3D Printing Toolkit › Troubleshooting › Layer shifting

Layer shifting

Layers abruptly offset along X or Y partway up the print.

Likely causes, most likely first

  1. Loose belts or pulley grub screws
  2. Acceleration / speed too high (missed steps)
  3. Nozzle catching on the part
  4. Binding axis or stepper driver overheating

Fixes to try

Where to buy

Belts & tensionersSlack or worn belts let the toolhead lose its place.Shop ↗

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Filaments this hits hardest

TPU (95A)

Rubbery and near-unbreakable. Prints slowly and hates Bowden tubes.

Other print defects

Stringing & oozingWarping & adhesionUnder-extrusionElephant's footZ-bandingBlobs & zitsGhosting / ringingOver-extrusionTop pillowingPoor bridging

Every number on this page is in the app too — next to the calculators that use it, working offline at the printer.

Get it onGoogle Play