Using a M2 Rev. E (completely stock)) w/ Hatchbox PLA (Silver) and eSUN PLA+ (Orange) to print 20mm calibration cubes 40-80mm/s @ 200-220C. I'm seeing these lines in the walls of my prints no matter the print speed or print temp. The pattern seems a little too consistent to be a z-axis defect, but I'm not sure. The other cause may be PID values that are off (not calibrated), which results in extrusion temps that vary more than 1-2C. I'm assuming Makergear has set these PID values in the firmware, and is not tuning each M2 at the factory. Either way, I'd be surprised if M2 users needed to run PID autotune with the stock hardware right off the bat. If I changed extruders, I could see that it would be much more likely that PID would be the culprit, but I'm using the stock V4 hot end.
Does anyone know how to figure out which issue is causing the lines?
Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
Does anyone know how to figure out which issue is causing the lines?
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
Try changing the layer height to see if it's related to the Z-stepper.
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
Note: I did run the PID autotune with the bed cooling fan OFF, which may explain why the lines still show up when actively printing PLA with the fan ON. I'm guessing this may be the issue since the PID autotune isn't running under exact printing conditions???
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
I suspected the cooling fan blowing on the hot end may be causing the temperature to fluctuate, so I did another test with the bed cooling fan off. To my surprise, the lines are still there and there is some obvious warping from a lack of cooling!!! Not really the print quality I was expecting from the M2. My Flashforge Creator Pro could print 20mm cal. cubes at 80mm/s with no warping or lines in the walls, albeit with a little more ringing, but that was to be expected with the smooth rods the printer was using. Super disappointed....I'll post back if Makergear offers a resolution.
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
I have heard of waves on an M2 caused by inadequate pressure on the extruder drive roller. Might try snugging that up a bit to see if that makes any difference.
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
I did notice however, whilst calibrating my extrusion multiplier, that when I print a calibration cube with 0% infill, no top or bottom layers, and only 1 perimeter, the lines finally go away (see photo). I have no idea what to make of this. THAT is how I expect walls to look...nice and smooth. Any other ideas on whats causing the lines?
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
What are your infill settings?
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
I'm using 20% rectilinear infill for the calibration cubes, all printed in PLA.What are your infill settings?
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
Looking at one of my parts and it exhibits similar waving. There were two parts in this build. A short, large part, and a taller, small part. The waviness only appears after the large part finished building and the printer was working only on the small part.
Try a build with 3 or 4 of your cubes on the build place at once. The larger parts I build are nice and even except for slight, random ribs which I attribute to filament diameter variation.
Try a build with 3 or 4 of your cubes on the build place at once. The larger parts I build are nice and even except for slight, random ribs which I attribute to filament diameter variation.
Re: Defective z-axis or PID needs calibration?
Zemlin, any chance you could post photos of the waving you are seeing? I can post my g-code here in case anyone wants to give this a try on their printer.Looking at one of my parts and it exhibits similar waving.