Before diagnosing layer banding
To make this article useful, first isolate other visual issues that can look like layer lines:
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retraction issues (stringing, oozing)
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clogging or partial jams
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visible effects from additives or fillers
See: Anatomy of Ugly Prints
This helps set a quality baseline before continuing.
Step 1 — Compare small vs large prints
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If small prints look fine but large prints show banding, see:
Why small prints can look better -
If prints look bad at all sizes, continue below.
Step 2 — Identify the source
Layer banding on Materium usually comes from hardware or material.
Work through both.
Hardware (Materium)
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Worn nozzle → replace it
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Non-standard nozzle → ZenFlow nozzles are the Materium baseline
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Dirty barrel or screw -> partial disassembly and cleaning (See : cleaning barrel and screw)
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plaque buildup
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plate-out
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debris or leftover material
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Incorrect flow rate or extrusion multiplier
→ see Material Tuning Guide -
PID not tuned
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Cooling issues (part or hotend)
Material
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Moisture
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some pellets are highly sensitive
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small moisture changes can affect extrusion volume
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Pellet shape and size
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difficult to fix at the printer
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focus on other variables first
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Material type
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biodegradables
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virgin vs recycled
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elastomers
→ see Materials
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Additives or fillers
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inherently disrupt flow
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cannot be fixed at the printer
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must be addressed upstream
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use proper masterbatch, powder form, and compatible fillers
→ see Additives in Materials
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