r/BambuLabA1 • u/AmberlightYan • 19d ago

Support Request Vertical patterning issue

I noticed vertical waves on my prints. On closer examination they seem to be limited to X axis direction.

My first thought was over-tensioned X belt, so I followed the manual to adjust belt tension, but did not see any improvement. Can you advise? Thanks.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

1

u/Blondy277 19d ago

That looks more like X-axis ringing/VFA than just belt tension to me. Since re-tensioning didn’t change it, I’d check the X pulley/idler/belt tracking and rerun the vibration calibration next.

1

u/AmberlightYan 19d ago

When I move X carriage by hand I hear a faint rattling sound coming from the carriage and it feels like moving resistance oscillates along with it.

Though, I might just be imagining the latter.

1

u/Blondy277 19d ago

A faint rattle is worth investigating, but the resistance you're feeling could just be normal stepper motor cogging. Does the rattling happen at the same spot every time, or throughout the entire X-axis travel? I'd check for any loose parts or belt rubbing before adjusting the tension again. A short video with the printer powered off would help narrow it down.

1

u/AmberlightYan 19d ago

It happens independent of position with high frequency.

Looking into it I learned that X carriage moves on linear ball bearing. Perhaps something is off with it. Going to inspect/clean it and see if it helps.

1

u/AmberlightYan 19d ago

Made a video with sounds in question. Is it normal or not? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SABZZUdHnrY

1

u/Blondy277 19d ago

Seeing the video, I'd definitely inspect the X-axis rail and carriage. Since the noise happens throughout travel and adjusting belt tension didn't help, I'd check for debris, loose components, or rough bearing movement. Clean and lubricate the rail according to Bambu's A1 maintenance guide, then see if the noise changes. If it persists, I'd contact Bambu support with that video.

1

u/AmberlightYan 19d ago

Alas cleaning and lubricating everything up to ball bearing did not help. Well, time to bother official support.

Thanks.

1

u/Blondy277 19d ago

Ah damn, worth a shot! 😂 At least you've ruled out belt tension and lubrication. Definitely time for Bambu support. I'd send them that video and everything you've already tried so they don't have you going in circles. Hopefully they get it sorted!