Print Problem: Vertical banding/Z axis waves.

[grindeddown]

Hello all,

This question is about my prints and less about S3D. I recently got a flashforge creator pro (refurb) that is still under warranty. With all of my prints lately, I have been having this vertical banding or waves show up that is really bad.

I have attached an image of the banding/z-waves. You'll see that there are changes of shade from light to dark on the print. These are waves and fluctuations that can be felt on the prints. They are subtle, but make finishing the 3d print (like sanding, priming, and painting) very difficult.

I have tried adjusting virtually every print setting (like temp, infill % or type, speed, layer height, etc...) to see if the issue is rectified, but I'm still scratching my head. These waves show up in the same spots at the same intervals no matter the print settings.

I'm printing with ABS.

Any thoughts?

[grindeddown]

A note about the problem. I just did a perfectly square print right now aligned with the x and y axes and I have the same issue. It appears to be a problem related to the z axis. Just not sure what it is.

[jimc]

that can be from a bent z axis rod. as it turns it can move the bed around slightly.

[grindeddown]

that can be from a bent z axis rod. as it turns it can move the bed around slightly.

Ok thank you. It's seeming to me like it is most likely a hardware problem then, agreed?

[jimc]

i have seen this issue many times before. most of the time its a hardware issue but there can be other causes like inconsistent filament dia. filament dia can be getting bigger and smaller at regular intervals. off the top of my head i cant think of any software settings that would cause this.

[grindeddown]

i have seen this issue many times before. most of the time its a hardware issue but there can be other causes like inconsistent filament dia. filament dia can be getting bigger and smaller at regular intervals. off the top of my head i cant think of any software settings that would cause this.

Ok yeah it is hardware without a doubt. I am pretty obsessive about measuring filament diameter multiple times though a spool.

After reading your last post, I went ahead and decided to inspect the z axis, check for tight bolts, etc... I looked and saw this......

well isn't that peculiar?!

Luckily I have 2 months of warranty left on this printer with flashforge and am going to work on getting it resolved with them.

Thanks again for your help.

[jimc]

haha yeah you can see shiny spots on the threads in about the same distance apart as the bulges on your print.

[grindeddown]

Just a quick update for anyone following along that may also have vertical banding or waves. I contacted flashforge support about the issue after trying numerous solutions and although I had to do some general troubleshooting for them (run some sample prints, different materials, etc...) to verify my issue, I did indeed have them replace the z axis motor. They were great about it and quick.

After doing the installation of the new part, I am happy to say that the issue has been rectified. My problem was a bent z axis rod.

Cheers!

[jimc]

Glad your all sorted out

[grindeddown]

Indeed. Thank you for all your help btw. It definitely helped me figure ot what was going on.

Cheers!