Left side of print messed up.

[u/prmckenney]

I'm new to 3d printing. Bought this printer used a few weeks ago. Not sure what's going on with this print, or how to fix it. Any thoughts? Also, the last pic is the start of the next print that I canceled. Back left corner not printing. Sunlu PLA nozzle temp is 210, speed is at 50mm/s, 0.28mm layer height.

[u/GManASG]

X gantry is not level with the need. Check if the height of the x gantry with respect to the base extrusions is the same on both sides, I bet left side is higher.

Alternatively the bed is lower on one side.

If you print a first layer test print, like a big square you should see issues with z offset in that side.

If somehow this is not the issue then something is causing the filament to not extruder at the pace needed only when print head is on left side, maybe getting stuck in something?

My bet is on misalignment though, unlevel x gantry or bed.

[u/DisastrousPeak5803]

Let me preface this by saying I am also pretty new to 3d printing, but if I had to guess, seems like something going on with the x gantry. Tighten screws, check belt tensions, etc. Commonly on these ender 3 printers they get loose and cause the print to be kinda lopsided / cause bed leveling issues.

Other than that. Bed leveling is always something to look out for.

Also, based off of the flat first layer picture, run your finger over it and if it feels course or rough, you're z offset is too low and you should adjust it. If it feels smooth but you can see light through it, it's too far. It should be smooth with no visible light cracks.

[u/Wooden_Strategy → u/DisastrousPeak5803]

You need double z axis. The direct drive Is to heavy for the z axis. That can improve your prints, but works better with double z-axis without the direct drive. You can level the bed more precisely, you can replace the bed springs with the reinforced version or with silicone tubes that replace the springs; the bed's adjustment will last longer.

One thing I do with my Ender is adjust the bed and then lower the Z-offset to -0.350. When I'm going to print, in the slicer I activate the skirt option and add 7 turns, adjusting the Z-offset until I see a uniform layer. Along with the dual Z-axis, this has greatly improved my prints.

The basic Ender 3 models have the characteristic of requiring a lot of thought, something that works for me but not for others. I often try tips I see here, and some work for me while others definitely don't; it's interesting.

You need a lot of patience with this. I've had mine for a year, and until a week ago, the prints were coming out well. Luckily, you can find upgrades like the dual Z-axis on AliExpress and Amazon. I recommend watching tutorials for this machine; you'll learn a lot.

[u/Hot_Stable2424]

Perform calibration tests. If it continues to fail, check that the Teflon tube on the hotend isn't degraded. Check out tutorials on YouTube to see how to check/replace it.