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Salmon skin or Moire issue in 3D prints is where repeating patterns or wavy lines appear across the print, and they resemble the scales of a salmon. It affects the appearance of the design and makes it hard to achieve a perfect finish, and you will need extra post-processing, which takes a lot of time. The problem can also compromise the dimensional accuracy of the print, especially for functional parts where precision is important. Salmon skin problems are almost similar to ringing issues, but the difference is that ringing is not continuous. It appears on specific areas in your 3D print, and salmon skin, on the other hand, is consistent across the surface of the design.
This issue can still occur even with the best 3D printers, and it results from many issues, including problems with stepper motor drivers, 3D printer vibrations, high 3D printing speeds, and even worn-out or loose 3D printer belts. Like any other 3D printing issue, this problem can be fixed using the strategies described below.
Check 3D Printer Belts
1. Properly tighten 3D printer belts and replace them if they are worn out
Loose 3D printer belts can make the print head wobble or skip some steps, which results in uneven filament deposition, which can result in salmon skin. As you tighten it, ensure it’s not too tight as it can introduce unnecessary strain on the motors that can introduce vibrations. You should also ensure the belts are not worn out, as it can result in inconsistent tension during 3D printing. You can buy one from Amazon and replace it if you see signs of being worn out.
In addition to that, you can also tighten the screws on your 3D printer to ensure no component is loose, but be careful not to overtighten.
Also, inspect the rods and rails to ensure they are securely mounted and not misaligned or bent.