Print Failures - Tried Everything

[nikhiljogia]

Hey guys,

(Using Solus + Waxcast)

A couple of weeks ago some of my prints started failing, and then eventually they all started failing. I then:

- Changed the film (and vat FWIW)
- Checked the platform calibration
- Scuffed up the build platform

..all to no avail.

It seemed the bottom layers were printing and not much else as the print fell off the platform as soon as the bottom layers printed or shortly thereafter. I therefore increased the layer exposure up to 7 seconds per layer. This worked to some extent and I managed to get a fairly successful print, albeit with a LOT of flashing that I was able to remove with a toothbrush.

I then replaced the projector bulb, and that hasn't had much effect. Below is my latest print - part of the support has printed, and then it has fallen off the platform and there is also a lot of flashing due to the high exposure.

Any ideas???

[Messerbr]

I'm not able to see the image on my end. But I had a similar problem after replacing my bulb. Turned out that I didnt have the lamp housing all the way back in the right place. I thought I had it back in, but when I opened it back up a second time it locked it. Maybe recheck that your lamp housing is all the way down and all screws tight?

[lklutts]

Check your settings. WIndows update changed my solus settings. I dont know how, but it happened.

[reify]

Did you get the bulb from Jordi?

Please post the picture again.

[rsaldivar]

with waxcast you need alot of base diameter or print falls off , either max your base in counture or remake your stl with a larger base then put in contour

[nikhiljogia]

OK...problem seems to be solved. I did the following:

- Cleaned the inside and outside of the optical surfaces in the printer (projector window, mirror and quartz) with a microfibre cloth and camera lens cleaning fluid.
- Increased the base thickness to 0.5mm.
- Increased the number of initial layers - now at 80.

[CADjewelrySchool]

Increased the number of initial layers - now at 80.

Hi Nikhil. The number of initial layers is WAY to high..you only need 3-5 at most. Yes it is a good idea to clean all of the optical paths every few weeks. I also recommend wiping the quartz/glass and underside of the resin tray after each print as resin can easily stick to the glass and it will cause the film to stick to the glass. Are you using the latest version of Solus Contour?

[mongerdesigns]

with waxcast you need alot of base diameter or print falls off , either max your base in counture or remake your stl with a larger base then put in contour

We now sell an adhesive gel that solves that issue for SolusWax. The prints won't fall off and stick really well. http://www.junction3d.com/buy/build-plate-adhesion-gel

[Jewelermdt]

Can you tell me the latest version of Contour is? Just now started using the New Solus Wax. I have two Solus Wax profiles. SolusWax-1 and a SolusWax. in the settings icon. But in my profiles folder there is only one SolusWax-1.xml listed. This is on my home computer. Two are also listed on my laptop used to print with. Not sure if two are listed in folder. Printed a ring and a plain 4 prong head and a separate pendant part. The ring printed but not the head and part. Tried three times now with just the head and part. I get the base layer then nothing. I will try thicker supports tomorrow. I had been getting fantastic prints with the first SW. Hardly any fails.

[mongerdesigns]

In contour go to edit, view profiles folder, and then delete both of those SolusWax profiles. Restart contour and select SolusWax (it will be there) and press ok. You should now have the factory profile.