Decrease the printing speed and ensure that the filament has enough time to cool.

3D Print First Layer Warping

3D warping, or 3D print first layer curling, is another common issue in 3D printing where the bottom layers of the printed object warp or lift from the print bed during or after the printing process.

Causes

• Filaments tend to shrink during the cooling process, which can lead to deformations.
• The uneven temperature on the print bed surface can cause uneven cooling of the material.
• Printing too quickly can prevent proper adhesion of the printed material to the print bed or the layer below, leading to warping.
• Turning on the cooling fan too soon, particularly in the initial layers of printing, can lead to rapid and uneven cooling, contributing to warping.
• Part of the bottom layers fails to adhere firmly to the print bed.

Solutions

• Use a heated build plate and avoid cold airflow.
• Optimize printing settings like temperature, printing speed, extrusion flow, etc.
• Apply suitable adhesives on the build plate, such as 3D printing glue, tape, etc.

3D Printer First Layer Not Sticking

3D print first layer not sticking is a severe issue in 3D printing. It happens when the printed object fails to adhere firmly to the print bed. When first layer adhesion problems occur, your print can move during the print process and end up in a mess. How do you fix a bad first layer adhesion? Here is it:

Causes

• The first layer can't adhere to the bed due to an uneven or dirty build plate with residues.
• Different printing filaments require different temperature settings for heating or cooling it. If not set properly, they could fail to stick.
• Excessively high printing speeds can result in the first layer being printed too quickly without adhesion.

Solutions

• Thoroughly clean the build plate making sure there is no dust, residues, or mess.
• Choose adhesives suitable for your printing filament and build plate.
• Set the appropriate bottom layer temperature based on the printing filament you are using.
• Adjust printing speed to ensure that the filament has enough time to adhere to the build plate.

How Do You Get a Good First Layer on a 3D Printer?

Achieving a pristine first layer in 3D printing extends beyond addressing common issues like roughness or warping. Other 3D printing first layer issues, such as squish, bubbling, and stringy, can also compromise print quality. To navigate and resolve these hurdles, here are some essential tips to ensure your first layer is as flawless as possible.

Clean the Print Surface

To get a smooth first layer, ensure that the print bed is clean. Residue from previous prints can affect filament adhesion, leading to potential print failures. Use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly wipe down the surface between prints, and consider light sanding for build plates that have adhesion issues.

Automatic Bed Leveling

Many modern 3D printers, like the AnkerMake M5 3D Printer with its 7×7 auto-leveling system, are equipped with sensors that measure the bed's surface at multiple points. This automatically adjusts the Z-axis, maintaining a consistent nozzle height for a uniform first layer.

If your printer lacks this feature, you can try manual leveling, using a piece of paper to gauge the distance between the nozzle and the bed at several points.

Use Suitable Materials and Adhesion Helpers

When printing with materials like ABS and ASA, apply a thin layer of adhesive such as hairspray or glue sticks to the print bed to enhance adhesion and prevent first-layer issues. Conversely, for overly sticky materials like TPE and PETG, use a release agent to avoid damage to the print surface. For PLA, which typically adheres well without complications, ensure the bed is clean and level for optimal results.

Optimize First Layer Settings

Modify your slicer settings to better suit the first layer. Here is how:

1. Increase the initial layer thickness for better filament bonding
2. Reduce the speed to about 50% of normal to allow more time for the filament to adhere
3. Consider raising the nozzle temperature by 5-10°C to enhance filament flow.
4. Implement a raft or brim to greatly assist with adhesion and stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the first layer in 3D printing sets the stage for successful prints. This guide has dissected common issues, such as rough layers, ripples, elephant's foot, warping, and poor adhesion, providing targeted solutions for 3D printer troubleshooting first layer issues. By meticulously adjusting the nozzle distance, leveling the bed, moderating print speed, and optimizing temperature settings, you can significantly enhance the foundation of your print. Do not forget to do a 3D printing first layer test when you set everything. A flawless first layer is essential not only for avoiding errors but also for laying the perfect groundwork for intricate, durable, and high-quality 3D creations.

Common FAQs about 3D Printing First Layer Problems

How thin should the first layer of a 3D printer be?

The first layer of a 3D printer should typically be set slightly thicker than subsequent layers. A common recommendation is to around 0.1 to 0.3 mm. However, this can vary depending on factors like printer type, printing material, and desired print quality.

What speed should I print the first layer?

A common recommendation is to print the first layer at around 30-50% of the regular print speed, though the specific speed depends on the printer model, filament, and desired print quality. Still, for better adhesion and less unevenness in the print bed, it is advisable to print the first layer at a slower speed than the rest of the print.

Is thicker first layer height stronger?

No. A thicker first layer height does not necessarily bring a stronger print. In fact, it can potentially lead to issues like poor bed adhesion, uneven surfaces, and less precision. The strength of a printed object primarily depends on factors like the material used, infill density, and overall design. It's crucial to strike a balance between adhesion and dimensional accuracy.

Why is my PLA not sticking on the first layer?

PLA not sticking could be due to a dirty or cool print bed. Clean the bed with isopropyl alcohol and ensure it's heated to around 50-70°C for optimal adhesion. Additionally, check that the bed is level and the nozzle is at the correct height from the bed.