Shaking Up the Print World: My Journey to Smoother Prints with the Ender 3

Hey there, 3D printing enthusiasts and Ender 3 v3 KE adventurers!

I recently took on a cool project with my trusty Ender 3, beginning with the creation of a spool roller. However, a twist in the tale came from your insightful comments on that very video. Many of you pointed out a shaking issue, sparking my curiosity and leading me down an investigative path.

This exploration revealed something quite interesting. When pushing the printer to higher speeds, the entire frame shakes and vibrates in a way that was far from ideal. The root of the issue? The frame of my Ender 3 v3 KE, while sturdy in appearance, is actually a bit on the thinner side, especially when you stack it up against the robust gantry of the Ender 3 Pro. And the plot thickens with the realization that the extra weight from the spool up top was making the problem worse, contributing to the dance and risking the quality of my prints.

Initially, I chalked up my print quality issues to my aggressive print speeds paired with insufficient heat. However, your comments made me realize it was a combination of factors at play. With this new understanding, I relocated the spool to mitigate the shake by remixing and printing Ender 3 v3 KE Filament Spool Side Mount (Toolless) by WMVos.

The result? A significant improvement in print smoothness and overall quality. I’m still loyal to my original spool roller (because it’s just that awesome), but I’ve introduced the new arm to the setup, designed to keep things stable. It connects seamlessly to the nebula pad, though it does have a slight sag due to the filament’s weight. I’m now considering printing a stand or brace to counteract this, or perhaps I’ll reinforce the arm itself.

This journey wasn’t just about troubleshooting; it was a deep dive into the nuances of our machines, spurred by your keen observations and comments. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of community and the shared quest for perfection in our 3D printing adventures.

Let’s keep this conversation going, sharing tips, tricks, and discoveries along the way. Together, we’re not just printing; we’re crafting the future, one layer at a time.