Live Z Calibration STL
Hey, I was curious if anyone knew of, if it exists, the STL file for the Live Z calibration?
I have found that using the LiveZ calibration I can *really* dial in first layer heights... when the filament runs at EXACTLY a 1.0 modifier. I find depending on the filament, and the extrusion modifier, I have to adjust the Live Z calibration.
Me being such a boss, I started a 12 hour print earlier today, watched it for 5 minutes, and went to town.
Needless to say, when I came back, there was a rather large blob, of my prized over-priced Prusa PLA.
*I* *was* *not* *happy*
The issue was, I had lowered my extrusion multiplier WAAAY down to get it right. (I use a little stl that gets it right. I have found it does wonders for fine tuning the printer, I do it every time I change the filament)
The root issue is, I was so far "down" on extrusion, that I'm guessing I under-extruded the first layer, and to no surprise, the small parts I was printing 100 of, broke loose... and you can use your imagination what 2 hours of that caused. (I'm guessing it broke loose somewhere between the 1st and 3rd layer)
The way I noticed this is, when I came back to try to print it again, I noticed the first-layer, from the "Live Z Calibration" looked *MUCH* more extruded than what I had printed. That's when it hit me. It's a built in .gcode file, that ALWAYS runs with a .2mm layer height, and a 1.0 extrusion multiplier! Which also smacked me in the face like a brick. It's 100% useless, once your machine is roughed in config-wise.
I don't mind having to change a .stl / .gcode every time I change filaments, or extrusion multiplier to tweak this! But I can't find a .stl of that. (I can find a .gcode)
So, does anyone know of a .stl of that? Or possibly how to make one?
Hi, I'm Sean. I used to work on CNC machines.
I try to not make mistakes, but the decision is YOURS.
Please feel free to donate to my filament/maintance fund.
Re: Live Z Calibration STL
I don't understand why you are changing the extrusion multiplier to dial in the 1st layer. Doesn't that mess with the rest of your print? How far down are you actually turning it???
Re: Live Z Calibration STL
I am adjusting the extrusion multipler for the other layers. The first layer is "changing" based on "all" layers.
Example:
I print my test piece, and I can't fit the two together. I am over-extruding. I need to reduce extrusion by __ (I have a calculator to figure this out)
The issue is, this decreases the extrusion on my first layer. At this point, I am unable to use the liveZ test print on the printer, as it prints it's first layer at a 1.0 extrusion, with .2mm layer. That means if I calibrate my first layer with this, and get it perfect. (good bottom, and smooth top, single layer) when I go to print my part, there will be MUCH less filament and it will be under-extruded on the first layer. (all other layers would be perfect)
In my case, I dropped the extrusion multiplier to 0.91
It felt super low in my opinion, however my extrusion test print was nearly perfect, and the ball joints I was printing, were virtually perfect. (no rattle, no tightness)
So I know the extrusion multipler is correct.
However I can't use the default built in tool as it will extrude with a 1.00 multiplier. Meaning right around 10% more filament. That is no small change! For it to be "right" with 0.91, I need MASSIVE over-squash with a 1.00
I need to print the Z-axis live calibration test, with a 0.91 extrusion rate. (or in my case, I would simply make a 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, and 1.15 and leave them on the SD card, or my Pi.
EDIT: and in some slicers, you can adjust the extrusion multiplier on the first layer. It's actually a GREAT feature, as it's not a bad idea to have "excessive" filament extrusion on the first layer... However honestly, it's just as easy to get the same result with live Z adjust. The only big feature I *really* wish Slic3r had, regarding first layer, is "Elephant's Foot". Basically it shrinks the first layer's perimeter by ___, so you can squash the heck out of the first layer, and it still be the perfect size!
EDIT2: The gcode file I found was not the one I wanted. It was the Mk2 test
EDIT3: I found the Gcode. It's not actually g-code, it's a G-code generator in the program.
It is in "ultralcd.cpp" in the firmware.
Search for " if (lcd_commands_type == LCD_COMMAND_V2_CAL) " and the first two (I don't understand why twice) copies of the gcode generator.
I guess it will be simpler to just design one. (I'm thinking a 0.4mm x 0.2mm rectangular "line" that spirals to all 4 corners, then builds the 10x10x0.2 in the center. As that would be a good test to verify bed leveling too.
*adds to to-do-list for next week*
Hi, I'm Sean. I used to work on CNC machines.
I try to not make mistakes, but the decision is YOURS.
Please feel free to donate to my filament/maintance fund.
Re: Live Z Calibration STL
I really do not understand why you would want to run the build in 1st layer calibration more than once.
You NEED to run it one time to make the printer happy. From then on you use "live adjust z" to make further corrections - with any gcode and extrusion multiplier.
Re: Live Z Calibration STL
Do not mess with the settings in the slicer program. They are optimized for the printer and work well.
It's the Z-level to focus on. I use a 75x75 mm test area where I have plenty of time to calibrate the first layer and I run it 2 to 3 times until I'm completely satisfied with the first layer.
If you start to change the slicer settings to get a good first layer, yes, then you have got problems.
Bear MK3 with Bondtech extruder
Re: Live Z Calibration STL
Just make your own in whatever 3D modeling software you use. Draw a 75x75 rectangle then extrude it to be your layer height (either 0.2mm or 0.15mm). Export to your slicer and you're done.
Re: Live Z Calibration STL
EDIT: and in some slicers, you can adjust the extrusion multiplier on the first layer. It's actually a GREAT feature, as it's not a bad idea to have "excessive" filament extrusion on the first layer... However honestly, it's just as easy to get the same result with live Z adjust. The only big feature I *really* wish Slic3r had, regarding first layer, is "Elephant's Foot". Basically it shrinks the first layer's perimeter by ___, so you can squash the heck out of the first layer, and it still be the perfect size!
Elephant Foot compensation is in Slic3r. Look under "Advanced Features" in the Print Settings.
Re: Live Z Calibration STL
EDIT: and in some slicers, you can adjust the extrusion multiplier on the first layer. It's actually a GREAT feature, as it's not a bad idea to have "excessive" filament extrusion on the first layer... However honestly, it's just as easy to get the same result with live Z adjust. The only big feature I *really* wish Slic3r had, regarding first layer, is "Elephant's Foot". Basically it shrinks the first layer's perimeter by ___, so you can squash the heck out of the first layer, and it still be the perfect size!
Elephant Foot compensation is in Slic3r. Look under "Advanced Features" in the Print Settings.
The fact I never noticed this, blows my mind. Thanks for this! Now I can fix my first layer!
Hi, I'm Sean. I used to work on CNC machines.
I try to not make mistakes, but the decision is YOURS.
Please feel free to donate to my filament/maintance fund.