1 Topic by tankut

  • tankut
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Topic: Newbie help request: Huge skew / offset on prints

After following all the initial setup/calibration guides (and repairing the stopper contact switches) we've managed to get the new SD4 running.

Thing is, we haven't managed to print a simple test STL yet.  The head apparently moves freely and without glitches on all axes in manual mode in Repetier, but the prints come out all skewed in Y, by around a huge 5-7 mm every slice (image attached).

I've tested the slic3r (v1.1.7) gcode output online ( 3dgeni.us  ->  gCodeViewer ) and it looks OK.

What am I doing wrong, any pointers?

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2 Reply by IronMan

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Re: Newbie help request: Huge skew / offset on prints

Check your Y drive pulleys to make sure all of the set screws are tight...

Other than that, hit the "Search" button in the menu bar above and search for "Y layer shift".  You will find tons of topics and suggestions...

SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!

3 Reply by n2ri (edited by n2ri 2014-10-30 20:17:32)

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Re: Newbie help request: Huge skew / offset on prints

1st thing to do b4 starting any print after clicking connect button (all other setup has been done also) is click the home button in manual control panel or motors wont lock on position, as they dont know where they are. (still in off/neutral mode)

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

4 Reply by wire10ga

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Re: Newbie help request: Huge skew / offset on prints

You don't have to hit the HOME button before starting any print, Cause that is the 1st thing it tells the printer to do when you start your print.  I've started a many of print with the head not in the home position before.  Home has nothing to do with the problem shown.  I would say to check if bed is level, then check nozzle height then check extrusion flow.

SD2 - Glass Bed, Fans on PCB and Y motor, Custom enclosure
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5 Reply by jagowilson

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Re: Newbie help request: Huge skew / offset on prints

Definitely printing too far from the bed. Biggest evidence of that is the wavy sides of your print where it didn't shift--your nozzle is clobbing into the plastic as it falls. Use an 8x11 sheet of paper to balance the bed, it should be smug, but should still move freely. I use colored construction paper because it's a tad more rigid but still has a thickness of 0.17mm which is the distance I aim for usually.

Now once you solve that, check your belts. Bass on the looks of it you've got a belt too loose--probably the one on the left, either the one running along the side of the printer or the one on the Y motor. I say that because it seems as though you're shifting to the right, and this was the exact same thing my SD4 did out of the box.

Also interesting you had to fix your endstops. Mine were pretty janked as well, mostly Z.

6 Reply by tankut

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Re: Newbie help request: Huge skew / offset on prints

Tightening the left (y) belt and loosening the right (y) did the trick, thank you very much..  The waviness is also gone. 

ust modeled a circular test object, next step is testing for correct aspect ratio..

( Was already doing the homing before print, but the head resets just before print anyway )