X-Axis layer shifting…
Recently, one of my Prusa’s has had a severe layer shifting issue in the x-axis. Rather than being one large shift, it has small consistent shifts throughout the entire height of the print. (See White Benchy) I have been through every forum here I could find about layer shift and tried many different suggested solutions with very little success.
I have:
- cleaned the smooth rods and lubricated them
-ran the belt test and tested prints both with a tighter and looser belt (right now the x-belt tests 255)
-ran prints with the crash detection both on and off
-ran prints in both stealth and normal mode
-inspected the wire bundle coming from the extruded for any potential blockages
-realigned the pulley for the X belt and ensured the set screws are properly aligned and tightened with the flat edge of the shaft (tighten screw on round first, then tighten screw on flat)
- disassembled the entire X-axis, and visually inspected the bearings for damage. When doing this I lubricated the inside of the bearings, re-cleaned and inspected the smooth rods for damage, and realigned the belt to ensure it is entirely straight. After of course I ran the XYZ calibration to ensure the X and Y Axis are perpendicular, as well as first layer calibration.
I am currently operating 6 printers, and I have printed the same test on another printer to eliminate the potential of a g-code/slicer issue. (See Grey Benchy - the stringing is fixed in custom profiles for each printer, I just wanted to test with the same g-code for consistency’s sake.)
Does anybody have an idea of what could be giving me this issue or have other suggestions I should try to fix it? The printers are primarily used in a fabrication lab at an architecture school where I work so it is important that we get high quality prints for students models. (It is important to note the students do not operate the printers, they create the files and the staff operates and maintains the printers.)
Thanks in advance for all your suggestions!
Best Answer by Tyler Dola:
Hello! I solved my problem I believe. The X-axis motor pulley was out too far so the belt would rub on the orange motor-end from time to time. I loosened the grub screws and leveled it off... now I have great prints so far!
Here's a picture of before (bottom) and after (top)
RE: X-Axis layer shifting…
Hello, did you ever solve this? I did all the same things you did and its so frustrating. I essentially re-built the X and Y axis and I get X shifting very bad, worse than yours.
RE: X-Axis layer shifting…
See attached images. This can't be related to belt tension etc... since each layer looks amazing... it just is shifted as it goes higher.
RE: X-Axis layer shifting…
Hello! I solved my problem I believe. The X-axis motor pulley was out too far so the belt would rub on the orange motor-end from time to time. I loosened the grub screws and leveled it off... now I have great prints so far!
Here's a picture of before (bottom) and after (top)
RE: X-Axis layer shifting…
Sorry for the prolonged reply.
I'm glad you found a fix to your issue! Hoping mine will be similar.
My issues with this printer have been fairly consistent...I have done a few more things to mitigate it and reduce the layer shifting that occurs. One thing I noticed was that the x-axis idler pulley was slightly warped so we ordered a replacement. In addition to this I rebuilt the entire hotend (unrelated issue), replaced the x-axis belt, and rebuilt the entire x-axis multiple times (whenever symptoms get worse, I have rebuilt x-axis to "reset" it to a usable state.)
I am going to inspect the motor pulley position as you have advised and see if this will resolve my issues long term instead of simply reducing the symptoms. Another thing I have considered is replacement of the x-axis motor, but I am uncertain if that is the root of my issue and don't want to waste company money if there is another solution. Will keep you posted.
Thanks