<p>It looks like a problem with the Z axis. It looks like it isn’t lifting the Z as much as it thinks it is, so each layer gets over extruded because it’s trying to pack too much plastic in a shortened height. I would try cleaning and lubricating the Z rod(s) (with grease, not oil) and run the z axis up all the way and back down a few times, and watch for skipping steps or roughness in the travel.</p>
<p>Look for obstructions to the little wheels on the Z gantry as they roll up the frame posts. You could undo the Z gantry from the Z threaded rod. Be sure to support it on a box or something. Then lift the axis up and down by hand and feel if it’s smooth. A lot of problems with motion on 3D printer be revealed if you can work the motion by hand.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-20T15:52:20.717Z
This issue appears to be in the first layers, so maybe z is starting too low.  .
Perry Webb
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-22T00:14:20.867Z
@Perry, in the pictures you can see it starts fine, goes maybe 5mm then overextrudes. 
I had the exact thing happen at a certain height, it was a fouled up bearing in the z axis, (linear rail with linear bearings on my machine) making the printer skip Z steps in the same spot.
ChinchillaWafers
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-20T00:13:53.473Z
2021-07-20T00:13:53.473Z
ChinchillaWafers
<p>I’m using the Ender 3 with the Cura slicer and I’ve had success in doing the same print but recently the layers in the middle have smushed out and I don’t know the reason why.</p>
<p>I’ve tried reprinting the piece and the same problem occurs in the same area. I’ve yet to try to let the part finish because I don’t really want to waste filament so whenever I see the problem I stop the print.  I tried reslicing the part but the problem still happens.</p>
<p>Here’s the smushed print:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/3ToUJ.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Image of &quot;smushed&quot; printed model"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/3ToUJ.jpg" alt="Image of &quot;smushed&quot; printed model" title="Image of &quot;smushed&quot; printed model" /></a></p>
<p>And here’s what it’s supposed to look like:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/Zk0nx.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Image of a properly printed model"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/Zk0nx.jpg" alt="Image of a properly printed model" title="Image of a properly printed model" /></a></p>
<p>Edit: Should also mention that I’m fairly new to 3D printing</p>

<creality-ender-3>
Layers on printed part have started smushing together mid-print and I don’t know why
Kale
# Layers on printed part have started smushing together mid-print and I don’t know why

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-07-19)

I’m using the Ender 3 with the Cura slicer and I’ve had success in doing the same print but recently the layers in the middle have smushed out and I don’t know the reason why.

I’ve tried reprinting the piece and the same problem occurs in the same area. I’ve yet to try to let the part finish because I don’t really want to waste filament so whenever I see the problem I stop the print. I tried reslicing the part but the problem still happens.

Here’s the smushed print:

[![Image of ](https://i.sstatic.net/3ToUJ.jpg "Image of ")](https://i.sstatic.net/3ToUJ.jpg "Image of ")

And here’s what it’s supposed to look like:

[![Image of a properly printed model](https://i.sstatic.net/Zk0nx.jpg "Image of a properly printed model")](https://i.sstatic.net/Zk0nx.jpg "Image of a properly printed model")

Edit: Should also mention that I’m fairly new to 3D printing

**Tags:** creality-ender-3

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2021-07-20. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

It looks like a problem with the Z axis. It looks like it isn’t lifting the Z as much as it thinks it is, so each layer gets over extruded because it’s trying to pack too much plastic in a shortened height. I would try cleaning and lubricating the Z rod(s) (with grease, not oil) and run the z axis up all the way and back down a few times, and watch for skipping steps or roughness in the travel.

Look for obstructions to the little wheels on the Z gantry as they roll up the frame posts. You could undo the Z gantry from the Z threaded rod. Be sure to support it on a box or something. Then lift the axis up and down by hand and feel if it’s smooth. A lot of problems with motion on 3D printer be revealed if you can work the motion by hand.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: This issue appears to be in the first layers, so maybe z is starting too low.  .  
> **username_1**: @Perry, in the pictures you can see it starts fine, goes maybe 5mm then overextrudes.  I had the exact thing happen at a certain height, it was a fouled up bearing in the z axis, (linear rail with linear bearings on my machine) making the printer skip Z steps in the same spot.  

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