Z-Axis Banding/Ribbing
Hard to Fix
Regular horizontal lines or waves appear on vertical surfaces, creating a ribbed texture.
What Does It Look Like?
Repeating horizontal lines
Wavy pattern on walls
Regular spacing between lines
More visible on solid colors
Common Causes
Bent or misaligned Z-axis lead screw
Loose Z-axis couplers
Inconsistent layer heights
Mechanical binding
Solutions (Try in Order)
Start with Priority 1 solutions. Make one change at a time and test between changes.
1
Check Z-Axis Alignment
Ensure lead screw is straight and aligned
Visual inspection, rotate by hand to check binding
1
Tighten Z-Axis Couplers
Loose couplers cause inconsistent movement
Tighten both set screws on flexible couplers
2
Use Magic Numbers
Layer heights that divide evenly with Z-axis steps
For 8mm lead screw: 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16, 0.20, 0.24mm
2
Lubricate Z-Axis
Reduce friction and binding
Dry PTFE spray or light machine oil on lead screw
3
Check Frame Rigidity
Wobbly frame causes inconsistent layers
Tighten frame bolts, add bracing if needed
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:
MEDIUM
Difficulty:
Hard
Category:
Surface Quality
Solutions:
5