Layer Shifting
Medium to Fix
Layers suddenly shift horizontally mid-print, creating a stepped or offset appearance.
What Does It Look Like?
Print suddenly shifts to one side
Layers misaligned
Stepped appearance
Usually happens mid-print
Common Causes
Loose belts
Motor driver overheating
Mechanical obstruction
Print speed too fast
Solutions (Try in Order)
Start with Priority 1 solutions. Make one change at a time and test between changes.
1
Tighten Belts
Loose belts skip teeth
Belt should twang like guitar string when plucked
1
Check for Obstructions
Something blocking movement
Inspect all axes for debris, cables, or binding
2
Reduce Print Speed
Slower speeds reduce motor stress
Reduce to 50mm/s for troubleshooting
2
Cool Motor Drivers
Overheating causes skipped steps
Add heatsinks, improve ventilation, reduce driver current
3
Check Set Screws
Pulleys can slip on motor shafts
Tighten pulley set screws (one on flat of shaft)
Prevention Tips
- Save working settings for each filament type
- Perform regular printer maintenance
- Keep filament dry and stored properly
- Re-level bed before important prints
- Start with manufacturer-recommended settings
At a Glance
Severity:
CRITICAL
Difficulty:
Medium
Category:
Surface Quality
Solutions:
5