Higher wall count = z-banding

If the problem improves with fewer walls, it is probably also an extrusion problem. This is because changes in extrusion have a greater effect with more walls. If you have a slight over-extrusion, this is hardly noticeable with 2 walls, if you use 4 walls you will see it better. Above a certain number of walls, the problem may no longer change in terms of visibility. A flow ratio of 1.029 is definitely too much. The K-factor also has an effect. In some experiments I have learned that the K-factor is not unimportant. Depending on the filament and its properties (e.g. moisture content), a slight deviation (e.g. 0.00…) in the K-factor can show up in the print image. I can only report on practical experience in case anyone thinks that this should not be the case in theory. It is therefore important that you set the filament parameters correctly.

  1. create a profile for your filament by first selecting a generic profile for your filament material and saving it under a different name

  2. enter the print temperature and the temperature range at which the print will be performed

  3. first leave the flow ratio at the default value (0.98 for example, which is pre-entered) and also the value for mm³/s

  4. save the profile

  5. make sure the filament is dry. PLA is easy to dry, do this as a precaution if you are unsure

  6. Calibrate the K value for your filament with the profile you have created using manual calibration

  7. Save the K-value for your filament

If you change the above values, flow rate (mm³/s), flow ratio and temperature or if your filament has not been dried for a long time, then recalibrate the K-value.

Another note: if you use the automatic calibration for the flow ratio, you may get incorrect values. I have experienced this myself with black PETG. I also got a value of 1.026 or similar, which was far too much, I noticed this in the accuracy of fit of the parts that I had previously printed in PLA and everything was right there.

Have a nice day!

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