Banding and Z wobble (repeating lines)
Lines or ridges repeat up the side of the print at regular heights, or the walls wave in and out.
Also described as z wobble, banding, horizontal lines, ridges on walls, repeating lines, wavy walls, layer lines uneven
Try these in order
Most likely and quickest to check first. Change one thing at a time so you know what fixed it.
Z axis binding or a bent lead screw
Bands that repeat every 2, 4 or 8 mm usually match the lead screw's pitch.
- Check the lead screw is straight and the coupler isn't off-centre.
- Clean and lightly grease the lead screw.
- Make sure the gantry is level and both sides move together on dual-Z printers.
Layer height not a multiple of the motor step
- Use 'magic number' layer heights for your printer, such as multiples of 0.04 mm for most 8 mm lead screws (0.12, 0.16, 0.2, 0.24, 0.28).
Bed temperature swinging
- Run a PID tune on the bed so the temperature holds steady.
Changing flow from inconsistent filament
- Try another spool to rule it out.