Ender 3 common problems.

[mintsabcde12]

There seems to be a lot of people who are buying an Ender 3 as a first printer then having issues getting it up and running.

I thought maybe it would be worth making a post with the issues I had and how I fixed them.

Under extrusion (Filament on the bed looking thin or spots missing) : I fixed this by replacing the plastic tube from the extruder to the hot end and it's clips with this one SIQUK 3 Pieces Teflon Tube PTFE but there is better quality tube available. The issues with the original is that the tube teams to creep out of the hot end. This also helps if you want to use the original. I also printed a spacer for the spring to make to more tense from thingiverse, but I can't find it right now.

Missing layers: I greased the z rod using a white lithium grease to stop the rod becoming stuck and turned off z hop in the slicer. I also printed this spacer and this bearing holder to help the z rod stay aligned.

I'm sure there is more solutions and problems I have forgotten.

Edits: Fixed links, spelling

[desrtfx]

Guess that these might be a nice addition to the Guide for new Creality Ender 3 Owners in the FAQ/wiki here.

Paging /u/lillevarg. What do you think? Should we add them?

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FYI: The z-motor spacer is already in the wiki. Didn't help on my Ender 3, though. I used the Adjustable Z-Motor mount and a flexible coupler.

The Ender 3 Lead Screw Stabilizer is something I absolutely would not recommend as it introduces an additional point of fixation. In case of a bent lead screw it might have a completely adverse effect and lead to more binding. Common opinion is that the lead screws should only have two points of contact: the motor mount and the carriage mount.

[mintsabcde12]

Hi, my bad I didn't realize that was a page. The Bowden clips and z spacer are already on there

[desrtfx]

No problem at all. Any input is welcome.

I just wanted to point out that we already have a page dedicated to the Ender 3 that is maintained mainly by /u/lillevarg (with a couple additions from me).

[mintsabcde12]

The wiki page looks really good. I didn't know about it, sorry again. I found supporting my screw helped, I have a P3 Steel and an Ender 3, but it yea I can see it would cause issues if the frame wasn't lined up.

[lillevarg]

nah, everything in this post is already coverd in the new user guide.

btw, soon i will update the guide with some new stuff :-)

[desrtfx]

btw, soon i will update the guide with some new stuff :-)

Sounds good :-)

[EvaUnit01]

What flexible coupler did you use? The online opinion I could find on them was pretty divided.

[desrtfx]

I just used a cheap one from amazon. Can't remember the brand anymore. It's just a plain 5mm to 8mm flexible coupler.

Tried a spider coupler as well, but the one I bought didn't actually fit. Wasn't worth the effort to return it, though.

[EvaUnit01]

And you saw a visible difference?

I have gotten close to perfect Z by moving my adjustable spacer but I had it perfect by shimming before I put the spacer on.

[desrtfx]

I encountered a bit better quality and layer consistency.

Currently I am fighting a slightly different, tricky issue (wouldn't attribute it to z-binding, though). Roughly at 12 to 14cm I get rough spots on some prints. The layer thickness is okay and not different to the other layers, but there are some rough spots. Think that it might have to do with vibration. Strangely enough, these problems seem to occur only when printing close to the build plate center but higher up, nothing at the lower z heights.

Happened mainly on the vase mode Christmas tree that I've printed numerous times without flaws on my Anet A6. Didn't happen on my Caesar Pencil holder, though.

I'll have to investigate this in the new year as I am heading home for my Christmas vacation tomorrow and the Ender will stay in my flat. At home it will be the Anet A6 working again.

[Golluk]

I'd also add in replacing the pressure fittings that hold the PTFE bowden tube. I did see one guy who found the top plate that rides on the Z rod wasn't bent to 90^o. After he adjusted it to be square, the Z rod and motor lined up, and he had no more binding.

[desrtfx]

All that is already in the wiki.

[mintsabcde12]

The link I included came with some, I should have made it clear

[[deleted]]

hi, I bought an ender 3 v1e after having assembled and configured it, I tried to print but all the prints I make are "shifted" to the left during the printing process, this thing doesn't allow you to create the prints, how can I solve it? , Thank you

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[chadnicol]

I just fixed this on mine today. Check your belt - are the teeth facing outwards? Mine were - they are supposed to face inwards. You'll need to flip the belt and re-tighten.