Before your first print, the most important and foremost thing to be done is level the bed. The machine can't lay the plastic down properly without a level surface. Our nozzle needs to be an almost perfect distance from the bed, within a millimeter, for the best results. You can clog the nozzle if too close and if too far, the print won't stick. Let's talk about how this process works.
On most of your less expensive printers, you have to level manually. That presumes the more expensive printers have auto-leveling. The problem with the more expensive system is if things get too far out of level, you still have to take care of it manually. It is a great thing to know if you see things going awry. Let's start with a picture from the Teachingtechs Calibration site.
In the picture, you can see the effects of having the nozzle too close or too far. You can also see just right. It reminds me of the Three Bears! The process is straightforward, and if you have an Ender type of machine CHEP has created the perfect file to assist.
The process for leveling is to load the file on your SD Card and then run the file. The files code moves the print head to each corner and lowers the head so you can do the paper test. The paper test is when you slide the paper between the nozzle and the bed surface to check the resistance. Right now, you are asking how much resistance? You will get a feel for this in time, and for each machine, it will be slightly different, but, generally, you slide it back and forth quickly enough to feel it rubbing. The knobs below the bed adjust it up and down by turning left or right. After going to each corner, the code checks the middle and then repeats the whole cycle. I usually go around a couple of times until I am not adjusting each knob much.
One problem you may run across is the bed is not truly flat. Most beds have a dip in the middle due to heat fatigue. If you haven't heard yet, there is a sensor to combat this. The BL Touch is the most common. It senses the surface and can adjust to differing heights, ensuring the nozzle stays at the correct distance. I could go on, but I wanted you to know this is available.
If you have any questions, please ask with our contact form. Have fun printing, and let's keep it moving!
