Enthusiastic about utilizing MatterControl’s 7 and 13 level print leveling? Though, this technique is simple to make use of, there may be some {hardware} or firmware settings you will want to repair first. Here is how!
Posted on December 18, 2015
by
Taylor Landry
MatterControl not too long ago launched 7 and 13 level software program print leveling. These are nice choices for delta 3D printers, in addition to Cartesian printers with massive print beds.
Although very straightforward to configure and use, there are some {hardware} and/or firmware settings wanted to ensure that MatterControl’s software program leveling to perform correctly.
There are two fundamental configurations for 3D printers because it pertains to endstops and leveling – Z Minimal and Z Most. If in case you have not been in a position to obtain correct leveling with MatterControl, we’ll cowl the options for each sorts.
So as to get good leveling outcomes – no matter what sort of printer you might have – the nozzle of your sizzling finish should be capable to pinch a chunk of paper (or feeler gauge) in opposition to the mattress. If in case you have a machine with a Z Minimal endstop setup – the place the Z endstop triggers on the mattress, Z=0 – it’s doable that one space of the mattress could also be under Z=0. Since most Z-Min setups don’t bodily enable motion previous Z=0, this is not going to can help you get good software program leveling outcomes with out some changes. If in case you have a Z-Max setup, you doubtless have firmware endstops enabled that additionally forestall you from contacting the mattress. Thankfully, each of those points are simply resolvable.
Most Delta printers use a Z Most endstop configuration. This implies the Z axis houses to the highest of the construct envelope, to not the mattress. To stop harm to the print mattress, there are sometimes software program endstops enabled within the firmware. These most frequently are set to not enable the machine to maneuver under Z=0, however it’s additionally frequent for them to be set to a really small damaging Z worth.
MatterControl, by default, doesn’t can help you go under Z=0, however you’ll be able to change this setting.
After getting allowed Z to be damaging, configure the auto leveling via MatterControl. Upon completion, click on the pencil icon subsequent to the Automated Print Leveling.
This can open a window exhibiting the entire sampled positions.
What we’re searching for are any damaging Z values. If any of the positions have a damaging Z worth, it’s doubtless the firmware will forestall correct print leveling.
When you do have some damaging Z values, it’s straightforward to resolve. First, discover the bottom damaging Z worth. Let’s suppose the bottom worth you might have is -1.46. We might then want to extend all of the Z values at the least 1.46mm as a way to get them out of damaging vary. So long as we shift all of the Z values the identical quantity, our software program leveling will nonetheless work correctly.
On this case, including 2mm to all Z values will get every part into the optimistic vary, and shall be a lot faster than including 1.46mm to every worth. You should utilize the Up/Down arrows in your keyboard to shortly add/subtract 1mm. So, we might click on on each Z worth – not simply the damaging values – and enhance it by 2 mm.
As soon as that is accomplished, click on Save within the backside left nook of the window.
We’re not fairly accomplished but. The very last thing we have to do is alter our Z peak to account for the 2mm we simply added.
Most firmware on Deltas have the Z peak within the EEPROM.
You’ll be able to entry EEPROM underneath the Choices tab. Find the Z peak subject. On this machine, it’s known as Z Max Size.
Enhance this worth the identical quantity you elevated the Auto Leveling numbers. Click on Save to EEPROM within the backside left nook. And we’re able to print!
This could resolve any points you’re having with a Z-Max type machine and MatterControl Automated Print Leveling.
Obtained a Z-Min setup?
It’s not frequent for Z-Min type machines to have points with the auto leveling, however there are 2 choices to resolve this subject.
1) Run Software program Print Leveling. When you attain an space on the mattress that you’re unable to maneuver Z decrease to appropriately pinch a chunk of paper in opposition to the mattress, alter the peak of your mattress till it reaches the nozzle. If you might want to transfer the mattress throughout the configuration course of, you will want to run it once more as soon as accomplished as different sampled positions could have been affected by the mattress motion.
2) Modify your Z endstop to permit the nozzle to maneuver decrease. Warning: That is solely beneficial on machines that residence the Z axis with the nozzle positioned off to the aspect of the mattress. Doing this might enable your nozzle to smash into the glass when the machine houses at first of the configuration course of.
If you’ll be able to correctly transfer the Z axis to pinch a chunk of paper in opposition to the mattress at all the factors within the leveling course of, the software program print leveling will provide you with a superbly degree print, whatever the bodily flatness of your print floor.
