Still Learning - What causes inconsistent/not smooth layers

[nrbelk]

I'm still learning the ropes with 3d printing. I plan to calibrate my extruder (making sure that 10mm is only 10mm) when I get home tonight. But besides that, what else could be causeing the layer inconsistencies I'm having? I get them both with PLA and ABS but ABS seems to print better for me (when it doesn't split or shift off for some reason). One picture is what I think is a good job, but was done at the very end of the print. Please tell me if it also doesn't look right (it is the "nose" of the item I was printing).

Here are the pictures:

This is the one that looks pretty good, same print as the other two pictures:

[Mac The Knife]

Assuming this is a new printer, and few prints done on it, it may be time to double check your belt tension, and cheapskate wheels.

[nrbelk]

Thanks.

I looked at the belt tension, they all seem pretty tight, not sure if I could make them tighter. I have now lubricated the arms and wheels with silicon spray stuff. I will try another calibration print tomorrow. If you have any suggested shapes/settings please let me know so I can try those.

[Tincho85]

What's your print speed and travel speed (non-print moves)?

[nrbelk]

I'm not at home right now to check, but this was printed using the default settings that come with MatterControl when you download it from SeeMeCNC. I used the regular PLA one with the only setting changed was the average of the filament size. When I print ABS I had slow it all down to -10 or -5 from whatever the default was.

[JFettig]

First picture looks like the bottom of the part - possibly too much overhang or not enough cooling time.

Other ones might be loose belts, too tight of cheap skates or something else mechanical.

[Tincho85]

Also, check the drive gear of the motors. Make sure they are pressing tight against that flat spot of the shaft.

[nrbelk]

Also, check the drive gear of the motors. Make sure they are pressing tight against that flat spot of the shaft.

What do you mean by this?

[Mac The Knife]

The setscrews for the drive pulleys can loosen up,

[nrbelk]

I lubricated the arms, recalibrated my z height and did the horizontal calibration over again. During this time I realized the nut that holds the hotend onto the platform was loose. I remembered I had only ever tightened it finger tight so I went back to the instructions, it didn't say anything about that, so I tightened it with a wrench this time.

This could also explain why I had to constantly redo my xyz and horizontal calibrations.

Anyways, I did a 20mm cube and it printed and looks really relaly nice. Now I'll try printing something more advanced.