Z-banding

Regular horizontal ridges or bands repeating at a fixed pitch up the wall.

Likely causes, most likely first

1. Bent or eccentric Z leadscrew
2. Rigid coupling forcing the leadscrew off-axis
3. Layer heights not matching the leadscrew pitch
4. Temperature-driven extrusion variation

Fixes to try

• Fit a flexible Z coupler to decouple radial load
• Use 'magic' layer heights that divide the screw pitch
• Check for binding; clean and lightly lube the screw
• Stabilise hot-end temperature (tune PID)

Other print defects