How to Fix Ringing, Ghosting & Rippling in 3D Prints

Have you ever noticed faint wavy lines or repeating patterns on the surface of your 3D prints, especially near sharp corners or abrupt changes in direction? That’s ringing—also referred to as ghosting or rippling.

This issue is typically caused by vibrations or wobbling when the printer changes direction suddenly—such as when the extruder moves around sharp corners. The inertia from these abrupt movements creates small vibrations that become visible on the surface of the print. Fortunately, ringing is a common issue with several proven fixes.

(All images included in this article are sourced from Reddit's r/3Dprinting community)

Here’s how to reduce or eliminate ringing in your 3D prints:

1️⃣  Reduce Print Speed

Printing too fast is one of the most common causes of ringing. Sudden changes in direction at high speeds cause vibrations that leave their mark. Reducing the printing speed can minimize these vibrations and improve print quality.

• Lower your print speed by 20% in your slicer software and observe the difference. Keep adjusting gradually until the ringing is minimized.

2️⃣  Tighten Belts and Pulleys

Loose belts or pulleys can introduce “slack” in your printer’s movement system, which amplifies vibrations and leads to ringing. Ensuring that these components are correctly tensioned can significantly reduce vibrations.

• Check and tighten the belts and pulleys on your 3D printer. Ensure they are taut but not overly tight, as this can cause excessive wear on the components. Proper tension helps stabilize the extruder and improves print accuracy.

3️⃣  Optimize Acceleration & Jerk Settings

High acceleration and jerk settings can cause sudden movements that lead to ringing. Adjusting these settings can smooth out movements and reduce vibrations.

• Adjust the acceleration and jerk settings in your printer's firmware or slicer software. Lower these values in your slicer or printer firmware, then test your print. Start with small adjustments and test the results, gradually fine-tuning until the ringing is minimized.

4️⃣  Improve Frame Stability

Even the best-tuned settings won’t help much if your printer wobbles during operation. A stable printer frame can help reduce vibrations and ringing. Make sure your printer is placed on a stable, level surface to prevent unnecessary movement during printing. If possible, use a heavy, solid table to minimize vibrations. You can also consider adding bracing or reinforcement to your printer’s frame to improve overall rigidity and print stability.

If you continue to encounter difficulties, please contact Overture Service for further assistance.

Happy printing!