Troubleshooting Z-axis problem
I've had my Mini+ for a few months now an have been very happy with it. However, I am currently experiencing some issues that I think are on the Z-axis... first, my printer is on firmware V4.3.4 and my Prusa Slicer is on 2.5.2 (but i am constantly getting notification of some sort of update, but it will not install). Now on to the main problem, I am noticing some horizontal banding or layer shifting on the walls of some prints, not all of them. The banding appears more prevalent along the y-axis. Today I printed a Fab365 Macintosh and it was very noticeable. Immediately after (with the same filament) I printed a z-axis test tower and it printed noticeably better, but with some apparent banding toward the top. This tower is also the tallest print I have done with the Mini+. I expected this tower to show the same level of banding as the Mac, but was very surprised when it did not.
Tomorrow I will update the firmware, check the extruder, check all the axes, check the belt tension, and check any screw I can find to make sure everything is mechanically sound. I am getting good first layer adhesion but I am pretty sure the nozzle is a tiny bit closer to the bet on the left side. I will check for square and may look into the silicone bed level mod if necessary.
If anyone could help me troubleshoot this I would greatly appreciate it. I have not contacted support yet.
The sides of the Mac are supposed to be smooth.
RE:
I updated the firmware, checked all the axes and removed some dust. Then I discovered a YouTube video that seemed to be having a similar but far worse version of my problem. I disassembled the X axis and found that the pulley gear was loose on the X axis stepper motor. Added loctite to the grub screws and reset everything as best I could. Doing some test prints now to see if it fixed the issue.
RE:
I printed out a snowman from FAB365 and the probelm seems to have gone away by about 99%. I know it's not the same model, but the problem was also visible on some round prints as well. I think it is safe to say everyone should check their X-axis pulley on a pre-built Mini. I'm sure their is more tuning to be done on my Mini, but this is looking pretty good for now!
