Bed level compensation / temperature - technical questions
 
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Michael Widlok
(@michael-widlok)
Member
Bed level compensation / temperature - technical questions

Hello Members,

I've recently bought/cleaned/adjusted old MK3s that worked OK, until I wanted to print something that covers most of the bed - at one corner PLA filament does not sick to bed. Before digging into printing problems deeper, I would like to get some understanding of the hardware/firmware (firmware ver 3.14.1-8237) - could You please explain a few things?

1. How bed level compensation actually works? I assume that after measuring height at 9 points printer builds a map and uses it to adjust nozzle according to its position. However when doing first level calibration and also real prints I do not see any Z screws movement during first layer print. Is that OK, or I have a problem here? I do not expect the bed to be so flat.

2. When printer reports bed temperature 60degC, real printing surface temperature is ~51-53degC. I've red that there is no compensation/calibration for this available, and some errors are expected, but really about 10degC? My room is normally rather cold (~17degC) so it definitely makes it worse. Is there any "approved" procedure to fix it (beside setting bed temp higher in slicer)?

And one more thing about firmware update:  is it possible to update firmware without overwriting calibration data? I'm asking because I consider recompiling firmware myself and maybe adding some "only-for-me" features, so making a "quick" update without ~30min long calibration process is useful.

Thanks in advance, Michael W.

Posted : 16/03/2026 2:53 pm
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Honorable Member
RE: Bed level compensation / temperature - technical questions

Bed temperature and levelling may be an issue.  As with any technology, you have to adapt to where you are using it.  "Normal" is under the same conditions.

I print with an enclosure so many NORMAL comments change.  You are printing in the open air where temperatures are much lower.  

In my early days, at work, long before getting a 3D printer, I found that an enclosure, even a cardboard box was better than nothing.

Bed temperature is measured from the bottom of the bed.  Any other method of measurement will give you a different reading

Silicone pads for levelling the bed is also a great 

Posted : 17/03/2026 6:37 am
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