One problem that many 3D printer users experience is when their layers aren’t aligned, or there is a misalignment with certain layers. This can ruin the look of your models, so you’ll want to figure out how to fix this issue.

To fix 3D print layers not aligned, you will want to check the belt tension, calibrate the extruder and lower the layer height. Reducing printing temperature, speed and cleaning the Z screw thread can also help. Check if your extruder is loose, or if there is a clog in your nozzle.

Keep reading for more information on how to fix 3D print layers not aligned.

How to Fix 3D Print Layers Not Aligned

These are the main ways to fix 3D print layers not aligning:

1. Check belt tension
2. Calibrate the extruder
3. Lower the layer height and reduce the printing speed
4. Reduce printing temperature
5. Clean your Z screw thread
6. Check filament diameter is accurate
7. Check for loose extruder
8. Check the nozzle for clogs

Check Belt Tension

One of the ways in which you can fix 3D print layers not aligning is by checking the belt tension. That’s because loose belts can lead to misalignment of the layers.

Try tightening them or replacing them with new belts. On Amazon, you’ll be able to find the Creality 3D Printer Belt that works perfectly to replace your belt in case that’s what is causing the misalignment.

One user was able to fix the layer misalignment that started after he upgraded to an all-metal hotend. His issue was completely fixed after he swapped his old belt for a new Creality 3D Printer Belt. 

You should also inspect your printer’s bearings and rods for signs of wear or damage. That’s because worn-out components can result in imprecise movements and misalignment. 

It’s important to always replace any damaged or worn-out parts to keep your printer running smoothly. One user had a problem with misaligned layers on his prints until realizing his bed belt was completely spent. 

After replacing his belt, the prints started to come out correctly. Another user stated that the bed belt should ride in the center of the pulley or it may cause misaligned prints.

Check out the video below for detailed information on how to properly tension your 3D printer belt.

Calibrate the Extruder

Another way to solve and fix print layers not aligning is to calibrate your extruder. Calibrating the extruder is very important in order to make sure that the correct amount of filament is being extruded during printing.

To calibrate the extruder, tell your printer to extrude 100mm of filament and measure the actual extruded length. Based on this measurement, you can adjust the extruder steps (e-steps) to make sure the correct amount of filament is being extruded during printing.

Check the video below for instructions and step by step on how to calibrate your extruder.

I also wrote an article that may be useful, called How to Calibrate Your 3D Printer – Extruder, Filament & More. 

One user recommends calibrating your extruder in case you are experiencing misaligned layers with different directions on your prints. He stated that it can help to solve the issue.

Lower the Layer Height and Reduce Printing Speed

Lowering your layer height is another possible solution for misaligned layers in 3D prints. The layer height means the thickness of each individual layer that is printed and by reducing it, you can get finer and more precise details in the prints.

One user was having issues with his layers not aligning when printing at a 0.16mm layer height with a 0.2mm nozzle. 

He was recommended to lower his layer height as one user stated that you should print normally between 30-50% of your nozzle size, for a 0.2mm nozzle that would be between 0.06mm and 0.1mm.

Reducing print speed is another possible fix to 3D print layers not aligning as there is a bigger chance of misalignment when you are printing objects too fast.

One user recommends reducing your print speed to avoid misalignment as he always suffers from this issue when trying to print too fast.

Another user was able to fix his misalignment problem by going from 0.3mm to 0.15mm on his layer height and about 40% slower on his print speed.

Check out the video below for detailed instructions on how to set up your layer height when 3D printing.

Reduce Printing Temperature

Another way to potentially solve 3D print layers not aligning is to reduce printing temperature. That’s because overheating can lead to warping which can cause misalignment.

One user was experiencing misalignment with his layers when printing PLA at a temperature of 220ºC and was recommended by other users to lower his temperature to around 185-200°C.

He was also recommended to lower his layer height from 0.32mm to 0.30mm to help prevent misalignment.

Check out the video below for more information about how to find the optimal temperature for your 3D prints.

Clean Your Z Screw Thread

Cleaning your Z screw thread is another possible solution you can try when experiencing misaligned layers on your 3D prints. The Z screw, also known as the lead screw or threaded rod, is a long vertical rod that controls the up-and-down movement of the print head.

Sometimes the Z screw can start to accumulate dirt and debris and that can prevent the print head from correctly moving between layers, resulting in visible lines or problems with layer alignment.

One user suggests this fix as a way to solve lines caused by layer misalignment. He stated that he was suffering from this issue and his problem was solved after he cleaned his Z screw thread.

Check out the video below for more instructions on how you can clean the Z screw thread.

Check for Loose Extruder

Another possible fix is checking if your extruder is loose. That’s because misaligned layers can be caused by an extruder being loose or wobbly.

To check if your extruder is loose, first power off your 3D printer and make sure it is disconnected from the power sources for your own safety.

Then locate the extruder on your printer, which is usually near the hotend or nozzle. Now, you should check for any signs of looseness in the extruder assembly.

If you feel like your extruder is loose, you will need the appropriate tools to fix it, such as an Allen Wrench, which you can find in the EFFICERE 30-Piece Premium Allen Wrench Set, available at Amazon.

They will help you tighten the screws and bolts to secure the extruder properly. Once you have tightened the extruder, you should try to run a test print to see if the misaligned layer issue has been solved.

One user was able to solve his issue with misaligned layers after he noticed his extruder was loose and fixed it.

Check out the video below for more information about checking if your extruder is loose.

Check the Nozzle for Clogs

Checking for clogs in the nozzle and cleaning the PTFE tube of your 3D printer is another solution to fix the 3D print layers not aligning. That’s because a small clog on the nozzle or debris in the PTFE tube can cause misaligned layers when 3D printing.

To check for clogs and debris, first power off your printer and be sure that it has cooled down to a safe temperature. Then remove the filament from the printer and if your machine has a Bowden extruder, disconnect the PTFE tube from both the extruder and the hotend.

Now you can carefully check the tube for any signs of buildup or clogs. There are a lot of ways to unclog the nozzle in case you’re needing it. I wrote an article called 5 Ways How to Fix & Unclog Extruder Nozzle & Prevention that may be useful to you.

One user recommends using a needle from a nozzle cleaning kit to help unclog your nozzle. You can find one with the 48 Pieces 3D Printer Nozzle Cleaning Set, which is available over at Amazon.

Another user stated that he was able to solve his issue of misaligned layers after unclogging his nozzle which was causing the bad prints to happen. 

Check out the video below for more instructions on how to unclog your 3D printer nozzle.

Check Filament Diameter is Accurate

Another cause for misaligned layers in 3D prints is an inaccurate filament diameter. The filament diameter should be 1.75mm with a tolerance of 0.03mm. However, variations in filament production and storage conditions can result in changes in the filament diameter.

To make sure that your filament diameter is at an acceptable range, you should measure it with digital calipers. You can find the Jiavarry Digital Caliper Measuring Tool on Amazon for a great price and good reviews.

If the diameter of the filament you are using is not accurate, then you should probably consider a different filament as some brands may have less chance of warping and misalignment.

Check out the video below to see a comparison of all the PLA filaments available in 2023.