Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
Hello,
I have been using my Prusa MK3 (recently upgraded to MK3S) for close to two years now. I design and print mostly functional pieces for various projects (usually escape room related). I have been using primarily a 0.8 nozzle to help save on print time, but will switch it out occasionally. I always run a calibration and Z adjust after the nozzle switch out, but it seems to only work properly for a 0.4 nozzle. Are there any good ways to run a Z adjust test for various nozzle sizes, instead of doing it during a print? Is that something that could even be edited/added within the software?
Thanks,
Clint
RE: Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
The easiest way to do this would be to print the Prusa logo STL or any other large flat surface and observe as the 1st layer prints. If the lines are space apart and not adhering, your Live-Z is too high and you need to go lower (more negative). If the lines are squished or ripple, you're too low and need to go higher (less negative). Ideally, you'd be able to stop the print after the 1st layer and pull the print off with no ripping along extrusion lines. This is the basis of Jeff Jordan's "Life Adjust" procedure. I've got notes on using it with other nozzle sizes here.
RE: Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
You can use one (or more) out of 8 sheet z - calibration options for different nozzle, can't you?
even an old man can learn new things 🙂
Standard I3 mk3s, MMU2S, Prusa Enclosure, Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, Windows 10
PRUSA MINI+ Prusalink + Prusa Connect
RE: Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
@zoltan
I couldn't say. Not quite certain what you are referencing.
RE: Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
@bobstro
Ok, Ill check this out. Thank you!
RE: Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
In firmware version above 3.8.0 there is a menu item sheet, where you can select from 8 z calibration variants.
When you select setup -sheet you can callibrate 8 different sheet profiles, but you can also take it as nozzle variants. Per each callibration you can set a live-z height. So one or more z-live callibrations you can dedicate for 0.8 nozzle.
Then in the main menu you just select the appropriate sheet/nozzle type.
even an old man can learn new things 🙂
Standard I3 mk3s, MMU2S, Prusa Enclosure, Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, Windows 10
PRUSA MINI+ Prusalink + Prusa Connect
RE: Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
Doing that is dangerous. You need to readjust Z between nozzle swaps because you are changing the height of the nozzle simply because you're removing it and reinstalling it. The saved value will be invalid, and depending how much things shifted (e.g. more than 200 uM) you may damage your print bed.
RE: Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
I also recommend re-doing Live-Z with every nozzle swap. Even swapping between the same nozzle can result in slight variations. Any time "saved" by trying a shortcut is likely to cause much more time lost later fixing problems. A Live-Z calibration takes about 5 minutes once you've gotten used to the procedure and is always a good safety check.
RE: Z Calibration for various nozzle sizes
You both are right, best would be to have two printers 😉
even an old man can learn new things 🙂
Standard I3 mk3s, MMU2S, Prusa Enclosure, Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, Windows 10
PRUSA MINI+ Prusalink + Prusa Connect