u/funkyfourier

My Ender 3 has suddenly begun creating interesting patterns when running stringing test prints. It has been printing excellent for several years up until recently.

What I have done/checked:

• Bed levelling
• E-steps
• Slicer settings (exactly the same as before in Prusa Slicer)
• Changed nozzle and bowden tube, cleaned hot end
• Replaced the gear on the extruder with a new one

Also, interestingly, there is some "pitting" going on on the first layer only, but no signs of under extrusion on the following layers.

This issue really escapes me, as well as how the pattern in the image is even possible. It seems like it might be "shadow extruding" or something like that.

All ears for any ideas!