Weird Gradual Layer Shift but still prints
Hey everyone! I was recently printing on my Prusa i3 Mk3s with the powder coated bed but I realized after a few layers completed in the print, it started to either shift gradually to the left via the x-axis or a sudden shift to the left. I tried this with new and old firmware. I am printing with 1.75 PLA and I have done a full recalibration with everything working. Also, my belts seem to be at the right tightness, maybe a little above normal and my printer does not make any unusual sounds or movements during the print. I've also tried it with many types of prints and I've had the same issue on all of them. I suspect it is the printer mistakenly adjusting for build imperfections of the printer. Anyone else having these issues? I'll attach some pics.
RE: Weird Gradual Layer Shift but still prints
RE: Weird Gradual Layer Shift but still prints
Not a software issue - can only happen with hardware problems like loose gear or belt.
Check the drive gear. Most people install them wrong and they come loose after a little bit of use.
Flat First: Loosen both set screws until the gear can spin on the shaft: then align and tighten one set screw on the shaft FLAT. Once tightened, don't come back to the screw. Now tighten the jam set screw (on the shaft round).
To loosen the screws to remove or inspect the gear again, first loosen the jam set screw, then the flat set screw. If not done in this order they will wiggle loose; and when loosening you risk stripping the flat set screw head.