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SOLUTION: Inconsistent Live-Z Values  

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unknwnrider
(@unknwnrider)
Eminent Member
SOLUTION: Inconsistent Live-Z Values

Below is how I resolved this issue on my MINI and is also similar to how I print with my ZARIBO and old-school MK2. 

The solution is pretty simple: Always start a print under the same conditions which you calibrated it to. For example, by using this approach you can go from PLA to ABS without much z adjustment. Again, this works for me. I have been using it for years on my other machines. 

There are 2 things you must do:

  1. Use a custom start g-code for every print. This g-code will move the MINDA away from the bed while it heats and before running mesh bed leveling. The greatly reduces variation in the mesh leveling due to temperature. 
    • This also allows you to adjust other parameters like esteps if you have upgraded your extruder like I have. 
    • Running the first layer calibration wizard on screen with an upgraded extruder is not representative of how my machine will actually lay down material, which brings me to the second step...
  2. Go old-school and set your Live-Z using V2 Calibration.gcode. This was the method required before it was built into the firmware. As with point 1, using this gcode allows for tweaks and modifications you may be using in your printing but not reflected in the calibration wizard. 
    • V2 Calibration uses the same warmup as my start g-code and has the updated esteps I needed for my extruder. I can also tweak the temperatures if switching from one material type to another. 

A lot of words for a pretty simple solution. Always print to what you calibrated to. When you print, be consistent! This works for me. It works on my MINI and my other machines. Hope this helps anyone struggling with this issue. 

Attaching my start gcode and V2 Calibration.gcode 

Attachment removed
Posted : 24/04/2020 4:27 am
unknwnrider
(@unknwnrider)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: SOLUTION: Inconsistent Live-Z Values

Startup gcode:

G28 ; home all without mesh bed level
G90 ; use absolute coordinates
M83 ; extruder relative mode
G0 X90 Y-3 Z80; move extruder for MINDA cooling

M104 S170 ; set extruder temp for bed leveling
M140 S[first_layer_bed_temperature] ; set bed temp
M109 R170 ; wait for bed leveling temp
M190 S[first_layer_bed_temperature] ; wait for bed temp

G28 ; home all without mesh bed level
G29 ; mesh bed leveling

M104 S[first_layer_temperature] ; set extruder temp
G92 E0.0
G1 Y-2.0 X179 F2400
G1 Z3 F720
M109 S[first_layer_temperature] ; wait for extruder temp

M92 E415; set esteps
M500; save esteps to eeprom

; intro line
G1 X170 F1000
G1 Z0.2 F720
G1 X110.0 E8.0 F900
G1 X40.0 E10.0 F700
G92 E0.0

This post was modified 4 years ago by unknwnrider
Posted : 24/04/2020 4:28 am
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