Layers aren't smooth on finished print (ridges)

K8200 3D Printer K8200 - Issues while printing
1

Hey Guys,

I have finally got my 3d printer running on ABS. I have a small problem though. Every couple of layers the 3d printer decides to make a wider layer on the model being printed. They look like ridges. I dont know what to do to fix it up in order to make a perfectly smooth model.

Another issue that I have is that some models I cant print because the supports are not placed there, and if they are, they are hard to remove. Does anyone have a set of settings I can use.

I am currently using the K8200 printer
Bed heated to 60 degrees with tape and glue (so the abs doesnt warp)
Extruder temp is at 250 degrees
feedrate at 100.

2

The layers that are stacked like:

/

/
\

Are caused by Z-axis wobble, the Z-axis that comes with the K8200 is quite… poor.
The upgraded one make a world of difference :slight_smile:

3

are you sure? where can i find the best bracket to print to fix this problem?

4

I had the same problem :frowning:
I’ve replaced the Z-axis with the upgrade kit from Velleman (Velleman K8204).

I’m at work at the moment, but will post a pic later today with a before and after picture :slight_smile:

5

Thanks Chromeeh! Im looking forward to the pictures.

6

With my old axis:

With the upgraded one:

It’s serious a world of difference on how precise the layers will be :slight_smile:
Hope this helps :smiley:

7

Where did you buy it from? I cant seem to find a place that ships to Australia (Brisbane).

8

I got it from a webshop (in the Netherlands), but a quick google learned that “Altronics” had Velleman parts too, maybe they can order it for you?

9

Hey Chromeeh

I was wondering how you address the vertical waves/lines/bumps on the 3d print. I upgraded my flexible coupler and the prints are far better. Almost as good as yours. Do you use abs or pla? Also can you attach your ini file for your pla?

I just have heaps of those vertical bumps on my finish prints… if I can fix this the prints would be perfect. Maybe it is something in the slic3r settings, i noticed you have some very slight ones in the corners, but nothing like mine. I have attached a photo for you to have a look.

http://postimg.org/image/7ydywvy79/

10

[quote=“imz93”]Hey Chromeeh

I was wondering how you address the vertical waves/lines/bumps on the 3d print. I upgraded my flexible coupler and the prints are far better. Almost as good as yours. Do you use abs or pla? Also can you attach your ini file for your pla?

I just have heaps of those vertical bumps on my finish prints… if I can fix this the prints would be perfect. Maybe it is something in the slic3r settings, i noticed you have some very slight ones in the corners, but nothing like mine. I have attached a photo for you to have a look.

http://postimg.org/image/7ydywvy79/[/quote]

I’m printing with PLA (Brand: Siridi), I’ll attach my config file for Slic3r tonight (I’m at work at the moment :P).
My printer has the stock hotend, no other modifications other than the upgraded Z-axis.

11

Did you get a chance to have a look at your settings? Could you attach your ini file if thats possible? Might be easier for me to see…

12

[quote]I was wondering how you address the vertical waves/lines/bumps on the 3d print. I upgraded my flexible coupler and the prints are far better. Almost as good as yours. Do you use abs or pla? Also can you attach your ini file for your pla?

I just have heaps of those vertical bumps on my finish prints… if I can fix this the prints would be perfect. Maybe it is something in the slic3r settings, i noticed you have some very slight ones in the corners, but nothing like mine. I have attached a photo for you to have a look.[/quote]
Looks like it could be shadows from the infill:
To prove: print bottom part with no infill.
If so, to cure: having more perimeters or thicker shell will help.

P.S. Tighten the top nut on the Z axis threaded rod slightly so the flex coupler is slightly under tension. That might get rid of the odd horizontal layers you have.

13

There was no infill on that print. Only had 2 perimeters. Printed another with 4 perimeters, same thing.

14

Are the vertical marks the same pitch as the teeth on the belt (5mm if your using the standard)?

15

no they are not… they are random widths. Some of them are approx 5 mm… but if i adjust the acceleration to 80mm per second in slic3r it softens the lines… but they are still there.

16

Only other thing that comes to mind is belt tension - try a spring from a clothes peg as a tensioner.
How to: youtube.com/watch?v=hgOsRUsS4VI