Calibrating your Z-Offset

This help article uses a Me3D as an example. Use caution when calibrating other supported 3D printers, as there may be extra steps involved. Please review the 'Additional Steps' section of the BuildBee documentation for your 3D printer, which can be found here.

Your Me2 is factory calibrated and tested when it arrives. You DO NOT need to run through this calibration process unless your prints are failing due to some change that has occurred in transit. Submit a support request for further advice if you are suffering out-of-the-box failures. 

The Z-Offset defines the actual height difference between the limit switch on the extruder head and the extruder nozzle. It’s an important number that can be the difference between a perfect print and a squiggly pile of plastic spaghetti.

You shouldn’t need to calibrate your Z-Offset often, only when a change to the extruder has occurred. Please note that a new Me2 fresh out of the box is already calibrated. Still, you may need to tweak your offset from time to time due to wear, transport or part replacement.

Note: You will need to be using an account with admin privileges to perform a Z-Offset calibration.

Step 1 - Access the Z-Offset calibration tool

- Access your list of printers at the top of the BuildBee interface.

- Click on the 'MAINTENANCE' button next to the printer you wish to calibrate.

- Select 'MAINTENANCE' and then 'START CALIBRATION'. 

Step 2 - Run the Z-Offset calibration tool

- After selecting the 'START CALIBRATION' button wait for the printer to heat up. Once the printer has reached the target temperature, it will move to the ready position.

- Use the 'TEST' button to test the print height. The printer will produce a long, thin box and then a single line in the centre of the box, which should fill the shape. 

In some cases, it is a good idea to raise the Z-Offset first to avoid any dragging on the print bed.

Step 3 - Adjust the Z-Offset accordingly

- Use the 'HIGHER' or 'LOWER' buttons to adjust the print height. 

By default, the adjustment size is 0.1mm. You can set the adjustment size to either 0.1mm or 1mm. To keep track of each adjustment that you make, there is a counter that will display the Current Net Adjustment that you've made in millimetres. Avoid clicking multiple times in quick succession; this can result in your Z-Offset value being thrown out in the software, which can cause issues with calibration.

- After each adjustment, click the 'TEST' button to draw another calibration strip. A good calibration strip will not have any gaps between the lines, are flat to the touch with no obvious bumps and stick well to the print bed without being difficult to remove. 

Too high - There will be big gaps between lines and bed adhesion will be poor.

Too low - Flow of plastic will be restricted and anything printed will be difficult to remove from the bed.

- Select 'FINISH CALIBRATION' to return to the maintenance console. 

 

Step 4 - Run a test print (optional)

- We recommend running a small print to test your new settings in action. We recommend printing a Cali-mouse from our 'Featured Models' section on the home page.

- Pay attention to the first few layers of the print. Look for the same indicators of good/bad calibration in the model that you are testing.

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