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Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High  

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cadandcookies
(@cadandcookies)
New Member
Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

I recently received my Prusa Mini+ and was running the live-Z adjust/first layer calibration. I adjusted it all the way to the bottom (-2.000mm) but still have a first layer that indicates that the nozzle is too high. I can post some pictures but... I mean it's just a too-high Z-adjust. I own a Mk3 and I've seen this before.

My understanding is that the zero for this test is set using the SuperPINDA probe, and that to get the nozzle to get lower, I'll need to adjust the probe height. This is nominally "factory calibrated" for the mostly-assembled printers though (which is what I bought), so I wanted to check if there was anything else it could be-- is my guess right or am I totally off base?

On a related note, I was reading some other posts that indicate that the PINDA sets the zero as 2mm from the magnets in the base, which would indicate to me that something is even further wack, but I'm also not sure that information was accurate, and is another reason why I wanted to ask this question.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Best Answer by BogdanH:

If you need to adjust Z-offset close to -2.00mm in calibration and print still doesn't stick to bed properly, then that's a sign that your PINDA sensor is a bit too low. Solution: pull up PINDA sensor for about 0.5-0,8mm higher and start fresh layer calibration. That is, distance between PINDA and bed should be around 1.5mm. Now you can expect Z-offset to be somewhere between -0.8 and -1.4mm.

Posted : 08/06/2021 3:20 pm
5thumbs
(@5thumbs)
Active Member
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

cadandccookies,  Thank you for this question.  I am also new to 3D pringing, Prusa, and I have the exact same problem.   1 week old Prusa Mini Plus.    1st layer calibration with PLA and smooth sheet is -1.750.   I have printed plenty of stuff and it looks great.  Decided to try out some PETG w/ textured plate.    Started at 0 and slowly dialed down to -2.000 (as far as it will go).    It is almost there but still some gaps in the 1st layer calibration square.    Visually the probe looks pretty close to the plate but in some areas it wont stick.   I can print some things with PETG, but 50% of the time the 1st layer tears off.  I feel it would be much more reliable and higher quality prints if I can get the 1st layer calibration lower.   

Purchased the pre assembled Prusa Mini+ as my 1st 3D printer and feel if I messed with the probe, nozzle I could mess it up.   Is there any other calibration that can be done prior?  If not, can someone please provide a link or instructions on how to address this?

 

Thanks for the question.  I just started trying to print with PETG 2 days ago and was going to give up then thought I'd read the forum and saw this!

 

Thanks to all,

5thumbs

This post was modified 3 years ago by 5thumbs
Posted : 08/06/2021 6:53 pm
BogdanH
(@bogdanh)
Honorable Member
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

If you need to adjust Z-offset close to -2.00mm in calibration and print still doesn't stick to bed properly, then that's a sign that your PINDA sensor is a bit too low. Solution: pull up PINDA sensor for about 0.5-0,8mm higher and start fresh layer calibration. That is, distance between PINDA and bed should be around 1.5mm. Now you can expect Z-offset to be somewhere between -0.8 and -1.4mm.

[Mini+] [MK3S+BEAR]

Posted : 09/06/2021 2:12 pm
JoeHanson
(@joehanson)
New Member
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

I am also working through a Z-offset issue on my new Prusa MINI+ assembled version. I found the SuperPINDA sensor height adjustment in the Preflight section of the Prusa MINI+ kit instructions. 

Posted : 09/06/2021 2:24 pm
cadandcookies
(@cadandcookies)
New Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

@bogdanh

Thanks! Bumped the sensor up a little bit and now I have a great first layer.

Posted : 09/06/2021 3:56 pm
JoeHanson liked
5thumbs
(@5thumbs)
Active Member
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

Thanks for the initial question and the subsequent solutions.  I followed the procedure using the zip tie an now I can get a good 1st layer calibration with PETG!!    Was over -2.000 and now it is -1.550.    Will recalibrate with PLA later!

 

5thumbs

Posted : 09/06/2021 4:40 pm
Frames
(@frames)
Active Member
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

Going to drop another solution here in case others are in the same position I was in. I swapped out the stock Prusa Mini+ hot end for a Slice Engineering Copperhead hotend, and after doing so, found that I couldn't get the nozzle close enough to the bed for a first layer calibration. And unlike others in this thread, no amount of adjusting the PINDA probe up would fix it.

The issue was actually the z-axis height in relation to what the printer was calling z-axis zero (e.g. 0-170). The solution was to use the Move Axis menu option to move the Z height to zero, then click "Disable steppers", then with my fingers turn the center bolt of the z-axis manually until the nozzle just barely touched the bed. At that point, I could adjust the PINDA probe to be slightly higher than the nozzle, then run calibrations. Then I could do a normal first layer calibration and have my values roughly in the -1.500 range for a satin bed.

Obviously, z-height value is somewhat meaningless between printers and depends on hotend, nozzle, pinda, etc, but this was the only way I could reach the bed and get back to z-height between 0.00 and -2.00. Hope that helps others.

Posted : 17/02/2023 9:15 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

did you try auto home?

when you turn the printer on, the printer doesn't know w here the print head is, Auto home uses the Pinda to safely control downward  movement whilst looking for the buildplate.

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

Posted : 18/02/2023 9:04 am
Frames
(@frames)
Active Member
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

I didn’t think about Auto-Home, but that makes sense. Sounds like that would’ve worked too. Thx

Posted : 20/02/2023 9:26 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Z-Axis Live Adjust Stops Too High

Every day can be a learning experience. 

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

Posted : 20/02/2023 11:51 am
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