So I’ve build the Prusa I3. I’ve done a couple test prints and noticed this banding. I’ve gone over the entire machine and made sure the bolts are tight. I was going to suggest Z wobble, but I don’t see much consistency on the banding, I’m using Slic3r, and tried both simple and expert. M5 Z-rods. 1.75mm filament through a .35mm Jhead.
Notice some layers stick perfectly.
Speed 30mm/s
If not a mechanical problem you can try changing the temperature and check if it changes. For similar defect a cooling fan works for me. Other thing in seeing “random” variation in layer width can be vibration of the z plate that induce different layer height that translate in different width, try reduce printing speed, so you can isolate the problem.
Could be a lot of things; bed could be wobbling, you have a picture of your vertical rod setup on the i3? Also could be temperature fluctuations on the bed/hot end, a loose X carriage, loose/dragging hot end…
So generally “something is loose”. Check all your pulleys and make sure the set screws are tightened down too.
Are your belts tight? I kept tweaking my extrusion till I was crazy then finally realized one of my belts loosened
What’s your extrusion temp? Maybe just another thing to play around with.
Here’s a rundown of the possibilities: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s211/sh/701c36c4-ddd5-4669-a482-953d8924c71d/1ef992988295487c98c268dcdd2d687e
Without knowing anything about your machine or the rest of your setup, I would guess that your filament isn’t feeding smoothly into your extruder, and the tension on the filament is transmitting force to the extruder.
Thanks guys,
I was printing at 230*C. I have noticed my heatbed is flimsy. So i guess my question is what do you do to secure the heat bed to the aluminum Y-axis plate. Mine is secured with springs on all 4 ends but since its suspended above the plate the middle is going to flex due to the vibration. And also where would I find a piece of glass that would fit the 200mmx200mm bed?
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb113/provihockey15/TYLERASUS/DSC_4426_zpse0422571.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb113/provihockey15/TYLERASUS/DSC_4411_zps0b4fb8ad.jpg
You should put nuts all the way down the screws so that they are secure against the bottom of the platform and keep them straight. You may also need to use stronger springs.
@Tyler_Harney Lulzbot sells 190x200mm borosilicate glass that will fit on a Mk.1 or Mk.2 heat bed. It’s 10mm thinner to clear the screw heads on the corners. I’m sure other vendors sell glass plates as well. You may be able to purchase cut-to-size glass from a local supplier, although I don’t know if it will be borosilicate. Some people have no trouble with “standard” glass.
A lot of people buy cheap mirrors from IKEA and have no issue heating for ABS