The E3 V2 is my third 3D printer and I'm very happy overall but I'm having a strange problem. On certain prints, it seems either the stepper motors or drivers/control board overheat and then they have a problem stepping correctly. This leads to layer shifting constantly in a stair step like pattern. This is not a belt tension issue as the belt is not slipping over the gears but I have tried both tightening and loosening the belts. I also found someone else with a similar problem here.
I first thought it might be an issue with the Gcode but I tried both PrusaSlicer v2.2 and v2.3RC-2. I also changed the model because why not but still the issue remained. I then thought it was an issue with the 150mm travel speed, so I changed it to 90mm but that didn't help. I also tried printing two calibration cubes that were 150mm apart but that did not cause the issue. I then tried a complicated spiral vase that wouldn't have any travel moves and again the layer shifts happened. Once a layer shift happens more will occur with increased frequency until the print completely fails. This is a tricky problem to track down because if the print is small enough or large but simple then the layer shifting does not happen.
My printer is on a wood table in a room with no heat where the temperature ranges from 15-20c. So it should not be having an issue with overheating. I also noticed that on the first day this printer was completely silent besides the fan. On the second day I could hear a little bit of "driver" noise and that's also when I had my first layer shifting. On the third day the noise was like a normal printer, sounds like it's trying to dial up the internet.
My pictures wont upload here but I have shared an album here.
- just a picture I took while it was printing.
- side profile that shows the printer printed fine for the first hour and a half.
- shows that when you immeditaely restart the print the layer shifting happens much faster now that the printer is already hot
- shows I tried a lot of different combinations of settings, slicers etc but still layer shifting after a while.
The only picture I dont have is of the vase because I gave it to my mom and I would need to get it back but I might just print another one. I highly recommend people try to print this model with the stock "draft" profile that comes with PrusaSlicer 2.2 or 2.3 to see if their printer is also defective. Since mine is 3 days old I have just issued a return with amazon and should have a new one in a few days. I will post an update later on how the new printer behaves.