Printing Imperfections

Filament 3D Printer Technical Help
1

image
image2391×1843 497 KB

My printer has started picking a random layer to mess up on. I am thinking this could be due to damp filament (I print in my basement, so although it doesn’t feel damp, it probably is a bit), but curious if anyone has any other suggestions for what could be causing the issue.

Printer is the Ender 5 Pro
I upgraded to an all-metal hot end
Printing with PLA at 200 degrees (this could’ve been 205 - still playing with correct temp)
This is the Sakata black PLA (shouldn’t make a difference, but sharing just in case)

2

Which end was on the build plate?

3

The bottom of the picture is what was on the build plate.

I’m uploading another pic of one it happened on (different layer). I put a purple line of where the build plate was for this one.

image
image1575×2100 291 KB

4

Possible filament snag or section of filament under sized

5

This doesn’t help your cause, but you this may be related to this post:

6

Damp filament would cause problems all through the print, it could be an intermittent problem with the gear feeding the filament.

7

Potential plug starting to happen Also measure the diameter of your filament see if it’s getting too big could be getting stuck a little bit then pushing through. listen for clicking if that’s happening don’t even print time for maintenance

8

I think you could try upping the extruder temp by 5 to 10°C. It kind of looks like layer separation and the walls could be a little smoother. If you print a temp tower, you should be able to find a temperature that works will for that filament and your printer.

9

@Nectaria in case you haven’t found the issue in the middle of the print is the extruder stepper really hot? I have had one shut down with over temperatures.

long shot here.

10

That makes sense. Because the next time I printed, I got that big huge mess of a nest of filament. :woman_facepalming:t3:

11

Thanks, I’ll try this.

12

Not sure, but if the other solutions don’t work, I’ll see if I can figure that one out. Thanks!

13

I want to say it’s a clog starting, but it’s odd that it’s in the same spot everytime. A new nozzle and a once over of the full filament/Bowden path would be a necessary precaution for me.

Have you tried turning the model in the slicer and reprinting to see if it still happens?

Does your z-axis move up and down freely?
I’ve had my Z-Axis screws bind up in certain spot before, and give a similar issue.
Mine have gotten clogged with dirt, dust and cat hair…