Improve print quality

[paul9 20]

Hello guys.

I wanted to ask how you can avoid having the walls like that, where they are very showy lines of various levels.

This may depend on the fact that the PTFE is very worn or from the feeder or even from the pulleys of the axes that move the extruder?

[valcrow 144]

This looks like a filament thing to me. Old, bad quality or difficult colours seem to cause this. What brand are you using?

[neotko 1,417]

Check the filament with a caliper. Also at some temperatures pla prints better/worse, each brand (and color) has his settings.

Also, the z lines could mean that your z screw needs some cleaning + green lube.

[SandervG 1,518]

I would also probably suggest to clean the threaded Z-rod!

[paul9 20]

Check the filament with a caliper. Also at some temperatures pla prints better/worse, each brand (and color) has his settings.

Also, the z lines could mean that your z screw needs some cleaning + green lube.

 

There is a guide that shows how to clean and how to properly lubricate the z axis. I've cleaned and lubricated in this way: I took a piece of soft paper ones you use to dry your hands, and I passed on the z axis, then after we have passed the green lubricant.

[paul9 20]

I would also probably suggest to clean the threaded Z-rod!

 

How do proper cleaning and lubrication z axis then?

[SandervG 1,518]

 

I would also probably suggest to clean the threaded Z-rod!

 

How do proper cleaning and lubrication z axis then?

 

You can find multiple tips on how to do maintenance on your Ultimaker on this page and this one. Good luck!

Edit; and didn't you just answer to how to to proper clean and lubricate it..?

Edited September 8, 2016 by Guest

[neotko 1,417]

To fully clean the Z I use this method

https://www.youmagine.com/designs/z-screw-cleaning-manual-for-um2-umo

But that's way too advanced if you don't like to mess with stuff.

What I do each month it's to use a toothbrush (a smooth one for babys), apply the lube on the toothbrush and while moving the Z up/down I move the toothbrush to take any debris and relubricate.

Also I don't use the green lube, I use a PTFE lubricant for bike chains, the downside it's that it need's to be applied more often (learned this trick on one post long ago from @Dim3nsioneer on this post )