📐 8 min read
First Layer Deep Dive
The first layer is the foundation of every print. Getting it right is 90% of the battle.
Is Your Nozzle Height Correct?
Too High
Nozzle is far from bed. Filament drops as a round bead and doesn't stick.
Perfect
Nozzle squishes plastic into bed. Creates a flat, wide contact area.
Too Low
Nozzle touches bed. Plastic can't come out or squirts to sides.
Step-by-Step Calibration
Clean the Bed
Wipe with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) or wash with dish soap. Fingerprints = Grease = No Adhesion.
Perform Paper Test
Heat bed to 60°C. Slide a paper under the nozzle. You should feel slight friction, but the paper shouldn't buckle.
Print Calibration Square
Download and print a single-layer square. Watch the lines as they go down.
Live Adjust Z-Offset
If gap between lines: Lower Z (-0.02mm). If rough ridges: Raise Z (+0.02mm).