stl file errors or slicing?

[autox3d]

I have printed several files and I am getting what looks like an echo in the print.

For example there is a hole and then there is a ripple of curves on the surface next to the hole.

Is this a STL issue where it was not exported in a fine enough mesh or a slicer issue?

[jimc]

no, this is a hardware issue. usually called ringing. it can be from a number of things. almost all consumer 3d printers do this. some more than others. many times its just in the design of the printer itself. when there is a direction change there is a vibration that travels through the hardware. this is what is causing it. you can reduce it by lowering your acceleration and perimeter print speed.

[dennisjm]

Sometimes rotating the part 45 degrees on the z-axis also helps. That way both carriages are changing direction on the corners so the equally absorb the direction change instead of just one axis absorbing 100% of the change.