I’ve printed similar objects with a different colored PLA, but I ran out of it and switched to this.
Is it possible that this could be influencing the outcome?
I have tried reducing the printing speed by 50%, but this did not seem to have a significant impact.
Z binding, I think. Your Z axis is binding up either due to issues with that area of your screws or overheating of the motors (less likely). Lubrication can help unless there is an issue of the screws being warped.
Edit: what machine are you using?
Thank you for this information. I am using a Creality Ender 3 V2.
So, this seems counterintuitive, but slightly loosening the part that attaches to the x axis can help as well.
For clarity, you loosen the brass fitting on the x axis that attaches the rod to the x axis.