Z calibration fails almost immediately
Hello,
I've finished assembling the I3 MK3S kit, and I'm attempting to go through calibration. The self test runs fine, but calibrating the Z axis fails almost immediately. It moves slightly and then gives me an error message that I should check the axes and consult the handbook. I read through the section on the handbook, but I still don't know what could be the issue.
If I go to the settings menu and move the Z axis from there, things seem to be fine. During the pre-flight check step in the manual, I was able to lower the extruder all the way to the print bed. However, when I get to 0.0 in the Settings, it's still somewhat off the print bed. Not sure if that's a clue or if that's by design since I haven't successfully calibrated the Z axis.
Any tips? I've been searching for the past couple hours but I haven't been able to find anything that sounds like my issue.
Thanks.
RE: Z calibration fails almost immediately
Sorry for posting again so soon, but I just noticed that the light on top of the PINDA probe is always on, no matter how far away it is from the print bed. Maybe that's the issue? Are there troubleshooting tips for that?
RE: Z calibration fails almost immediately
The first thing I would do is to double-check the electronics wiring on the einsy board.
You can listen to me, or not more people than me will reply to this thread
RE: Z calibration fails almost immediately
Light goes off when the PINDA detects metal. Slide a screwdriver near it, it should toggle off. If always on contact Prusa support via CHAT - they will talk you through diagnostics and set you up with a replacement.
RE: Z calibration fails almost immediately
Thanks for the note on the PINDA, it seems to be working when I put a screwdriver near it. I'll double check the wiring again and report back.
RE: Z calibration fails almost immediately
Checked the wiring again, but the Z calibration still fails.
RE: Z calibration fails almost immediately
Ok, hopefully the last post on this topic. Sorry for 3 posts in a row. I think I got it fixed. I'm not sure exactly what fixed it but I tried a couple things:
- Re-lubricating the rods
- Inspecting the y-belt and tightening the thing that holds it under the cariage
- Sacrificing a few goats (jk)
Thanks, everyone!
RE: Z calibration fails almost immediately
Please remember that Goat entrails are not easy to remove with Isopropyl alcohol... Dish soap and water will be much more efficient...
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: Z calibration fails almost immediately
Your Z axis problems were not affected by anything you did to X or Y.
Raise the Z servo dust covers a bit away from the stepper motor.
Loosen the screws on the top Z axis brackets.
Run Z to the bottom and back to the top.
Tighten those bracket screws again. The intent is to get the Z rails parallel.
Not sure if you needed to loosen the Z servo screw when you do this. Use your best judgement.
And all of this assumes that you did not cross thread your trapezoidal nuts (like I did) in initial assembly.
RE: Z calibration fails almost immediately
Uncommon, but happens: the X-Axis support pieces the rods fit into can be a bit small and users don't push hard enough the the rods fully seat. This leads to a flex in the Z lead screws, fine in the middle, tight at the top and bottom. ps: I had to use a rubber mallet.
Users who assemble the T-Nuts to the supports then fix the X-axis to the Z-Axis also tend to damage the T-Nuts. Best method is to spin the T-Nuts on to the lead screws by hand then screw them onto the supports. If you didn't install them this way (loose), it is a good idea to remove the two retaining screws in each and make sure the T-Nuts spin freely on the lead screw.