1 Topic by Proteus

  • Proteus
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Topic: Y-Axis shifting mid print

Lately I've had an issue (especially on big prints) that the entire print shifts maybe .5 inch up or down the Y axis in the middle of the print. This obviously ruins the job.

I've never actually been present or paying attention when it happens but I've heard a grinding noise, then see that the printer has shifted.

I don't think its a belt issue. I was thinking not enough grease on the axis. Could that cause it?

SD2 w/ Heated bed. Mods: E3D MK5, Lawsy MKV, Glass Bed, printed filament stand

2 Reply by grob (edited by grob 2014-06-04 01:14:48)

  • grob
  • grob
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Re: Y-Axis shifting mid print

How's your filament feed? Sometimes when the y-axis moves forward and the filament jams, it restrains the thing like a leash. It makes the grinding noise and then the print shifts. If you're hearing a grinding noise it's very likely that rather than stepper driver overheating (another potential cause of shifts).

SD3. Mk2b + glass, heated enclosure, GT2 belts, direct drive y shaft, linear bearings, bowden-feed E3D v5 w/ 0.9° stepper
Smoothieboard via Octoprint on RPi

3 Reply by Proteus

  • Proteus
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Re: Y-Axis shifting mid print

That could be it. I dont have a real filament holder since the stock one broke within 10 seconds. I was actually trying to print one when this happened.

Im going to watch it the whole time it prints and see what happens.

SD2 w/ Heated bed. Mods: E3D MK5, Lawsy MKV, Glass Bed, printed filament stand

4 Reply by mdrVB6

  • mdrVB6
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Re: Y-Axis shifting mid print

Are you still using the stock carriages?  If so, that could be part of the problem.  They are cheap and mine started skipping after maybe 150 hours on the machine.  Several times I took everything apart, cleaned and greased it, re did all the belt alignments and put it all back together to eliminate Y-skip.  It would usually work for a couple days then start skipping again.

I upgraded to the lawsy carriage and I have had no Y-skip ever since.  Your results may vary.  These things just really need good bearings.  Shame on solidoodle for making it of the cheapest parts available.

SD4 w/ RUMBA, E3D Volcano, all bearings, glass bed