Layer Shifting
Fix layers that suddenly shift sideways mid-print — check belts, motor pulleys, and print speed/acceleration.
A layer shift is a sudden sideways displacement of the part. Layers above the event continue at the new position, creating a ledge or staircase-like offsets. Start with the motion system and possible collisions before changing material settings.
Confirm the Defect
| Pattern | Next check |
|---|---|
| A ledge followed by layers at a new position | Follow this guide |
| Repeating waves after a corner without overall displacement | Ringing and Ghosting |
| The whole part moved on the plate | Adhesion and Warping |
| One head's material is consistently offset from the other's | XY Alignment |
Photograph the part before removing it so its orientation is clear. Record the shift direction and whether a collision or unusual noise preceded it.
1. Look for an Obstruction or Collision
Stop the job. Once the printer has stopped and cooled sufficiently for inspection, check for cables or tubes catching, loose debris in the travel area, a lifted corner, and material accumulated on a nozzle.
If the part curled upward, correct adhesion or warping before repeating the job. If the nozzle dragged through raised material, also inspect Over-Extrusion. Removing the obstacle matters more than reducing speed around it.
2. Inspect Belts, Pulleys, and Play
Use the procedure for your printer version. For the V4, follow Belt Tensioning. Inspect belt condition as well as tension; loose and excessive tension can both cause problems.
With the machine stopped as required by its maintenance procedure, inspect for loose pulley mounting, displaced belt tracking, or visible play. Use Bearings Inspection for bearing checks. Do not force a powered axis by hand or tighten every fastener indiscriminately.
If a pulley appears loose and its adjustment procedure is unclear, send a photo to support before changing its position. A slipping pulley can cause shifts even when belt tension is correct.
3. Repeat with the Stock Motion Profile
- Save the failing slicer project.
- Restore the matching stock printer and print profiles, retaining the correct material and nozzle selection.
- Slice a small test containing the kind of movement that failed.
- Compare speed changes first, then acceleration changes, keeping other settings fixed.
- Record whether the displacement returns and at which feature.
Lower values do not repair a slipping pulley or binding axis. If shifts return with the stock profile, revisit the mechanical checks.
4. Investigate Repeated Failures
If failure occurs at the same feature, inspect the preview for unexpected paths or collision-prone geometry and check the part for curled overhangs. Re-slice if the preview itself is wrong. A cleaner model export cannot fix lost motion when the preview is correct.
If failures appear only after the machine has been running, record Web Interface errors and whether electronics cooling is operating. Driver or motor issues need diagnosis; do not alter driver current or wiring by trial and error.
Verify the Result
Print beyond the height or feature where failure occurred. Walls should stay aligned, without new ledges, scraping, or catching cables. Repeat the original job after the smaller test passes.
Record the Diagnostic Results
Keep the slicer project and a photo showing shift direction and part orientation. Record the failing layer or elapsed time, Web Interface errors, and the checks completed. Include these observations if support needs to investigate a repeated shift.
For general background, see Prusa's Layer Shifting. Use the 22IDEX procedures for hardware adjustments.
FAQ
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