Z Axis Adjust Issue
Hi,
I just received my Original Mini+ earlier this week and am pleased with it but I have a question.
Back ground - I setup with the smooth plate (also bought the textured plate). During calibration I had to set the Z axis offset at -1.86 to get the correct pattern and adhesion to the base plate. I printed a Benchy from the included USB drive with the included filament (green). It was one of the best Benchies that I have seen! I then printed a holder for the filament runout sensor with the included filament (black). This too was an excellent print.
I then moved to Prusament PETG Prusa Orange for a carrying handle. I decided to try the textured plate for this print. I maxed out at -2.0 when I ran calibration and still could not get good adhesion. Went back to smooth plate and calibrated at -1.76. I had too much adhesion at -1.86 and read that PETG needed less squish than PLA. In this configuration the handle printed well but had some defects (still usable).
I am using Prusa Slicer for all my slicing.
My question is can the Z axes be manually adjusted so that I can use the software Z axis adjust for the Z axis with the textured plate?
Thanks,
Frank
RE: Adjust PINDA
Try to pull up PINDA sensor for about 0.5-1.0mm. Or to put it otherwise: distance between bottom of the PINDA and print sheet (when nozzle tip just touches the print sheet) should be about 1.5mm. That way you usable Z-offset will be more in the middle range (between -0.500 and -1.00).
Of course, after you reposition PINDA, you need to run fresh first layer calibration, starting with default (zero) Z-offset.
Don't pull up PINDA sensor too much, because in that case nozzle can hit (damage) print sheet at auto bed leveling.
[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]
If you're close to or above -2, I would reposition the PINDA higher.
The Super PINDA should have about 1.5 mm distance between nozzle and SPINDA, so that you’re around -1 when your Live Z is correct.
Instructions for adjusting the PINDA are in Step 16 of https://help.prusa3d.com/en/guide/how-to-replace-superpinda-mini-mini_179912.
I put this little helper on Prusaprinters.org to help position the SPINDA: https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/57192-spinda-height-adjustment-tool-mounts-into-3030-ext. Works better than zip ties or credit cards, which have less well-defined heights.
B. The textured (and satin) sheets are about 0.4mm thinner than the smooth sheet, so need more negative Live Z. So if you're at -1.86 for the smooth sheet, you're never going to get to about -2.2 without repositioning the SPINDA.
Z Axis Adjust Issue
Thank you both for the advice! New to the Mini+ and 3D printing. I started with an Ender 3 Pro and it was/is a learning experience. Seems like I was adjusting/working on it or on the internet learning about 3D printing more than printing. I bought the Mini+ because I felt it was more user friendly out of the box. Being a retired engineer I have a bit of a problem with the "adjust with a piece of paper" advice for the Ender 3. I want approximate clearances in mm or in. I have real life feeler gauges. Your replies are very helpful.
fucher - I will down load your tool.
Again - thank you both for your help!
Z Axis Adjust Issue
fuchsr - I apologize for mis-spelling your handle in my reply.