Misaligned layers

Vertex 3D Printer Vertex - Issues while printing
1

There are one or two issues here, so I would please like some advice. When I press autohome the x-y position is corrected and it’s always fairly noisy when it’s in the corner. When I’m printing, there’s a lot of shifting in the x-axis, and a little shifting in the y-axis; occasionally there’s a loud noise, the nozzle jumps, and the next layer is completely off-centre.

I’ve read some advice on this, but still can’t seem to fix it. I’ve measured the voltages on the driver boards and they’re all within the limits:

x: 0.918
y: 0.918
z: 0.924

So I think it’s probably a mechanical issue rather than an electronic issue. I’ve checked that everything is parallel and aligned, but there are two things I don’t know how to fix: the x-pulleys are very loose to the point I think they’re too long, and the printhead seems to stop before it hits the endstop. I think it’s encountering a little resistance when it’s moving towards home, and the loose pulleys is struggling to get it there. How do I tighten the pulleys or than by using the clamp? Or maybe someone has another insight into this.

2

Check the alignment procedure in the [color=#408040]Wiki[/color]. You must follow it step by step to get your axis correctly aligned.

3

Thanks a lot! That’s definitely the main issued solved - it’s not happening for every single layer. But it does still do the occasion jumps…even though the x-axis is now moving freely (and sliding with gravity when the pullets are not attached), the x-pulley still seems to loose and there is still some vibration when printing. Occasionally it will jump 10mm or so the wrong way, and the next layer will be completely off. Any ideas about this?

4

Did you check the pulley on the motor?
Make sure the screw is on the flat part of the shaft and the screw is tight.

5

Also check that the long belts are running straight (and not moving from one side to the other of the pulley). If it happens you’ll have to modify the position of the pulleys.

To be certain that your axis is correctly align, move the other axis by hand and check the X belt : it must not move at all.

6

Thanks for your tips - they helped me solve the issue. The lengths of the bars through the printhead were such that it worked on both the x and y axes individually, but there was maybe a half degree rotation that stopped the other from working. I slightly shortened the length in the y direction and, fingers crossed, it hasn’t stuttered since. Thanks again!