Instructions:
In this maintenance and operation assignment, you will adjust your print bed to be VERY PRECISE in order to print on a SMOOTH surface with no raft after this assignment.
Rubric:
5pts Images - Post Includes 3 Images; screenshot of nozzle offset, a screenshot of manual calibration numbers, and picture of successful print
5pts Text - Write 100 words (IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DO NOT COPY) about Bed Leveling. You can talk about what you learned, what you did for this assignment, the definition, why it is important, or what can happen if the bed is not leveled correctly.
-----
10pts Total
Grab a SMOOTH build plate
Tell the printer you are using a smooth build plate!
THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT
The 3D printer is blind. We must ask it to measure the distance from the nozzle to the print bed to make sure the first layer of plastic STICKS.
This extra plastic on the nozzle is BAD. We must remove it before taking the MEASUREMENT (calibration).
WIRE BRUSH is used to clean the nozzle.
Select the MANUAL print bed calibration option
The nozzle will now move to the back left corner.
Use the calibration card to calibrate the gap between the nozzle and print bed.
*Note. The printer will move 1mm at first then in .2mm increments
The "Feeler" is the piece of thick paper used between the build plate and the nozzle.
In the image, the print bed and nozzle are too far and the print bed THERE IS NO DRAG when the card is inserted!
In the image, the print bed and nozzle are just right and there is DRAG when the card is inserted!
In the image, the print bed and nozzle are too close and the PRINT BED IS FLEXING UP AND DOWN when the card is inserted!
Confirm the adjustments you have made.
What did we do? We have identified the high and low spots on the print bed due to a warped surface or machine variation. Our printer will now be able to print "flat".
Place a cube
Set your cube to be 5mm tall.
We are printing this shape to confirm our print bed is flat and at the correct height.
Print with a raft (this will be the last time we need a raft)
We will WATCH THE FIRST LAYER!!!
Look at the examples below to identify if your build plate is TOO HIGH or TOO LOW
This is a REALLY BAD first layer!
The nozzle is too close the print bed. The printer may jam.
This is a BAD first layer!
The nozzle is too close the print bed. The printer may jam.
This is a GREAT first layer!
The nozzle is the perfect distance from the print bed.
This is a BAD first layer!
The nozzle is too far the print bed. The print may slip and form a ball.
This is a REALLY BAD first layer!
The nozzle is too far the print bed. The print may slip and form a ball.
Examine your 1st layer. CANCEL YOUR PRINT AS NEEDED! Adjust your nozzle offset by + .2mm or - .2mm where appropriate