Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
My first layer was not sticking to the print surface at all and in general tended to be very messy / irregular, so I tried calibrating the Z axis. When I do this, the nozzle digs into the piece of paper, so I stop like the manual suggests. The manual suggests lowering the PINDA probe. I am wondering how specifically to this. The manual says to unscrew the screw on the clam and then simply lower it, but it appears to be threaded and does not budge. Any further assistance on how to adjust the probe, and what height I should set it to? I am unsure by how much I should lower it or what the consequences of lowering it too much would be.
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
Hi Garrett,
have a look at step 3 in the pre flight checks https://manual.prusa3d.com/Guide/9.+Preflight+check/1053?lang=en
the pinda clamp plastic forms into the pinda threads when tightened. so if you loosen the clamp screw you may need to insert a small flat bladed screw driver into the expansion slot in the pinda holder, in order to release the pinda probe.
having the pinda far too low, would require a large negative live Z value, and makes it more likely to collide with printed model, during printing,
using the zip tie method has worked for me on 4 prusa builds and a number of upgrades, hopefully it will work or you too
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: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
I managed to adjust it, turns out it was already the right height, but I tried lowering it a little more and the nozzle still digs into the paper during the Z calibration. I did the sensor info test, putting a scraper under it and the sensor went from 0 to 1, so I don't think it is broken. Is there anything else that would cause the nozzle to dig into the paper during Z calibration?
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
try moving the Pinda down a touch, this will give you more clearance for the nozzle, it's what I did on my latest Mk3S
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: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
Just checking, did you run the X axis gantry all the way up to the top, so that the Z motors stalled on both sides, thereby levelling the X axis?
and did you make sure that all four ends of the Y axis smooth rods are bedded down fully in the cups?
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: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
Hi Joan,
Thanks for the help. I will try this when I get back home. In the meantime can you tell me the point of the pinda? I am trying to understand. Is it essentially a magnetic metal detector? I put my hand under it and it doesn't change state but when I do the same for my scraper it does. I get how that would help for detecting the base plate. Is that basically the point of it? Just want a grasp of the potential consequences when I lower it. Is it possible mine is just weaker than others, and would replacing it be sensible if I did lower it but ran into issues relating to it being too low?
Again, thanks for helping me learn this stuff.
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
Hi Joan,
I have a preassembled printer. I am not 100% sure what those things mean. I could check them though if I knew the steps in depth.
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
there are 4 sense spots built into the heated bed (circles near each corner) that it uses during initial calibration. after that it senses the flex build plate during operation
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
Nothing bad can happen by lowering the pinda sensor. Its job is to hover above the bed at a certain height (what that is, we don't know or care). Lowering the sensor will simply cause the entire assembly to keep itself higher, thereby keeping the nozzle higher - which is what you want.
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
....as long as the pinda is above the nozzle tip - otherwise it will hit the print
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
If the pinda sensor is lower than the nozzle, then the nozzle will be too high to lay down the first layer. Still no damage, but it wont print correctly.
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
Thanks team. I just had to lower it super low. It is maybe 1.5MM higher than the nozzle, very close but at least I can calibrate!
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
The PINDA should be 1.2 mm above the nozzle. At least that's what the assembly instructions that come with the printer told you to do.
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
The PINDA should be 1.2 mm above the nozzle. At least that's what the assembly instructions that come with the printer told you to do.
Not sure why you feel the snarkiness is necessary. I bought the pre-assembled one and so didn't read the assembly instructions. The part of the instructions that tells you to adjust the PINDA in case the nozzle digs into the paper during calibration makes no mention of how high it should be except to say it should be higher than the nozzle.
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
Generally - on assembled printers - the PINDA is properly adjusted from the factory. It can't be calibrated if it isn't, and unless Prusa is now shipping rushed assembled uncalibrated printers ... So in a rush to judgement I assumed you were a kit builder who didn't follow the assembly manual (not uncommon). If I were in your shoes, I'd be on the phone to Prusa wanting my $250 back since the printer is NOT assembled correctly.
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
Generally - on assembled printers - the PINDA is properly adjusted from the factory. It can't be calibrated if it isn't, and unless Prusa is now shipping rushed assembled uncalibrated printers ... So in a rush to judgement I assumed you were a kit builder who didn't follow the assembly manual (not uncommon). If I were in your shoes, I'd be on the phone to Prusa wanting my $250 back since the printer is NOT assembled correctly.
I did contact support via email 2 days ago but they haven't responded. They printer did arrive with a printed prusa logo so I assume the pinda just moved or something during shipment. Regardless after some minor tweaks I did print a near perfect benchy last night (only flaws are one or two blobs and some extremely light stringing).
RE: Having trouble calibrating Z axis.
contact support via the chat app in the e-store - you have to be logged in for it to appear