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  • The layers of my 3D print have shifted

The layers of my 3D print have shifted

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

The layers of my 3D print have shifted

Does it look like the bottom part of your 3D print was printed on a different starting point than the top half? Then your printer probably suffers from layer shifting. This phenomenon occurs when the print head takes a different starting position when starting to print new layers. 

How can you solve or prevent layer shifting?

When your printhead defines a new start position when it starts a new layer', this is usually due to a motor, mechanical or electrical cause. For example, the motor may not be able to keep up with the print speed or certain parts may be incorrectly mounted.
  • Reduce the print speed

    If you are printing at a very high speed, the motor may not be able to keep up with the pace. If this is the case, you will hear a clicking sound during printing. From the moment you hear this sound, subsequent layers will be printed in the wrong position. To solve this problem, decrease both the 'Default Printing Speed' and the 'X/Y Axis Movement Speed' by 50%.
  • Check the belts

    Most 3D printers use belts with which the motor drives the position of the print head. If these belts have too much or too little tension, problems can arise with the positioning of the print head. Therefore, check whether the belts have the correct tension. Ideally, the belts are tensioned so that they cannot slip, but not so tight that the system can no longer rotate. If in doubt, it is best to contact the supplier.
    In addition, most 3D printers also come with a set of belts that are driven by pulleys. These pulleys are attached to the stepper motor with a small lifting screw. If this screw is not tightened properly, the pulleys will not rotate in sync with the motor, which can again cause problems when positioning the print head.
  • Check if there is an electrical fault

    If the problem persists after this, the cause may be an electronic one. Think of the motor driver overheating, causing the system to shut down temporarily. In addition, it may also be the case that too little current is supplied to the motor, so that it has insufficient power to rotate. 
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