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Any ideas on what settings I should try to alleviate the problems in the images.In one image, you can see a vertical line.. What might cause this? In the other, I'm assuming this is layer shift but don't know for sure. If it is layer shift, what causes this? I'm using PLA, basic settings are Nozzle 205, bed 60 retracts 4.5mm. All other settings are default PLA. I've also added an image of a knob I printed with the same settings, it came out with very few imperfections.

any looseness in the machine? resonance?..loose steps?

The vertical line looks like a seam. Depending on your slicing program, you should be able to set whether or not seams are randomized. If they are not randomized, extrusion may/will start at the same X,Y spot on sequential identical layers. That said, seams are usually not so prominent as the one in the image. You may need to adjust your retract/prime settings.

The 2nd image that you've called layer shift looks like binding to me. Check your u-joints for smooth movement. Check your cheapskates for smooth travel. Could your hot end umbilical be hanging up on one of the arms, or perhaps bumping against it?

The vertical band is the layer change seam, pretty much always going to be there. some slicers do a better job than others and some let you specify location of seam to minimize visual distraction. Some can randomize the layer change location, but that usaully makes it worse in my opinion... spreads little blobs all around print instead of aligned in a single seam.

Try increasing your temp by 10c that may help horizontal banding. Lower temp = more extrusion backpressure/resistance which can cause fluctuations in extrusion flow and possibly cause extruder drive roller to slip, not feeding filament evenly.

Does your hot end temperature vary during print? that will cause horizontal banding also. You should do a PID auto tune to get your temps as stable as possible. Repetier host logs heat if you are hooked to machine, you can look at it during a print to watch temps.

Thanks for the help guys. I went in and retightened things, it seems that I wasn't as heavy handed as I usually am when I assembled this printer. I found few things that required a few more turns. I also found another curious thing.. I found that the top of the plastic delta arm hits the hex head bolt that holds the axle carriage to the cheapskate. Has anyone else noticed this? I filed them down on one and no more binding. They're really close on the others so I'll do that tomorrow. I've also noticed that the entire hot end has play but I'm assuming that it should have a little, I just don't know how much. I know that some trick laser carbon fiber arms are in my future, hopefully that will help the quality of the prints.

jram wrote:I found that the top of the plastic delta arm hits the hex head bolt that holds the axle carriage to the cheapskate. Has anyone else noticed this?

Nope! They're close, but on my machine, they don't collide. Curious that yours do.