Ghosting and ringing are common 3D printing defects where repeated patterns or ripples appear near sharp corners or along flat surfaces. These imperfections can ruin the visual quality of prints, especially on smooth faces or text details. This guide explores the most common causes of ghosting and ringing in 3D prints and provides proven methods to identify, prevent, and fix them.
1. High Print Speeds and Acceleration
One of the primary causes of ghosting is excessive print speed combined with high acceleration settings.
- High speeds cause the printer to overshoot during sharp direction changes.
- High acceleration forces rapid movements that generate mechanical vibrations.
Reducing print speed to 40–60 mm/s and acceleration to around 500–1000 mm/s² can significantly reduce these vibrations, leading to smoother prints with less visible artifacts.
2. Loose Belts and Frame Instability
Mechanical looseness introduces wobble and delayed movements that translate into ghosting on the print.
- X and Y belts should be tensioned properly—tight enough to remove slack but not so tight that they bind.
- Frame bolts should be checked regularly to ensure rigidity, especially on aluminum extrusion printers.
- Z wobble can also contribute, so ensure vertical rods and lead screws are aligned and secure.
Stable mechanics allow accurate movements with minimal bounce-back after quick directional changes.
3. Low-Quality or Worn Bearings
Friction and inconsistencies in the printer’s linear motion system can amplify ghosting.
- Worn bearings or bushings cause inconsistent movement, especially during high-speed shifts.
- Dirty rails or rods increase resistance and contribute to vibration.
- Misaligned linear guides produce uneven travel that shows up as repeating artifacts.
Regular maintenance, including lubrication and cleaning, ensures smooth operation and minimizes ringing.
4. Print Head Weight and Inertia
The mass of the moving print head plays a direct role in how much momentum is generated during motion.
- Heavy direct-drive extruders create more inertia during direction changes, increasing the chance of ringing.
- Upgrading to lighter hotends or relocating heavy components to the frame can reduce this issue.
Reducing moving mass lowers vibration amplitude, especially when printing models with sharp directional shifts.
5. Improper Motion Settings in Firmware or Slicer
Incorrect firmware or slicer settings related to motion control can lead to excessive vibrations.
- Jerk settings control how quickly the printer changes direction. High jerk values cause sudden starts and stops, which can create echoes.
- Acceleration and deceleration curves should be smoothed to reduce sharp impulses.
- Enabling input shaping (if supported) can preemptively counteract mechanical resonance and dramatically reduce ringing.
Fine-tuning motion settings is key to balancing speed, quality, and hardware capabilities.
Common FAQs About Ghosting and Ringing in 3D Printing
What does ghosting look like on a print?
Ghosting appears as faint, repeated outlines or ripples near sharp features like holes, text, or corners. It usually follows the shape of the affected detail and fades gradually outward.
Can ghosting damage the part’s functionality?
Ghosting is mostly a cosmetic defect and rarely affects the structural integrity of the part. However, it can be problematic for functional parts requiring precise mating surfaces or tolerances.
Does using input shaping completely remove ghosting?
Input shaping, available on some printers with advanced firmware like Klipper, significantly reduces ghosting. However, results vary based on hardware and setup. Mechanical issues should still be addressed.
Will vibration dampers on stepper motors help?
Vibration dampers can slightly reduce mechanical noise, but they are not a primary fix for ghosting. Tuning motion settings and stabilizing the printer frame have a much greater effect.
Is ghosting more common in CoreXY or Cartesian printers?
Ghosting can occur in any printer type. However, CoreXY systems with long belts and high-speed movement may be more sensitive to tension and acceleration settings.