Z alignment better on smaller layers…?

I've gotten to the point where my layer alignment is excellent on small objects and small layers of large objects, but strangely enough it gets pretty bad on the larger layers. For example, I printed the Vanderbilt Mansion, and the top layers came out very nicely aligned:



But the layers on the bottom look pretty narsty:


Feels hardware-related. My belts are tight and my carriage has no side-to-side wobble or anything.

Prusa, Sanguinololu 1.3a, Sprinter, Replicatorg, Slic3r-generate gcode, 0.15 mm layers, 40 mm/sec perimeters.

Are your belts totally level?

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FFF Settings Calculator	Gcode post processors	Geometric Object Deposition Tool Blog
Tantillus.org	Mini Printable Lathe	How NOT to install a Pololu driver

Well darn, looks like you got me. After printing these bearing guides, it seems that my belts—especially the X-belt—are no longer totally level with the idler bearings. Poop.

If you use a tensioner like [www.thingiverse.com] you could try turning it over so the belts are higher.

EDIT: Ok I see you were the last person to comment on those tensioners so you obviously have them.

EDIT 2: I had the wrong link

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/13/2011 07:39PM by Sublime.

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FFF Settings Calculator	Gcode post processors	Geometric Object Deposition Tool Blog
Tantillus.org	Mini Printable Lathe	How NOT to install a Pololu driver

For my Y-carriage, I use the built-in tensioners in [www.thingiverse.com], so I'll probably print a spacer or two for it. The x-carriage is a tougher nut to crack since I can go taller but not shorter with the built-in tensioner. Maybe I'll try something with zipties.

Before:



After:

Are you seeing any improvement?

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FFF Settings Calculator	Gcode post processors	Geometric Object Deposition Tool Blog
Tantillus.org	Mini Printable Lathe	How NOT to install a Pololu driver

Testing now…

Edit: Alignment is flawless now. Thanks a ton!

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/13/2011 09:24PM by Pointedstick.