Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

Hi folks,

I had hoped my first message would not be one about a malfunction of my cute new UM2GO, but sadly, I'm experiencing problems. My prints show a gap at certain (constant) heights:

IMAG0733.thumb.jpg.e4b9e2cad862ef02e608d6dfaa4bad5a.jpgIMAG0732.thumb.jpg.f83da80c66b2b271abf2bf7734c52613.jpgIMAG0727.thumb.jpg.a3e4f314c5bc9f642ecb58f21b3e024d.jpg

I've already cleaned and greased the Z axis trapezoid screws. Manually moving the print bed up and down, I can't feel extraordinary resistance at a certain point. I've also set all currents to 1200 mA, as advised by Ultimaker's German support rep, to no avail. I tried like five different filaments, different temperatures etc...

I'd be happy if anyone had a suggestion - I'd love to be able to print anything higher than 12mm.

Thanks, Phil

IMAG0733.thumb.jpg.e4b9e2cad862ef02e608d6dfaa4bad5a.jpg

IMAG0732.thumb.jpg.f83da80c66b2b271abf2bf7734c52613.jpg

IMAG0727.thumb.jpg.a3e4f314c5bc9f642ecb58f21b3e024d.jpg

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    Hi,

    Thank you for your post and welcome to the forum.

    I was wondering if you had this under extruded line on the exact same length every print or does it vary? It kinda looks like it varies, and on some of your prints it looks like generic under extrusion. Which makes me think it may not be the bearings.

    Could you tell me what settings you are using?

    What material are you currently using, and what materials have you used in the past?

    Looking forward hearing from you!

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    I have a similar problem at 14mm on every print. I have tried to log my issue yesterday but i notice it is not logged. I will keep track of your responses and hopefully I will resolve mine at the same time.

    Cheers

    oppyfromoz

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    Hi -

    thanks for the warm welcome.

    The first skip occurs at 10mm in most prints (there were two out of 10 prints that didn't have this one), the second at 13mm height (in all prints I made in the last few days). From there on upwards I've also had the impression of constant underextrusion, but this might be due to my tuning efforts.

    I've used the following filaments (all PLA @2.85mm): Ultimaker's own (silver), Prima Value (black), Das Filament (pink), eSun (brown). Currently I'm printing the same test cube from the SD card using the brown filament from eSun.

    Could "simple" underextrusion occur at the same height every time?

    Thanks for your time and efforts!

    Phil

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    Hi Phil,

    Because you have tried so many different filaments, can I ask you try an Atomic method to make sure your nozzle is clean from the inside?

    You can find a tutorial here on how to do it.

    It could be that small particles/dirt are interfering with your material flow.

    Alternatively, I would suspect the bearings on your Z-stage but first things first :)

    Lets get that hot end nice and clean first!

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    Hi Sander,

    I really appreciate your help!

    Alright, I cleaned the nozzle, the first run did remove some dirt apparently, the second was clean, no more residue on the filament piece. Then I printed one more calibration cube (guess what, I have about 20 of them sitting here on my desk) - no change, there's still a gap in the very same place.

    I tried something: I ran Pronterface (the version included with Cura 15), moved the platform way up and then ran sequences of G01 Z30 and G01 Z-30 commands to slowly move it up and down, up and down. I've made a video where you can hear that there's something non-linear in the movement:

     

    Maybe this helps find the reasons behind the problem?

    Regards, Phil

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    Hi @all,

    I'm still struggling with the problem. What I saw today is a screw protruding from the back part downwards:

    IMAG0737.thumb.jpg.3a84a6b82263ed3cf8ef126b8a744a89.jpg

    Is this normal? Should I try and tighten it?

    Phil

    IMAG0737.thumb.jpg.3a84a6b82263ed3cf8ef126b8a744a89.jpg

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    Okaaaaay,

    this is weird, but I think I solved it: I re-flashed the firmware from Cura 15.04.4, did a factory reset, and so far I did three prints without any problems. Maybe this helps others as well - just try it.

    Cheers, have a nice weekend -

    Phil

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    leave the screw like this, it triggers the lower z limit switch. There ia a corresponding hole in the bottom of the printer.

    Great that it prints well now! Other than moving the platform with Pronterface (is the difference in sound gone now?) you can move the platform by hand. Grab it at the back and slide it up and down. Do you hear or feel anything strange?

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    The different sound and the correlated hang of the platform were only showing when moving with Pronterface. Manually moving the platform did not make any sounds, any stops, anything.

    So far, I made three more prints, and all turned out fine - thanks @all for their efforts and time.

    Have a nice sunday!

    Phil

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Layers skipped, possibly Z axis hangs?

    Okaaaaay,

    this is weird, but I think I solved it: I re-flashed the firmware from Cura 15.04.4, did a factory reset, and so far I did three prints without any problems. Maybe this helps others as well - just try it.

    Cheers, have a nice weekend -

    Phil

     

    Hey Phil,

    I've been having the same problem as you with my umo+ where cleaning the z rods also didnt work for me. How did you re-flash the firmware and do a factory reset? I'm still kind of a noob when it comes to firmware issues.

    Thanks!

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now
    • Our picks

      • Help Us Improve Cura – Join the Ultimaker Research Program
        🚀 Help Shape the Future of Cura and Digital Factory – Join Our Power User Research Program!
        We’re looking for active users of Cura and Digital Factory — across professional and educational use cases — to help us improve the next generation of our tools.
        Our Power User Research Program kicks off with a quick 15-minute interview to learn about your setup and workflows. If selected, you’ll be invited into a small group of users who get early access to features and help us shape the future of 3D printing software.

        🧪 What to Expect:
        A short 15-minute kickoff interview to help us get to know you If selected, bi-monthly research sessions (15–30 minutes) where we’ll test features, review workflows, or gather feedback Occasional invites to try out early prototypes or vote on upcoming improvements
        🎁 What You’ll Get:
         
        Selected participants receive a free 1-year Studio or Classroom license Early access to new features and tools A direct voice in what we build next
        👉 Interested? Please fill out this quick form
        Your feedback helps us make Cura Cloud more powerful, more intuitive, and more aligned with how you actually print and manage your workflow.
        Thanks for being part of the community,

        — The Ultimaker Software Team
        • 0 replies
      • Cura 5.10 stable released!
        The full stable release of Cura 5.10 has arrived, and it brings support for the new Ultimaker S8, as well as new materials and profiles for previously supported UltiMaker printers. Additionally, you can now control your models in Cura using a 3D SpaceMouse and more!
          • Like
        • 18 replies
    ×
    ×
    • Create New...