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i will try to provide as much information as possible.

ive been 3d printing for some time now but this problem is holding me back from really good prints.

i use flashprint software and simplify 3D.

if i use flashprint, i get good quality prints but the rafts almost always lift in places and weld themselves to the model giving me wonky, rough bottomed models.

i use blue tape because no prints stay stuck down if i dont and i level the build plate regularly.

i have tried raising/lowering nozzle temperature, faster/slower print speeds, increasing/decreasing layer heights and raising the raft separation distance to its maximum but i still get raft lifting and great difficulty removing them from the model.

if i use Simplify 3D i get slightly less quality prints but rafts rarely lift and remove a lot easier although the bottom layer is no where near as good quality as the top layer.

does anyone use this type of printer and software that has the right settings? im fully aware i might be using the wrong combination of settings.

any help would be appreciated, thanks for reading

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From my Experience over the last 3 years, is there is no way I can get get ABS to stick to Blue Tape.

Kapton tape & bed temp at 80 to 110.

I also use flashprint software and simplify 3D.

Blue Tape is only good for PLA, in my experience.

I am using a Flashforge Creator Pro, Nozzle Temps is 230, bed Temp for ABS is mostly at 110, Kapton Tape or ABS Slurry seems to work best.
I have no trouble at all removing Rafts.
My layer heights are usually between .15 & .2, print speed is usually 60mm/per, 3600mm/ min in Simplify 3D, as it usually is in FlashPrint.

Make sure there are no drafts or Air Conditioning & keep Doors etc closed on the printer , especially for ABS, ABS does not like Temp changes while printing, separations, lifting, I have even experienced a powdering of the ABS, due to wind or drafts.

Here is a random Video of how to apply Kapton tape, I have not actually watched it, so I hope it’s ok, you can search youtube for more.

This is my MeCreator2 doing a Print in place video, ABS, on Kapton, No Rafts Needed on Kapton

If your using PLA, Try Printing Without a Raft, check the video below, PLA on Blue Tape, No Rafts, Skirt only.

PLA, Nozzle Temp 200, bed Temp 60, Blue Tape or Glue stick on Glass works fine.

Hope this Helps you out a bit.

Don’t loose faith, you will work it out.

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Hey Stephen,

i’ll assume you’re printing with PLA.

You can certainly get good results with Simplify3D’s support settings. Undersides will always be slightly less smooth compared to top-sides but the should be easy enough to remove. I’d stick to S3D and tinker with your support settings. Start with 30%, 5 high density layers, 0.5mm gap and work from there. You should be able to dial it in over 3 or 4 test prints.

cheers,

AndyL

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Here’s a thought… go on 3DHubs and hire someone nearby to print one of the stl files that demonstrates the problem. Get someone who uses Simplify 3D, and work with them on the settings, so it’s as good a comparison as possible, and see what happens. If, as likely, it comes out fine, then the problem is probably within the printer’s setup. In that case, my bet is on the bed level. I think you’ll find the gap is much larger than it should be, and you will be using far fewer rafts in the future.

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thanks for the responses i will try some more things. i only use PLA as my printer doesnt have a heated bed.