Idea to greatly improve the First Layer Calibration pattern
Sharing an idea which I think would greatly improve the First Layer Calibration pattern:
Problem 1: I never seem to have enough time to adjust it properly before the pattern is over and I have to restart it 4-5 times before I actually get it calibrated.
Solution 1: double the amount of zig-zags left and right from what is currently like 4- 6, to be like 10-12.
Problem 2: the way it prints the pattern now (starting at the back of the plate and moving forward towards the observer) makes the line so difficult to see that it's very difficult to adjust the live Z.
Solution 2: make it start at the very front right side and start moving left and then move away from you as it prints toward the back instead of starting at the back of the build plate and moving forward
Thanks for your hard work to make 3D printing enjoyable!
This is a user to user forum. If you want to alert the devs go to Prusa's github.
Hold a small hand torch at a low angle during the zigzag to make it much easier to see the changes. Confirm by lightly brushing over the filament with a paper towel wrapped around your finger.
It's unusual, and annoying, not to get it first time.
Cheerio,
RE: Idea to greatly improve the First Layer Calibration pattern
I use the builtin pattern only for the very first quick and coarse setting. Afterwards, most people use their own favourite pattern to tune in z-live nicely. You can find plenty of them at printables.com.
I use a (kind of) rectangle, roughly 10cm long, 3cm wide. I increased first layer speed to 60..80mm/s so that it takes 4min. It is rotated by 45 degree so that the filament lines makes the short dash and that the extruder works its way from front left to back right on the plate. That way the piece comes free below the extruder of my MK3S+ so that I can check it like @Diem has described. You can set the first layer-direction in prusa-slicer if necessary.
RE: Idea to greatly improve the First Layer Calibration pattern
Thanks for the info diem, but
Hold a small hand torch at a low angle during the zigzag to make it much easier ... It's unusual, and annoying, not to get it first time.
unusual for whom? I've literally never gotten it the first time. or the second. My guess is that's true for a lot of people.
I use the torch but the pattern starting at the back means that the printing head/hot end is literally blocking your view of the build plate. if it was printing from front-to-back that problem is solved.
Maybe I will make the suggestion on Github. thanks
RE: Idea to greatly improve the First Layer Calibration pattern
Yes, it occurred to me that I could design my own pattern or find others, so I may do as you suggest, thank you.
But that's not why I posted, I was posting something I thought should have been obvious from the beginning to the person on the Prusa dev team who developed the pattern... for even the beginners to use (I've had my printer since 2019)... which is built into the calibration routine for the printer. Something they could fix with little effort in the next update.
I use the builtin pattern only for the very first quick and coarse setting. Afterwards, most people use their own favourite pattern to tune in z-live nicely. You can find plenty of them at printables.com.
I use a (kind of) rectangle, roughly 10cm long, 3cm wide. I increased first layer speed to 60..80mm/s so that it takes 4min. It is rotated by 45 degree so that the filament lines makes the short dash and that the extruder works its way from front left to back right on the plate. That way the piece comes free below the extruder of my MK3S+ so that I can check it like @Diem has described. You can set the first layer-direction in prusa-slicer if necessary.
RE: Idea to greatly improve the First Layer Calibration pattern
https://github.com/prusa3d/Prusa-Firmware/issues/2778 was raised in 2020 So the devs are already aware that it could be better. Its just not a priority as there have been many many updates to the firmware since then.
RE: Idea to greatly improve the First Layer Calibration pattern
I believe the reason that the first layer calibration tool is so simple, on the Mk3 series printers, relates to the amount of spare memory available in the einsy controller.
Prusa have crammed a lot of functionality into a small amount of memory, and have had to revisit the situation a number of times reducing code size, in order to enable more functionality. there is no scope to increase the memory in the einsy, without a re design of the board.
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Idea to greatly improve the First Layer Calibration pattern
Thanks Joan, that makes sense. But my proposal would not take any additional memory. It would only take tiny tweaks to the existing code.
But you bring up a good point.
... a lot of functionality into a small amount of memory...
regards Joan