Heavy vibration and sound when printing, especially 1st layer
I've searched around and not seeing anything quite like this. I've taken a part the printer to find the source of the vibration/sounds but the only thing I've noticed is the X belt rubbing on the idler, I put some lube on the belt and it kinda helps.
I've moved the printer several times but each time I set it back up, I tighten anything and everything i can find. This last time i got this terrible vibrations and sound. So i went and tightened everything again and lubed up the smooth rods. For 1 print i got the wonderful song of printing (the stepper motor harmonics). But after that the noise returned. I've tried moving the X axis belt gear on the stepper a bit to help it from rubbing on idler on the other side, and even tried shifting the belts (they move right back).
If I move the axis independently there are no vibrations or sounds, silent (manually or while printing), but once both axis are moving is where the sounds kick in.
I have the printer on a large slab of granite with felt pads under sitting on a sturdy uline shelf. If you feel the printer the whole thing vibrates (again only when both axis are going, single axis moving doesn't present the vibrations). Prints seem to come out OK, not horrible skin distortion, maybe slightly less nice than before but nothing obvious.
I'm going a big crazy trying to find the problem. Appreciate any advice.
RE:
I had posted a video, but it didn't show up, so here it is on youtube. Sorry was too lazy to rotate the video, not important.
Check the logs, are you getting crash reports?
the X belt rubbing on the idler, I put some lube on the belt
Not a good idea. There are two main causes of out-of-line idler bearings, especially if overtightened.
Either the 623h bearing itself is collapsing, loosen the belt and try turning it with a fingertip - is it smooth? If not, replace.
Or the idler housing has been crushed so the M3 screw and nylock are out of line - print a replacement.
See step 6 on: https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/3-x-axis-assembly_167854
Cheerio,
RE: Heavy vibration and sound when printing, especially 1st layer
I'll give it a look, thanks! Everything is smooth by hand or when a single axis moves, that's why I didn't think there was an issue. I'm printing a belt tension gauge, want to ensure everything is the right there when i put it back together.
RE:
Looks like my idler body is cracked. The idler bearing seems fine, but i do feel a small bit of cogging. I'll have to print a new one and might as well replace the idler too. I have actually never tightened this nut (mostly because i couldn't get to it easily) but somehow things got messed up.
RE:
OK, replaced the bearing (even though it was fine) and the idler holder, tightened the belts (X & Y) to spec. Still have this horrible sound/vibration, its more pronounced on the Y axis it seems. The idler bearing seems fine, rolls smoothly. The only thing i can think of is at certain speeds, i get weird harmonics off the bed. If you tap it you can hear this "twong" sound like something is loose, but i've gone through every screw, they are tight. The only other thing i could think of is bearings but it really seems like the metal frame is loose somewhere but i can't find it.
RE: Heavy vibration and sound when printing, especially 1st layer
Any luck? I’m having some weird vibrations on mine as well. Was working fine then I flashed to newest firmware then did xyz and z cal then on first layer realized it was vibrating when I saw these lines.