Major prusa first layer calibration issues, damaged steel sheet. Need help, am sad.
First layer calibration either isn't working correctly or I am doing something wrong, either way I really need help. When I initiate the calibration there is no change no matter how much I turn the knob. If I start over, the nozzle presses into the sheet. I am scared to keep doing it since I think I am going to do more damage.
Longer background: Just finished building my Prusa Mini+ kit and have been super excited to get started. I had some issues with the setup test, but it was belt tension related and I knew how to fix it. My problems came with the first layer calibration. When I started I was following the directions and tried to make light adjustments, but there was no visible change in the print. I thought it might be okay, so I tried to print the prusa logo, which didn't work at all. Based on the pictures, I am 100% sure it's becuase the hotend is too high. I tried to do calibration again (starting from default 0) and ran it again. Tried to lower it more, again no difference. I restarted the test and picked the option to start at zero again. Test begins and the hotend gets pressed into the metal sheet and dragged along, leaving an indent. I hit reset, but I was too late and now there is a long dent in the plate along the top. I didn't want to give up, so I tried again. Same issue, no difference when I made height adjustments during the test. I restarted and made absolutely sure I picked the option to reset and start again at zero, just in case I hit the wrong option the first time around. Same exact thing happened. The hotend got pressed into the sheet.
I don't know what to do. I'm scared I've damaged the nozzle and I can't find anything online that has been helpful so far. I'm pretty tired and sad. Hoping someone can help.
(Yes, I've done the SuperPINDA sensor height adjustment, per the instructions)
RE: Major prusa first layer calibration issues, damaged steel sheet. Need help, am sad.
The only way (I can imagine) to damage bed sheet during First layer calibration (during printing first layer) is, if SuperPINDA is too high -is impossible to happen otherwise. Of course it can also happen if SuperPINDA has correct distance to print sheet, but user goes too close to bed during calibration with Z-offset (too big negative value).
You mentioned "nothing happens" while you change Z-offset value during First layer calibration. That would indicate that whole Z-axis assembly isn't perpendicular to print bed. See for solution here and pay attention to B. Large correction chapter.
After you solved that, move printhead manually downward until nozzle just touches print sheet and make sure SuperPINDA distance to bed is between 1.0 and 1.5mm. Now start with fresh (Z-offset=0) first layer calibration.
In my opinion, Prusa should put importance of Z-axis geometry into assembly manual itself -not only into troubleshooting. I say that, because we can read about this issue too many times here and elsewhere.
[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]