Sunlu PETG Settings
The importance of getting the Live-Z values right while printing with the Sunlu cannot be denied. However, it is also important to note that some brands also seem to have varying Live-Z values. This means that you will have to either decrease or increase the Live-Z value, depending on the project, or based on other factors, such as the filament, print settings, and nozzle size.
The good news is that you can use the "life adjust Z" calibrations g-codes that are easily available online. You can also try changing the live Z from -1.4 to -1.3, and for even better results, clean the bed with IPA 90%.
Running Out of Filament
If you are using the Sunlu S8 3D printer, then you are in good hands because it has a built-in filament sensor that is a nifty little feature that detects when the filament is about to run out and notifies the user. This is a great feature to have in any 3D printer, especially if you tend to print large objects, in which case, the last thing you want is to run out of PETG filament in the middle of the printing process.
Turning off the Fans
Few people know this, but printing without using the fans in a 3D printer can increase layer adhesion. Unlike other filament types, PETG prints well without the need to use fans. So, if you detect any delamination or cracks in the 3D print, all you have to do is just switch off the fans.
PETG Temperature
If you are printing on a Sunlu printer using a PETG filament and you notice stringing, the filament may have absorbed too much moisture. Stringing in PETG filaments is one of the common signs of a wet PETG filament. Other issues when using PETG filaments in the Sunlu 3D printer include hearing strange sounds such as crackling that's coming from the hot end of the 3D printer during the printing process. The best way to solve this issue is by simply removing the PETG filament and drying it properly.
There are a few ways experienced 3D printer users ensure that the PETG filament they're using is completely dry. The first way is to use a food dehydrator to help dry out the PETG filament before starting the printing process. Another way, and the one most preferred by experienced Sunlu printer users, is to simply place the PETG filament in an oven to dry any moisture.
However, that being said, when using an oven to dry your PETG filament, it is advised to keep the temperature below 80 degrees C to avoid the filament melting too much. As a rule of thumb, when using an oven, be sure to consider the temperature of your surroundings. If the area you live in is cold, you will need to keep the PETG filament in the oven for longer. But for normal temperatures, anywhere between 2 to 4 hours in an oven under 80 degrees Celsius should be enough to remove any of the trapped moisture in the PETG filament.
It is possible your PETG filament came already saturated with water. This occurs because PETG filament is incredibly hygroscopic, which means it tends to absorb more water than other 3D printer filaments. Also, PETG can absorb some water in the bag if it is not sealed properly, which is another factor to consider when purchasing PETG filaments for your Sunlu 3D printer.
When using the PETG filament on the Sunlu 3D printer, the ideal printing temperature is around 235 to 250 degrees Celsius. Any hot or colder than this, and the PETG filament will end up stringing, or worse. You might also have to deal with a plethora of other issues, such as over extrusion and a locked nozzle, which can delay the entire printing process. It is also recommended to keep the heated bed at a temperature between 70 to 100 degrees Celsius, especially when it comes to producing large flat prints.
Layer Support
We all know that PETG filaments are great when it comes to layer adhesion. This can also make it harder to remove the supports. However, there is an easy fix for your layer supports. All you have to do is keep a gap between the printed part and the support to make sure they don't stick together and are difficult to remove. It is recommended to keep this gap around 0.1-mm, which can give you some great results. That being said, you can play around with this distance to find which works best for you.
Sunlu PETG Troubleshooting
Certain issues can pop up when using a Sunlu 3D printer. For instance, one problem that many beginners face when it's time to use the Sunlu 3D printer with the PETG filament is that the filament tends to stick when printing the first layer. This is a common problem and can have a devastating effect on the print, wasting your PETG filament. This is especially a problem when it's time to print small holes using the Sunlu 3D printer.
The best way around this issue is to keep the Sunlu PETG setting you are currently using but thoroughly clean the sheet. This can be easily done with the help of some warm water and dishwasher soap. However, you will also have to redo the Live-Z. The good news is that even if you need to print multiple rolls of PETG filament, you will only need to clean the sheet a couple of times, but you will still need to adjust the live z a few times. When cleaning the sheet, make sure to use non-fragrant dishwashing liquid, and never touch the plate.
Add a Brim
There are many reasons why adding a brim in the mix ensures that you have a better chance with those prints when using PETG on a Sunlu 3D printer. For instance, many beginners who have never worked with a Sunlu 3D printer complain about warping issues while printing smaller parts for enclosures, with some corners even getting pulled off the bed.
This can be a problem when it's time to print a longer piece, where the warping effect is going to be too much to ignore and could also lead to skewing the frame rather than stabilizing it. While many beginners think that the problem lies in the nozzle and experiment with various size nozzles or tweaking the bed temperatures, the answer lies in using a brim, which is commonly used by more experienced 3D printer operators.
So, what does the brim do in a Sunlu 3D printer, you ask. Regardless of the type of printer used, having a brim is essential for two very basic reasons. For starters, the brim is the only way to ensure that the printed object is getting that hold-down force it needs for the edges to stay in position. This results in getting a more accurate print every time. Another reason why it is advised to use a brim is that it has been found to be extremely helpful in reducing the amount of temperature differential between the part that's being printed and the open bed.
One of the things that you will learn while using a Sunlu 3D printer is that, more often than not, warping occurs due to a bad first layer, as in, one that is either too low or too high and a dirty bed. The stringing issue you may have can also be reduced by tweaking the retraction settings. For instance, a 3mm at 45mm/s is the ideal setup with an all-metal hot end.
