[BUG] LEVELING_FADE_HEIGHT issue with Ender 3 - should this setting be disabled?

[TheAndr0id]

Did you test the latest bugfix-2.1.x code?

Yes, and the problem still exists.

Bug Description

This isn't a bug with Marlin Firmware, but possibly an issue with the offered configuration for Ender 3s (and variants).

When enabling ENABLE_LEVELING_FADE_HEIGHT, while it works the resulting print displays notable layer line artifacts.

(sorry for the poor focus, but the issue is still visible)

The upper print has FADE_HEIGHT set to the default 10mm, while the lower print has the feature disabled by setting FADE_HEIGHT to 0 (G29 F0). Both prints are using the same GCode file.

Should this setting be changed/updated in the provided configure.h files for Ender 3s (and variants)?

Bug Timeline

Old

Expected behavior

I have been trying almost every solution I could find to remove/reduce layer line artifacts. Google search layer lines and I've already tried almost all of them.

Finally I broke down and replaced my guide wheels on the gantry. Removed almost all of the layer lines except in the bottom 10mm or so. 10mm? I remember seeing that number...

I wasn't expecting bed leveling to introduce layer line artifacts.

After thinking of the reason why, it is not surprising. I'm not saying this is an issue of the bed leveling system, but a configuration/compatibility issue.

I have an Ender 3v2, so to me, this looks like an Ender problem, but it could be causing issues for others as well.

Actual behavior

Using a Fade value of the default 10mm introduced layer lines in the print.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Enable UBL.
2. Print flat surface, shiny filament with default 10mm fade.
3. Turn off fade (G29 F0) and print again.
4. Note bottom 10mm of print.

Version of Marlin Firmware

2.1.2.5

Printer model

Ender 3v2

Electronics

Stock

LCD/Controller

DWIN

Other add-ons

No response

Bed Leveling

UBL Bilinear mesh

Your Slicer

Prusa Slicer

Host Software

None

Don't forget to include

• A ZIP file containing your Configuration.h and Configuration_adv.h.

Additional information & file uploads

The only evidence I have is from my machine. I have multiple test prints showing the layer lines below 10mm, and turning off the Fade solved that issue.

More testing/confirmation by others is definitely needed.

Should more detail/warnings about this issue be included with documentation (even if just in the configuration.h)?

My configuration just to check all the boxes above.
Configuration.zip

[thinkyhead]

The value can be pretty small, so if 10mm is too much, reduce it to 2mm.

These settings may also affect layer heights across longer moves:

  #define SEGMENT_LEVELED_MOVES
  #define LEVELED_SEGMENT_LENGTH 5.0 // (mm) Length of all segments (except the last one)

You might try a smaller LEVELED_SEGMENT_LENGTH. This will only affect moves up to the fade height, then after that moves will no longer be segmented.

[TheAndr0id]

Thank you for the suggestions. I will give this a shot and report back. It may take a few days as I'm just testing what multiple days of tuning Input Shaping has done for me.
(looking good so far, still need to run some long prints).