Troubleshooting a 3D Printer prints

[Modeps]

I've been using my Ender 3 Pro for a while without much problem. It's still mostly stock, but I've upgraded the bed springs and replaced the bed with tempered glass. I'm generally happy with the prints. They adhere well and don't often fail (if they fail, it's fixed with a quick clean of the plate and some mild adhesive).

However, I think it is time to improve one aspect of these prints that has always kinda bugged me. It seems to fall closest into this issue though I'm a bit baffled in how to fix it and could use some assistance.

Problem 1: Along the X access, I get ripples on walls that are consistent in their ascent up the side. They always appear to show up in the same places, and if I move the print, the location of that ripple also shifts similarly. Here's an example of that ripple on a wall. My guess is that this may be a wheel issue?

Problem 2: Along the Y access, I sometimes see a "ridge" (it sticks out), which seems to align with an issue with the Z-access rod. Here's an example of that.

With both of those problems, I'm not sure what the best way is to approach a fix. Any pointers or simple adjustments that could get me with improved prints would be helpful. If you notice anything else with these prints that I'm not realizing is a problem too, slap me in the face and let me know.

Thank you!

 

[quikah]

Try tightening the belts slightly for the X and Y axis and lubricating the z-axis rod. There are some aftermarket tensioners you can buy for the belts.

I have a regular Ender 3, but I am not particularly concerned about perfect prints, so I don't tweak a huge amount.

 

[Modeps]

Try tightening the belts slightly for the X and Y axis and lubricating the z-axis rod. There are some aftermarket tensioners you can buy for the belts.

I have a regular Ender 3, but I am not particularly concerned about perfect prints, so I don't tweak a huge amount.

This is a great first step to try. Thanks for the suggestion! I will absolutely do this (the next time I have a few minutes to mess around)

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I've been using my Ender 3 Pro for a while without much problem. It's still mostly stock, but I've upgraded the bed springs and replaced the bed with tempered glass. I'm generally happy with the prints. They adhere well and don't often fail (if they fail, it's fixed with a quick clean of the plate and some mild adhesive).

However, I think it is time to improve one aspect of these prints that has always kinda bugged me. It seems to fall closest into this issue though I'm a bit baffled in how to fix it and could use some assistance.

Problem 1: Along the X access, I get ripples on walls that are consistent in their ascent up the side. They always appear to show up in the same places, and if I move the print, the location of that ripple also shifts similarly. Here's an example of that ripple on a wall. My guess is that this may be a wheel issue?

Problem 2: Along the Y access, I sometimes see a "ridge" (it sticks out), which seems to align with an issue with the Z-access rod. Here's an example of that.

With both of those problems, I'm not sure what the best way is to approach a fix. Any pointers or simple adjustments that could get me with improved prints would be helpful. If you notice anything else with these prints that I'm not realizing is a problem too, slap me in the face and let me know.

Thank you!

Can you post actual print pics? From your description, it’s probably an issue with the belts needing to be tightened. I’d also make sure the eccentric nuts on the x and y axis are properly tightened, especially the X axis. If it isn’t tight enough, the head can jiggle and cause all sorts of strange artifacts.

 

[Modeps]

Can you post actual print pics? From your description, it’s probably an issue with the belts needing to be tightened. I’d also make sure the eccentric nuts on the x and y axis are properly tightened, especially the X axis. If it isn’t tight enough, the head can jiggle and cause all sorts of strange artifacts.

I did! Click the links in each problem.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I did! Click the links in each problem.

Lol, sorry, I am obviously blind.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I did! Click the links in each problem.

Ok, I reviewed the photos. On X, definitely tighten the belt a little and ensure the eccentric nut on the carriage holds the head firmly to the rail - but not so firmly it will strain the motor. Basically, if you grasp the head assembly, it should not significantly rock back and forth. I‘d also tighten the belts on Y.

As far as the ridges you’re seeing on Y which seem related to the Z axis, print something taller. Next, if the ridges are still there, measure the distance between them. IIRC, a repeating ridge at 8 mm intervals generally indicates Z binding. If that’s the case, you can try tweaking the two screws on the z backlash nut to loosen it a bit and try again. You can also lube the z axis screw as well.

If the ridges repeat at an interval other than 8 mm, it could be that you have a flat spot or a place on one of the z axis wheels. I don’t recall the circumference of the wheel to give you that value to look for. If you isolate it to a wheel, it might mean that you have an eccentric nut too tight on the z axis. What happens is that if you let the printer sit for a few days between prints, the wheel will develop a flat spot. In many cases, you can loosen the eccentric nut and the wheel will eventually go back into shape. If not, you may need to replace.

If you have a lot of ridges and can‘t determine the pattern for sure, it could be both z binding and wheels.

 

[Modeps]

Great, thank you for all the suggestions! My free-time is difficult to come by, but I will hopefully get a chance to tinker with these this week.