Hi, I’ve tried to print a model plane for my father. It’s this model, using this LW-PLA right after purchase.

As you can see in the image of this post, the print is going well until it reaches a certain layer, where the filament does not get deposited properly for the entire layer, only intermittently. The following layers then, of course, have the same problem and I get this failed print with these “frayed ends”. Additional attempts failed the same way at a similar layer count.

If someone has some experience with lightweight PLA (LW-PLA) and knows what can be done to solve this, I and my father would greatly appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: Additional info: I’m using the PrusaSlicer files from the linked page. Edit2: The printer is Prusa Mk4.

3 points

Could be too much heat so when film retracts some still drip and causes that. What temperature are you printing at?

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2 points

First layer 240 deg Celsius, other layers 245 degrees.

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5 points

That’s pretty hot for PLA

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3 points

It’s LW-PLA, that foams, could be necessary for the foaming. We just used the filament by the manufacturer with their model files and presets.

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5 points

according to manufacturer Temp should be between 230-250. Maybe try with 230 and see if it helps?

A better option is to print a “temperature tower”

something like that: https://all3dp.com/2/temp-tower-cura-tutorial/

It should show which temperature is ideal

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14 points

I’m thinking it looks like the print gets to a spot where it can get faster, and your hot end can’t keep up with the temperature required by that filament, causing under extrusion. If my guess is correct, it would show on a small test print (same settings) where you get looooong straight lines to allow for speed. And would disappear by slowing down. Since it looks like a relatively expensive filament I suggest you wait for more feedback before trying my test, just in case I got it wrong and my test would waste some filament for nothing.

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5 points

Other commenters also suggested to experiment with temperature. We’ll also do some speed tests. Thanks.

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11 points

First thing, just because it’s new from manufacturer doesn’t mean it’s dry. Don’t know lw off hand, but drying helps eliminate variables

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5 points

Good idea. I would have expected new filament to be dry. If nobody else comes along and says: It’s definitely ‘this’, we’ll try to dry it. Thanks.

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4 points

If it’s always happening at the same layer I’m skeptical thatl it’s a drying issue. You try printing with a normal pla to see if it’s filament related even? If it is, agree with doing a temp tower. I’ve been doing that with most new filaments. Try slowing print speed too

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3 points

Do you mean the exact same model but another filament like regular PLA? Other models with regular PLA is no problem.

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5 points

This model. Whenever I have trouble with a print first thing I do is get the best most familiar reliable prusament pla I have and try same print with that.

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3 points

I agree. Can you put the stl in the slicer and run thru the layers. See what happens around this height? I’ve had trouble with my prusa mk3 always shifting at the same height and it was a firmware issue. Happened out of the blue and a refresh fixed it.

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3 points

The layer doesn’t look unusual compared to the previous layers, but thanks for the suggestion.

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5 points
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How’s your filament feed at that height, anything getting kinked or stopped? Does it feed in from a different direction? ie from low Benchtop?

Looks like your extruder can grip but not enough/ well enough for the speed. So either it’s too fast or your feed is too slow. Or the temp is too low.

Have you got constant layer height set or variable? The latter could cause it too.

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3 points

The feed should be alright. The spool is mounted above the printer, and its movement should not be restricted and the filament comes vertically down like this.

I’ll experiment with temperature and speed, like you and others recommended.

Looking into the 3mf file, the layer height is constant at 0.3 mm.

Thanks.

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