(Resolved)K1C Build Plate Coverage Issues. Read This First!

Introduction

Embarking on the journey of 3D printing can be both exciting and challenging, especially for newcomers. One common issue that many K1C Creality printer users face is the inability to print on the entire build plate. This article addresses a specific case where a user encounters difficulties printing on all available build plates and provides potential solutions to ensure successful prints.

User Scenario

A newbie to 3D printing recently purchased a K1C Creality printer, along with a ‘B’ plate and some Sunlu Hyper PLA. Initially, the printer worked flawlessly for smaller prints. However, when the user attempted larger prints, particularly a series of 4×4 (168mm) and 4×5 (210mm) plates for organizing tools, issues arose. The prints placed at the bottom left corner of the plate failed, while those in the center printed perfectly.

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Understanding the Problem

The main issue appears to be a diagonal shift to the left and back on larger prints that reach the edges of the usable area. This problem does not occur when printing smaller items in the center of the build plate, indicating that the problem is localized to the outer edges of the build plate.

Potential Causes and Solutions

Uneven Bed Leveling

An uneven bed is a common cause of print failures, especially towards the edges.

Solution: Perform a thorough bed leveling. Use a piece of paper or a feeler gauge to ensure the nozzle is at an even distance from the bed across the entire surface. You can also utilize the bed leveling feature in Creality Print to create a bed mesh and adjust accordingly.

Bed Warping

Warping of the bed, particularly at the edges, can cause adhesion problems and print shifts.

Solution: Check your build plate for warping by placing a straight edge across it. If warping is detected, consider replacing the build plate or using additional clips to secure it flat.

Lead Screw Coupler Adjustment

Loose lead screw couplers can cause uneven movements, especially at the corners of the bed.

Solution: Inspect and tighten the lead screw couplers. Ensure they are secure and do not allow any play. Watching instructional videos, such as the one suggested by the user Derragon, can be helpful.

Temperature Fluctuations

Large temperature fluctuations can cause bed expansion, leading to print issues.

Solution: Ensure your printing environment is stable. Preheat the bed and allow it to reach a stable temperature before starting the print. Monitoring and maintaining consistent bed temperature can prevent expansion-related issues.

Firmware and Slicer Settings

Incorrect firmware settings or bugs in the slicer software can also lead to print failures.

Solution: Update your printer’s firmware to the latest version and ensure you are using a stable version of your slicer software. As a troubleshooting step, you can revert to a previous version of Creality Print or try a different slicer like Orca.

Conclusion

Resolving the issue of printing on all available build plates with the K1C Creality printer involves a combination of thorough bed leveling, checking for bed warping, tightening lead screw couplers, maintaining stable temperatures, and ensuring proper firmware and slicer settings. By following these steps and leveraging community insights, you can overcome this challenge and achieve consistent, high-quality prints across the entire build plate.