INTRODUCTION:
Use the included Fusion360 parameterized model to determine how many bins (i.e. trials) of different z-levels you want to include. You can also change the width and length of each bin (as well as the tab size) in this fully parameterized model.
Note that the tabs give you a visual reminder of where each Z-level bin begins and ends. Also, the tabs have a unique orientation helping you remember where the bins start and end.
Optionally, filter with the included Perl script (AddBeeps-JJK.pl) to give a ‘Beep’ reminder when each bin starts, signaling that it's time to change the live z-level.
Optionally, start with the ZLevelRoughPattern to approximate the Z-level bin range.
USAGE:
- Use Fusion 360 to create a tabbed rectangle with the desired number of bins (or use the provided default .3mf or gcode model with 5 bins of dimension 18mm wide (x-axis) x 40mm high (y-axis).
- Slice the models being sure to:
- Set the Fill Angle to 90deg (to ensure that the print lines are parallel to the bin orientation)
In Prusa slicer, this is under: Print Setttings → Infill: Fill Angle: 90 (default 45) - Choose the 0.20mm Quality Print Setting (or at a minimum make sure that the first (and only) layer is set to 0.20mm)
- Set the appropriate filament type
- Note: Alternatively, you can just import and save on top of the provided sample .3mf file
- Export the gcode and run it through the Perl script AddBeeps-JJK.pl to add a reminder ‘Beep’ at the start of each bin (along with a final ‘Beep’ at the end)
(Note: the script is uploaded as AddBeep.pl.txt)
Run either of the two commands below:
cat [gcode_file] | AddBeep.pl > [output_gcode_file]
AddBeep.pl [gcode_file]
In the second case, the output file is stored with a ‘-beep’ appended before the final (optional) .suffix
Finally, load the resulting filtered gcode and print…
Every time, you hear a Beep, change the live z-level.
NOTE: the tabs are sized and positioned so that you can always remember the orientation. Specifically, the largest (tallest & widest) tab should be on your lower right when it is oriented and facing properly.
GENERAL APPROACH TO Z-LEVEL CALIBRATION:
- First, insure that your bed is as level as possible
- Determine the general Z-level range that you want to test. You can use the included ZLevelRoughPattern-JJK single layer model to roughly approximate the range of Z-levels to try. The goal is to find a range of Z-levels where the pattern both sticks to the plate (but not so much as to be over-squished) and where the turns are right angles.
The default size of the rough test pattern is 150x150mm with line width of 0.4mm and height of 0.2mm (all these values can be changed in the f3d model file)
Note that this pattern can also be used to validate that your bed is level (see #1).
- Divide the desired test range relatively evenly into as many bins as contained in the ZLevelTestBins-JJK gcode file (typically, for ease of memory and adjustment, sequence the bins from smallest to largest Z-level adjustment)
- Print out the ZLevelTestBins model and change the Z-level at every Beep (except for the final beep signaling completion)
NOTE: Be careful to observe the result of each change to make sure you haven't gone too far (i.e., to close to the bed) potentially causing damage to the bed) – if so, IMMEDIATELY BACK-OFF THE Z-LEVEL ADJUSTMENT OR STOP THE PRINT
- Upon completion examine, the print to find the bin with the best Z-level adjustment (see https://help.prusa3d.com/article/live-adjust-z_112427 for examples of too-high/just-right/too-low)
- If necessary, iterate steps 3-5
- If all of the bins are too high or too low, extend the test bins to larger or smaller ranges, respectively
- If one or two the bins seem good, but you want to further dial-in the optimal Z-level, divide the range between the two best candidates and repeat
- Record the optimally-determined Z-level for future reference
NOTE: The optimal Z-level typically differs pretty bed sheets and sometimes even between types of filament