It sounds like you're dealing with a classic case of 3D print failure, commonly known as "spaghetti" printing, where the filament fails to adhere properly to the print bed and instead creates a tangled mess. To tackle this issue, let's streamline a pre-print process to significantly reduce or eliminate these mishaps.
Level the Print Bed: Ensure your print bed is perfectly level. A slight tilt can cause the nozzle to be too far from or too close to the bed, leading to adhesion problems.
Clean the Print Surface: Any grease, dust, or residue can prevent proper filament adhesion. Clean your print bed with isopropyl alcohol before printing.
Adjust Nozzle Height: Set the correct nozzle height. Too high, and the filament won't stick properly; too low, and it can block the filament from extruding correctly.
Check Nozzle and Bed Temperature: Make sure your nozzle and bed temperatures are appropriate for the filament you're using. PLA, for example, usually needs a bed temperature of about 50-70°C and a nozzle temperature of about 180-220°C.
Use a Brim or Raft: Adding a brim or raft in your print settings can significantly improve bed adhesion for the initial layers.
Check Filament Quality: Ensure your filament is dry and free from defects. Moisture can cause printing issues, so consider using a filament dryer if necessary.
Optimize Print Speed: Starting your print with a slower speed for the first few layers can improve adhesion and prevent the print from moving or warping.
Update Firmware and Software: Ensure your printer's firmware is up to date and that you're using the optimal settings for your model and material in your slicing software.
Calibrate Extruder: Make sure your extruder is properly calibrated to extrude the right amount of filament. Over-extrusion or under-extrusion can both lead to issues.
By incorporating these steps into your pre-print routine, you should see a significant reduction in spaghetti prints. It's all about ensuring that the first layer sticks well and that your printer is operating under the best conditions for the material you're using.