1

Topic: Repeatable error

I am having a repeatable error in my prints so i'm thinking its repeatier host I was wondering if anyone else is having the same problem, had the same problem. I have some pics i can post of the same part experiencing the same error.

Should I try a different slicer program and if so which one? or si there another program to use for printing besides repeatier host?

Post's attachments

004.JPG
004.JPG 1.17 mb, file has never been downloaded. 

006.JPG
006.JPG 1.21 mb, file has never been downloaded. 

007.JPG
007.JPG 1.71 mb, file has never been downloaded. 

You don't have the permssions to download the attachments of this post.

2 (edited by grob 2015-03-23 22:40:29)

Re: Repeatable error

Looks like your y axis is skipping steps... This does happen, and often with alarming regularity. Also the geometry of the part can influence where the skips happen - moving over solid fill usually is the highest-risk of the nozzle dragging, the additional force required pushes over the line of what the stepper can handle. So although it looks like an identical layer every time, it's not the slicer that's doing this! Also, over time the rails/bushings wear, and the friction goes up, so you may have been printing happliy for some time and this has just begun.

Given it doesn't look like you're over-extruding or warping, I'd recommend considering the following:

(1) Ensure the y rails are clean and lubricated
(2) Ensure the y belts are aligned, and the axis moves smoothly
(3) Research tuning the stepper current (Vref), see if you can wind it up a bit without overheating the drivers

If that doesn't fix it, then there are a whole raft of modifications that could improve the situation:
(1) Cool your controller board with a fan (can prevent missing steps due to overheating, particularly if you turn the current up as per (3) above)
(2) Linear bearings and new rails, at least on the y-axis (looks like you were trying to print the lawsy carriages! smile)
(3) Bearing replacement of bushing on y driveshaft (lower friction)
(3) Direct-drive y shaft (lower friction again, also big improvement on backlash)

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

Re: Repeatable error

well i just cleaned and lubed the rails used white lithium grease i was wondering if there was a problem with my belts so next need to check those i guess i've updated the firmware on the board over the weekend

actually was printing a thing for a fan over the hot end to cool filament as it prints but i do plan on doing the new carriages eventually

and i have plans to do the backlash screw