Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? Hi everyone, Here's some info about my setup: Reprap Arduino/ramps Marlin (Folger Tech version) I'm new to this site, though I'm not as new to 3D printing. One problem that seems to keep eluding me is this strange texture I get on the outside of my objects. I can't seem to find anyone else who has had/solved this issue. I'm not really sure how to describe it. It has a texture reminiscent of snake skin. Normally, I wouldn't be concerned, because I generally get nice prints, however I am able to feel small, patterned "bumps" when I run my finger along the edges, so I am sure it affects the dimensionality of my models to some degree. I would just love to get smooth, organized lines around my perimeters. If I can fix this, my prints would be perfect. Here is an image so you all can see for yourselves: [attachment 64647 20151024_211509-1.jpg] Thanks for the help, I appreciate it. --Nick https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574951#msg-574951 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 10:09:59 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,582417#msg-582417 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,582417#msg-582417 Z Wobble.]]> Paul Wanamaker Reprappers Mon, 09 Nov 2015 23:10:06 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,579503#msg-579503 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,579503#msg-579503 the_digital_dentist Reprappers Tue, 03 Nov 2015 17:09:30 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,579412#msg-579412 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,579412#msg-579412
I understand the problem was different on your machine.
On mine, it was a great print quality improvement, no possible doubt.
To twist the belts can be a way to figure out if it's the problem here.
I keep that trick in mind.

++JM]]> J-Max Reprappers Tue, 03 Nov 2015 14:04:47 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,578954#msg-578954 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,578954#msg-578954
Quote
J-Max
Hi guys,

To me, according to the regularity of the pattern, it's a mecanical issue.
I had the same kind of pattern (much lighter) because of mooth idler pulleys.
I replaced them by proper GT2 pulleys and the pattern desappear.

++JM

I once had a similar problem and tried twisting the belts so that the smooth side of the belt was against the smooth pulley. It didn't change anything.
Now I use a smooth pulley in my X axis without the belt twist and can see no pattern in the prints whatsoever. I don't think the pulleys are the problem here.]]> the_digital_dentist Reprappers Mon, 02 Nov 2015 15:02:26 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,578913#msg-578913 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,578913#msg-578913 Long story short on A4988 sticks R4 is usually 10K, but can be shorted so that the stick runs in low current mode. This is usually the case as extruders run very slowly. When the step stick is in mixed mode it runs much smoother once the correct current is set with the potmeter. The 8825 has a similar mode. Search for stepstuck for more info.]]> imqqmi Reprappers Mon, 02 Nov 2015 13:32:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,578785#msg-578785 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,578785#msg-578785
To me, according to the regularity of the pattern, it's a mecanical issue.
I had the same kind of pattern (much lighter) because of mooth idler pulleys.
I replaced them by proper GT2 pulleys and the pattern desappear.

++JM]]> J-Max Reprappers Mon, 02 Nov 2015 07:46:37 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,578077#msg-578077 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,578077#msg-578077 elwood127 Reprappers Sat, 31 Oct 2015 18:21:17 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,577127#msg-577127 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,577127#msg-577127
Some questions for you:

1. What is the repeat interval of the pattern in your photos?
2. Are you using x16 microstepping for the extruder, or a lower value?
3. What extruder steps/mm do you have set?
4. What extrusion width and layer height did you use for that print?
5. If you increase the extrusion width or the layer height, does the pattern repeat interval change?]]> dc42 Reprappers Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:32:33 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,577094#msg-577094 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,577094#msg-577094 djtrance2 Reprappers Thu, 29 Oct 2015 12:33:06 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,575486#msg-575486 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,575486#msg-575486
Try a different slicer. If it does the same thing, then you know the problem is in the machine.

Check belt tensions in X and Y. Check that the pulleys are centered on the motor shafts. Take the belts off and try sliding the extruder carriage and the bed back and forth- they should move easily and smoothly.]]> the_digital_dentist Reprappers Mon, 26 Oct 2015 08:22:32 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,575372#msg-575372 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,575372#msg-575372 bunbun Reprappers Mon, 26 Oct 2015 03:27:55 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,575318#msg-575318 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,575318#msg-575318 I have gone around my machine and checked all of my connections, everything was tight, so I tightened them some more. I don't think it had much effect on my following print. Also, my machine has rubber feet, so I'm not sure if vibration would be an issue or not. What else could I try for vibration dampening?


the_digital_dentist,
I took apart my extruder and cleaned the gear and the rest of the casing. There was a bit of dust, but not much at all. The drive gear rotates on the shaft of the stepper perfectly. It didn't seem to make a noticeable difference in my following print.

Olaf,
They are the fully enclosed, cylindrical bearings. Yes, they are the "cheap" ones, but all my axis slide smoothly, with no grind whatsoever.


Attached is a photo of the same part printed after your suggestions. I decreased the layer height from 3.5mm to 2.5mm. This did seem to minimize the effect, but as you can see, it is still present. I have a feeling this is caused by pixelation in the steppers. Would it be possible for the layer height to accentuate the steps taken by each motor? (In other words, could this be caused by each step "snapping" into position rather than flowing through its steps smoothly?) If so, is there a way to adjust this in the Marlin firmware? I can upload my configuration.h file if anyone would like to check it out, just let me know.

If it helps, I have an MK8 direct drive extruder with a 0.4mm nozzle.


Here is my attempt made at the same part after those adjustments: [attachment 64687 20151025_155617-1.jpg]

If you all need any files or photos of my machine, let me know. Feel free to PM me
Thanks everyone for your suggestions,

--Nick]]> NickPeak53 Reprappers Sun, 25 Oct 2015 20:30:02 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574979#msg-574979 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574979#msg-574979 -Olaf]]> o_lampe Reprappers Sun, 25 Oct 2015 04:09:58 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574956#msg-574956 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574956#msg-574956 the_digital_dentist Reprappers Sat, 24 Oct 2015 22:47:53 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574954#msg-574954 Re: Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574954#msg-574954
Quote
NickPeak53
Hi everyone,

Here's some info about my setup:
Reprap
Arduino/ramps
Marlin (Folger Tech version)

I'm new to this site, though I'm not as new to 3D printing. One problem that seems to keep eluding me is this strange texture I get on the outside of my objects. I can't seem to find anyone else who has had/solved this issue. I'm not really sure how to describe it. It has a texture reminiscent of snake skin. Normally, I wouldn't be concerned, because I generally get nice prints, however I am able to feel small, patterned "bumps" when I run my finger along the edges, so I am sure it affects the dimensionality of my models to some degree. I would just love to get smooth, organized lines around my perimeters. If I can fix this, my prints would be perfect.

Here is an image so you all can see for yourselves: [attachment 64647 20151024_211509-1.jpg]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

--Nick

I believe such imperfections are caused by vibrations in the machine as it print. I would suggest going around your printer and making sure that all of the nuts and screws are tight, and that there are no conditions that would allow for excessive vibrations in the bed or the hotend/print head. Also, you could try putting dampeners under your printer if you have it on a very hard sturdy surface, to eliminate any possible reverb from the printer to the surface and then back to the printer.]]> Mach Reprappers Sat, 24 Oct 2015 22:00:21 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574951#msg-574951 Anyone know about textured patterns around perimeter? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,574951,574951#msg-574951
Here's some info about my setup:
Reprap
Arduino/ramps
Marlin (Folger Tech version)

I'm new to this site, though I'm not as new to 3D printing. One problem that seems to keep eluding me is this strange texture I get on the outside of my objects. I can't seem to find anyone else who has had/solved this issue. I'm not really sure how to describe it. It has a texture reminiscent of snake skin. Normally, I wouldn't be concerned, because I generally get nice prints, however I am able to feel small, patterned "bumps" when I run my finger along the edges, so I am sure it affects the dimensionality of my models to some degree. I would just love to get smooth, organized lines around my perimeters. If I can fix this, my prints would be perfect.

Here is an image so you all can see for yourselves: [attachment 64647 20151024_211509-1.jpg]


Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

--Nick]]> NickPeak53 Reprappers Sat, 24 Oct 2015 21:22:27 -0400