Layer shifting (steps in the walls)
One or more layers are offset horizontally from the rest, leaving a visible step or a leaning print.
Needs tuning layer shift layer shifting offset layers skipped steps
Likely causes
- Loose belt on the X or Y axis
- Loose pulley grub screw on a stepper shaft
- Print speed or acceleration too high for the machine
- Nozzle colliding with a curled-up part or infill
- Stepper driver overheating or current set too low
How to fix it
- Tension the belts until they twang at a low note; loose belts are the number one cause.
- Check that the pulley set screws are tight and seated on the flat of the motor shaft.
- Reduce acceleration and jerk, then speed. Accel is usually the culprit, not top speed.
- Enable z-hop and fix any warping so the nozzle stops catching the part.
- Check the stepper driver current and add cooling if the board or motors get hot.
Work through it in order
The fastest path to a fix
Change one thing at a time and print a small test. Start with the first fix listed — it is the most common cause.