Zigzag Layers Every 4 layers

[Blue73]

Hi,

I recently puchased Simplify3D and am having this issue with my prints. The layers are offset in a zigzag pattern every four layers. Printing a 20mm test cube in Cura does not have this issue, all layers perfectly aligned. I'm using the default Anet A8 profile.



Does anyone know what is happening here?

Thanks.

[brian442]

Might help if you posted the gcode for this same cube from the other program that prints well. Then post your gcode (or the factory file) from S3D. That way it's easier to highlight what is different

[Blue73]

Here's the files, thanks!

[brian442]

It looks like the other file you posted isn't doing any retractions between layers, so you could try going to the Advanced tab and disabling "force retraction between layers"

[wirlybird]

I get this exact same thing. I can run the 20mm cube on five different printers using S3D and get the same results. Slic3r and Flash Print don't do this.

One way I got this to reduce was to set the start point to specific. Also then using some negative restart helped on the corner where the starts are because of excess material but then that affects fine detail sections of a print by causing a little under extrusion.

Also this will not happen with a single perimeter and no infill but add infill and it is there again.

If other slicers can print the cube without this issue why can't S3D fix what seems to be so basic of an issue?

[brian442]

It's probably just your retraction or start point settings. Obviously, there's quite a few variations of how those things could be setup in S3D, so maybe you should compare the gcode from your other program to see what changes are needed.

[wirlybird]

The repeating issue every 4 layers in his pic is just the way S3D prints the layers. I can watch Slic3r and it prints it differently.

Here is the thing. You can print the cube with no infill and it is good but add infill and the pattern on the corners in his picture develops.

I have not made time to do a series of test prints to see if it is all infill types or only some that do it. I did find however that if you specify the start point rather than the optimized setting it does change the pattern and improves the corners of the cube.

[dkightley]

I wonder if increasing the number of perimeters may have an effect on this......

The "once every four layers" does indeed coincide with the order in which each layer is printed......there's four different ways the layer is printed. And its has to be an issue caused by one of the layers resulting in more plastic being extruded in one corner....hence the regular bulge.

More perimeters may smooth out the regular over-extrusion at the start of the layer.

[wirlybird]

If I remember more perimeters did reduce it somewhat.

[dkightley]

Another thought......try a different infill pattern....for example the Fast Honeycomb.