Ghosting in 3D Prints - What is it and how do you fix it?

Ghosting artifacts can really ruin the look of a 3D Printed object! In this video we'll discuss what ghosting (or ringing, rippling, echoing) is and how you can reduce or eliminate it from your 3D Printed models.

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[JonniNakari]

Lowering the perimeter or wall acceleration settings in slicer has a huge effect on removing ghosting. Available at least in Slic3r (Print Settings -> Speed -> Acceleration control -> Perimaters) and Cura (Speed -> Print Acceleration -> Wall Accceleration -> Outer Wall Accceleration). I use 2000mm/s² as the default acceleration and have outer walls printed with 310mm/s² acceleration.

[darkwinter]

As another commenter mentioned, it’s the result of having too much acceleration for the rigidity of the machine. The belts used on low-cost 3D printers are kinda springy, resulting in the attached components vibrating when suddenly accelerated. If you can’t upgrade the rigidity of your machine, the only other parameter you can adjust is to turn down the acceleration. Adjusting the speed may seem to help, but what’s going on is that the ringing is still present, but it’s just been compressed into a smaller area because the head isn’t moving as fast. Turning the acceleration down will actually reduce the root problem; not just mask the effect.

BTW, this is why CNC milling machines and lathes use ballscrews for driving their axes - they are much more rigid than belts.

[DPrintedTabletop]

Thanks for sharing, Angus. I print lots of miniatures & terrain for tabletop gaming, and lowering speed is what has worked best for me. Will share with others who get ringing as well. Cheers!

[ericbarker]

A 4 year old video!!! still completely relevant today! I’m new to 3D printing, and Angus has all the answers... plus I love his challenges and test prints

[RonFloyd]

Thanks Angus. It always helps to be pointed in several directions when troubleshooting complex problems.

[JonathanKayne]

You could also try adjusting the timing belt tension. The direction change isn't transferred as quickly to a loose belt, so the ghosting is at a lower frequency but more pronounced. A tighter belt will help transfer vibration to the frame faster and hence dampen it.

[kanemobley]

Angus,

Thank you so mich for these videos! Your channel has saved me alot of time and trial and error.


Keep up the good work!

[DarwinsChihuahua]

I think you mean momentum instead of moment of inertia which is related but really a different thing. Doesn't detract from your excellent video.

[phinok.m.]

The belt tension can also make a big difference. If your 3D printer is belt driven you kinda have to find a good balance in belt tension. A loose belt dampens vibration quite well, but may result in higher tolerances. While a tight belt decreases the tolerances but also increases the springiness of the belt, potentially 'causing things to bounce back and forth a little after a sudden change in speed. Similar to a weight hanging on a rubber band when the other end of the rubber band is suddenly moved up or down slightly.

[maxximumb]

Ghosting can also be reduced by fixing your printer down to a rigid base. I screwed mine down to a 3/4" plywood base and saw an instant improvement. I still get ghosting when printing fast, but generally it's acceptable. Also it reduces the frequency I need to re-level my print bed. I'll look at improving the rigidity of the X-Z axis next with braces

[bobsturdevant]

I really like the idea of putting the paper onto the printer to show the vibration. Great visual aid. Thanks Angus.

[plymaple]

Great video! I just experienced this after sorting out my tpu setting to the point where I have drastically increased my printing speeds.

[GEOsustainable]

Thanks, you helped me confirm that careful assembly with strict tolerances will eliminate yet another 'common' problem. That and a double Z screw. Like others, I want to switch all belts to drive screws. Get them within 10, 000/in in the XYZ and never have any of these common issues that stem from 'minimum engineered products'.

[OutsiderDreams]

Great video Angus!
You're explaining some pretty advanced concepts in your video and know they are not always the easiest to distill down to just a few words or phrases.

Just a subtle correction: Changes is acceleration and deceleration as well as speed DOES NOT result in moments of inertia.
Moment of inertia is a geometric property. Nothing to do with the material or forces/accelerations acting on the object.

[zendell]

Just the other day I did a basic search for Ghosting tips. Everyone was arguing about settings. Then Angus swings in and explains things better. I'd rather go with things everyone can agree on and easily understand.

Thanks Angus. You're such a good resource for people that just want to know without having to take a master class or sift through all the internet arguing

[LindyDesignLab]

Cool. Small imperfections aren't usually a concern since my prints get post-processed but it's good to know exactly what's going on and ideas to fix it if necessary. Thanks for the info.

[markcrane]

Great walk through of the issue easy to understand and learn from great job as always, will have to try these tips now on my ender 2

[moriarteaa]

+Maker's Muse what if I have a slight offset on the horizontal axis.
Its shows some lines clearly more inwards or outwards.
I've a Prusa Mk2, can you please tell me how to fix it?
Edit:I'm not quite sure, but maybe at around 5:00, you can see this on your mk3 print as well. Some layers are clearly more outwards than others.

[acgkplh]

Great video Angus. Clear and concise. A great help 👍

[larrykent]

Thanks you do a great job. Cheers and have a happy new year.