Layer shifting is an issue where the layers of the 3D printed object become misaligned or shifted during the 3D printing process, resulting in noticeable defects in your design. You may notice that the top layers are not properly positioned over the bottom ones and the entire print may be crooked. In severe cases, the layers may even crack or chip, especially if the printhead collides with previous layers.
Several factors contribute to this problem, including mechanical problems in the printer, such as loose screws and belts, to software problems such as using higher speed and acceleration settings in the slicer. Even if you use one of the best 3D printers, if you do not set the various components of your 3D printer and the slicer settings correctly, you may encounter problems while printing. But fortunately, fixing this problem is not difficult, as we explained below.
Tighten the screws and straps correctly
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Screws hold all of your 3D printer’s components in place, and straps control the movement of the print head along the X and Y axes. As the stepper motor rotates, it drives the belt, causing the print head to move horizontally across the build platform.
It is important to always check all screws in your 3D printer and the belts to make sure you tighten them well, because if they are loose it will cause inaccurate movement and vibration when the printer moves, causing layer shifts leads. Be careful not to overtighten the belts in particular, as this puts strain on the motors and bearings.
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In addition to properly tightening the screws and belts, you should also consider lubricating the extruder’s gears, bearings, rails, and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation with minimal friction and avoid uneven movements that could affect your print quality. Be careful not to overdo it as it can attract dirt and debris, which can lead to other problems.
You should also consider using a sturdy table that is stable and won’t wobble during 3D printing. If your 3D printer does not have rubber feet, you should consider adding them. For example, you can attach them to the corners of the base with glue to absorb the vibrations. This can also help fix a noisy 3D printer. If you still have problems shifting due to vibration, you can purchase four clamps and use them to secure the sides of the printer to your table.
Properly calibrate your 3D printer.
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When troubleshooting a 3D printing problem, most of us first check whether the printer is properly calibrated. The same applies to layer shifting. You need to check that all components of your machine are set correctly to avoid problems. The first thing you need to consider is proper leveling of the 3D printer bed. An uneven or misaligned print bed will cause the design to not adhere properly to the print bed and you need to make sure you get it right.
You can level the 3D printer bed manually or use the automatic function if your 3D printer supports it. After leveling your 3D printer bed, the next thing you need to do is calibrate the E levels. You need to ensure that the correct amount of filament is laid down during the printing process. If the nozzle ejects less filament than required, there may be gaps in the print or the layers may be weak and easier to move. The filament you use should also be ideal for your nozzle to avoid jamming or clogging, which can lead to other problems that can cause layer shift. You should make sure that you use the best 3D printer filaments as they have a uniform diameter and are free from impurities.
You also need to check the axis of your 3D printer and calibrate it properly. You can print a small cube, measure each dimension, and use the values to fine-tune your axis. You will also need to replace your 3D printer’s nozzle if it is damaged, or you can simply clean it thoroughly to prevent dirt from preventing the filament from squirting out properly.
Use the correct speed and temperature
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Printing at a higher speed can put excessive stress on the moving parts of your 3D printer, which can cause vibration and even screw loosening. Also, maintain a constant speed as sudden changes, especially on sharp turns, can cause the layers to shift. Also, high speed can cause the pulleys to skip some teeth, causing shift problems. You should therefore maintain a speed of around 50-60 mm/s.
You should also limit the travel speed to around 100 mm/s. Anything beyond that can cause problems. You can find driving speed settings in the Travel section of your food slicer. If you have combing enabled, you should check this Avoid printed items when traveling.
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There are also speed settings Pressure acceleration And Jerk settings and in Cura you can find that the default acceleration value is usually around 1000 mm/s.
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The default value of the jerk settings, on the other hand, is around 8 mm/s.
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Both settings control how the print head moves and changes direction. If you use higher values than the default values, layer shifts may occur as there may be vibration and increased movement of the print head.
In addition to speed, ensure a constant temperature. For example, if the bed temperature is not constant or is set too low, the first layer may not bond properly to the surface and some sections may become detached, causing misalignment of the subsequent layers, particularly by warping and curling the base layers.
Enable the Z-Hop function
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Z-Hop is a feature that instructs the printer to slightly raise the print head in the Z-axis when the printer moves between different sections of the print or to a new position. This vertical movement ensures that the print head does not collide with any of the previously printed layers and prevents the layers from shifting. This feature is particularly useful when printing designs with tall or thin structures. You can enable this feature in any of the best 3D printer slicers.
The above methods should help you fix the layer shift issue. If this is not the case, you should also check your cables and cooling fans and make sure they are all working as expected. After adjusting your settings and checking the hardware, I recommend printing a layer shift torture text design before printing your design to see if everything works as expected.
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