2.2.17. Using PrusaSlicer preview to troubleshoot prints

PrusaSlicer provides very powerful troubleshooting capabilities in the form of Preview mode.

Note

These notes are based on my experiences with the Prusa i3 Mk3 and Artillery/Evnovo Sidewinder X1 printers. If you are using a different printer, please verify the hardware details are similar.

If you have not saved the generated gcode out, your preview options are limited:

PrusaSlicer preview with unsaved gcode

Fig. 2.13 PrusaSlicer preview with unsaved gcode

Save the gcode file and more options are available:

PrusaSlicer preview with saved gcode

Fig. 2.14 PrusaSlicer preview with saved gcode

2.2.17.1. General troubleshooting guidelines

  • If your print consistently fails printing infill, take a look at speeds. Prusa defaults to very aggressive 200mm/s infill speeds, which are higher than their 170mm/s move speeds. MVS is a function of Layer Height X Extrusion Width X Speed, so high speeds with higher or wider extrusions can definitely cause problems. “11.5mm^3/s. It’s the law.”

  • If your print consistently fails at the same location, look for lots of small areas like fingers. Turn on retraction preview. If you see clusters of retractions in failure areas, they may be happening so quickly (you’ll hear the staccato of retractions) that it generates enough heat to creep into the cold zone and cause problems.

  • If you’re getting extruder clicks and bucking, look at Volumetric flow rate. Look for areas exceeding 11.5mm^3/s.

Contact and feedback

You can find me on the Prusa support forums or Reddit where I lurk in many of the 3D printing-related subreddits. I occasionally drop into the Official Prusa 3D discord server where I can be reached as bobstro (bobstro#9830). You can email me directly at projects@ttlexceeded.com.

Last updated 20190831