3D printing technology, as a revolutionary manufacturing method, its precision and reliability largely depend on the calibration of the printer. This article will detail how to calibrate Cartesian 3D printers, including the importance, steps, and techniques of calibration to ensure high-quality 3D models are printed.
1. The importance of calibration
Calibration is a key step in ensuring that 3D printers print models accurately according to design. The calibration process involves multiple aspects of the machine, including axis calibration, extruder calibration, etc. Correct calibration can reduce printing failure rates, improve printing quality, and extend the service life of the machine.
2. Preparation before calibration
Before starting calibration, make sure you have the following tools:
- Digital calipers or rulers
- Tape
- Filament material
- 3D printer control software
3. Calibration steps
Set up firmware and software
First, make sure your 3D printer firmware is up-to-date and your slicing software settings are correct. In the Repetier software, connect the printer and select the Manual Control tab, enter “M501” to load the current settings.
Calibration of X and Y axes
Place a piece of tape on the printer bed surface and mark the current position of the X-axis on the tape. Use software to command the printer to move the X-axis from 70mm and make another mark at the end of the X-axis. Use calipers to measure the distance between the two marks to determine the actual moving distance. Based on this distance and the expected distance, calculate a new M92 value and enter it into the G-code.
For the Y-axis, repeat the above steps to calculate and enter the new M92 value.
Calibration of Z-axis
When calibrating the Z-axis, use a ruler to measure the distance between the print bed and a point on the Z-axis print arm. Enter the X-axis displacement value and measure how far it has moved. Use the formula of measured value/actual measured value * old M92 value = new M92 value to calculate the new M92 value and enter it into the GCode of the Z-axis.
Calibration extruder
The calibration of the extruder is to ensure that the extruded plastic wire length matches the expected length. Heat the hot end to the recommended temperature, make a mark on the filament, command the printer to extrude 10mm of filament, and then measure the distance between the two points. If the distance is not 10mm, a new EM92 value needs to be calculated and entered into the GCode.
Temperature calibration
Temperature calibration is the process of determining the optimal printing temperature. Use a temperature tower model, which contains multiple blocks with different printing temperatures for each block. After printing is completed, check the printing quality of each block to determine the optimal printing temperature.
Flow ratio calibration
Flow ratio calibration is used to determine the optimal flow ratio for consumables. Print a model composed of different flow rate modifiers and check the smoothness of the top surface of each block to determine the optimal flow ratio.
Pressure advance calibration
Pressure advance (PA) calibration is used to optimize print quality at corners. Print a PA tower or PA line model and observe the speed changes of each corner or line of the printed part to determine the optimal PA value.
Retracement test
The retraction test is used to determine the shortest retraction length that produces the cleanest print. Print the retraction tower model and pay attention to where the layer starts to fail and where the quality starts to decline to determine the optimal retraction length.
Maximum flow rate test
The maximum flow rate test is used to calibrate the maximum flow rate of a specific consumable. Print the maximum flow rate model and observe where the layer starts to fail to determine the maximum flow rate of the consumable.
VFA calibration
VFA (Vertical Fined Artifacts) calibration is used to test the visibility of VFA vibration patterns on printers at different printing speeds. Test models at different speeds are printed and changes in vibration patterns are observed to optimize printing speed.
Conclusion
Calibrating Cartesian 3D printers is a meticulous and important process that directly affects the accuracy and quality of printing. Through the above steps, users can systematically calibrate their 3D printers to ensure accurate and high-quality 3D models are printed. Remember, calibration is a continuous process that may require adjustments based on changes in printing materials and environment.
