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Module 3 Lesson 6

Xunda | Beginner Module 2: Xunda First-Layer Troubleshooting

This is a comprehensive Xunda troubleshooting guide for when the first layer won't stick, walking through a four-level funnel of causes tested from simplest to most complex: surface cleanliness, temperature/setup, mechanical leveling, and Z-offset. It also covers a symptom-to-fix diagnostic, a one-change recovery loop, and when to suspect hardware problems instead of software settings. Key topics covered: - Recognizing a failing first layer: loose lines, rough dragging, and lifting corners - The four-level cause funnel, tested in order: cleanliness, temperature/setup, mechanical leveling, Z-offset - Practical fixes: wiping the bed/PEI sheet, matching material temps, slowing first-layer speed to 30mm/s, disabling the cooling fan, and the paper test for nozzle height - A symptom-to-check diagnostic table plus the one-change recovery loop - When to suspect hardware (loose belts, a wobbly hotend, a warped bed) instead of software settings

Knowledge Check

Answer the questions below to reinforce what you've learned.

1. What does a healthy first layer look like, per the lesson?
Loose, gapped lines with visible dots Tight, parallel, evenly fused lines that wrap cleanly around each corner Rough, dragged, scraped ridges Lifting corners peeling from the bed
2. What are the three warning signs of a failing first layer described in the lesson?
High temperature, low temperature, and no temperature Fast speed, slow speed, and variable speed Wrong color, wrong size, and wrong shape Loose lines, rough dragging, and lifting corners
3. What is the first level to check in the four-level filtering funnel?
Surface cleanliness - dust, oil, and fingerprints Z-offset height Mechanical leveling Temperatures and start setup
4. What is the recommended maximum first-layer print speed mentioned as a pro tip?
100 millimeters per second 10 millimeters per second 30 millimeters per second, with the cooling fan turned off for that initial layer 60 millimeters per second
5. What is the "classic quick test" for checking nozzle height described in the lesson?
Sliding a piece of computer paper between the nozzle and bed, adjusting until you feel a minor amount of drag Measuring with a digital caliper Using a business card between the nozzle and bed Listening for a clicking sound from the extruder
6. If a print sticks on one side but fails on the other, what should you check according to the diagnostic?
Surface cleanliness only Z-height being too low Bed temperature and drafts Bed leveling for uneven tension
7. What is step one of the one-change recovery loop?
Stop early - cancel the print immediately to save time and material Change one thing Test and learn Check the basics
8. What are the three hardware suspects mentioned when software fixes don't resolve the problem?
Wrong filament, wrong nozzle size, and wrong bed size Old firmware, outdated slicer, and low RAM Loose belts, a wobbly hotend, and a warped bed Broken fan, cracked nozzle, and burnt heater
9. What does the lesson recommend if you're still stuck after trying the basic fixes?
Buy a new printer Bring photos of your first layer to the Xunda Makers Community at xunda.com/community Reinstall the firmware Switch to a different filament brand permanently
10. What is the closing mindset the lesson wants makers to adopt?
Panic quickly so you can fix problems faster Ignore failed prints since they are unavoidable Always blame the hardware first Troubleshooting is a habit, not a panic state - a failed print isn't a broken machine, it's just information
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