3D Printer Calibration For Beginners: A Step By Step Guide

Are you annoyed by the inconsistency or failure of prints from your 3D printer? It's about time you get it calibrated. The secret to pulling off all your prints just the way you want them is 3D printer calibration.

But if you are scratching your head, wondering what calibration even means and how to do it, this is just the right guide for you.

In this step-by-step guide, we get into the real nitty-gritty of calibrating a 3D printer: leveling the bed, setting the temperatures, and everything in between.

What is Calibration?

Before getting straight into how you can calibrate your 3D printer, it's important for you first to understand what calibration is in the first place.

3D print calibration is the process of adjusting many settings and parameters of a 3D printer to ensure that it functions correctly and makes good prints.

This basically involves the calibration of hardware parts of the printer, such as the extruder, leveling of the bed, and axis motion, and tuning software parts, such as the setting of printing speed, temperature, and layer thickness.

The main goal of calibration is that during every print the user obtains the same repeatable results with the highest precision and introduction of the least error and defects. Without such calibration, the print can become inaccurate, flawed on the surface, or even result in a complete failure.

For this reason, 3D printer calibration is one of the most important steps in the setup and maintenance of a 3D printer.

Now let me show you how you can calibrate your 3D printer.

Basic Calibration Steps:

Here are some essential steps on how to calibrate a 3D printer:

1.    Bed leveling: This assures the proper height of the print bed relative to the nozzle at all points inside the printer. Proper bed leveling provides good adhesion and uniform layer height across the print.

2.    Extruder Calibration: This is the act of determining the right extrusion settings on the printer, considering the right amount of filament to be extruded when the print is done, so as to avoid over-extrusion, which may get the print quality totally ruined, or under-extrusion, which might make the print of poor quality.

3.    Temperature Calibration: The temperature of the filament and print bed needs to be calibrated accordingly, in such a manner where the resultant print is perfect and sticks nicely to the print bed. Each different type of filament may require a different setting for the temperature; thus, there is a requirement that the temperature of the printer be properly calibrated.

Now you know the basics of 3D printer calibration, it's time to dive deep into these steps and learn how you can efficiently calibrate your 3D printer for a better printing experience.

Bed Leveling

As said above, a leveled bed is crucial for successful 3D printing. It ensures that the first layer adheres properly to the bed surface, which is essential for the stability and quality of the entire print.

Additionally, a leveled bed helps maintain uniform layer heights throughout the print, resulting in better overall print quality.

But how can you do bed leveling in your 3D printer? Well, there are 2 different methods of bed leveling, let's discuss them in detail.

Manual Bed Leveling:

The first and common method of bed leveling your 3D printer is manual.

Here are the steps to guide you:

1.    Heat your 3D printer to the appropriate filament temperature and, if required, ensure the bed is heated as well.

2.    Use the control panel or software to home the printer, aligning the nozzle at the starting position (usually the front-left corner) and ensuring all axes are aligned.

3.    Manually move the nozzle to each corner of the print bed using the printer's controls.

4.    Use a piece of paper or feeler gauge as a leveling tool, sliding it between the nozzle and the bed to feel slight resistance.

5.    Turn the bed leveling knobs or screws to adjust the height of each corner. Clockwise lowers the bed, counterclockwise raises it. Make small adjustments and recheck with the paper until consistent across all corners.

6.    Move the nozzle to the bed center and recheck leveling with the paper. Make any needed adjustments for uniform leveling.

7.    If any discrepancies remain, repeat the process until the bed is perfectly leveled.

Automatic Bed Leveling:

The second method for bed leveling your 3D printer is using automatic feature. In order to use this methods, you will have to ensure that your printer is equipped with automatic bed leveling sensors or is compatible with automatic bed leveling features.

For that, you can go to the official website of your 3D printer or read the manual. Once you are confirmed that your printer is equipped with automatic bed leveling feature, you can follow these steps:

1.    Initiate Bed Leveling: Access the bed leveling option through your printer's menu or software interface as per the manufacturer's instructions.

2.    Follow Printer's Guidance: Your printer will prompt you through the automatic bed leveling process. Expect the printer to move the nozzle to different points on the bed surface while sensors measure the distance between the nozzle and the bed.

3.    Manual Adjustments (if needed): Some printers may require manual adjustments despite automatic leveling. If prompted, use the manual bed leveling knobs or screws to fine-tune the leveling based on the automatic measurements.

4.    Verification Step: After adjustments, the printer may conduct a final verification to confirm proper bed leveling. Follow any additional instructions provided to complete the process and ensure a leveled bed.

By following these steps, you can leverage automatic bed leveling to streamline the calibration process and achieve optimal print quality with ease.

Extruder Calibration:

Calibrating the extruder is crucial because it ensures that the correct amount of filament is being extruded during printing.

If the extruder is not calibrated properly, it can lead to under-extrusion (where insufficient filament is extruded) or over-extrusion (where too much filament is extruded), resulting in poor print quality, weak structures, or even failed prints.

Here are the steps that will help you:

1.    Preparation: Heat up your 3D printer to the temperature recommended for the filament you'll be using. Make sure the printer is ready for extrusion.

2.    Mark the Filament: Use a marker or tape to mark a point on the filament about 120mm above the extruder.

3.    Extrude Filament: Use your printer's control panel or software to extrude a specified length of filament, such as 100mm. This can usually be done through the "Move Axis" or "Extrude" menu.

4.    Measure Filament Movement: After extruding the specified length of filament, measure the distance between the mark on the filament and the extruder using calipers or a ruler.

5.    Calculate Extruder Steps/mm: Calculate the extruder steps/mm using the formula:

New Steps/mm = (Old Steps/mm x Expected Distance) / Actual Distance

·         New Steps/mm is the value you need to adjust to.

·         Old Steps/mm is the current steps/mm setting of your extruder (you can find this in your printer's firmware settings).

·         Expected Distance is the length of filament you commanded the extruder to move (e.g., 100mm).

·         Actual Distance is the measured distance the filament moved.

1.    Adjust Steps/mm in Firmware: Access your printer's firmware settings. This can be done through the printer's control panel or via USB connection to your computer. Find the settings for the extruder steps/mm and adjust it to the calculated value.

2.    Save Settings: After making the adjustment, make sure to save the new settings in your printer's firmware.

3.    Test Extrusion: Perform a test print to ensure that the extruder is now calibrated correctly. Check the quality of the print and make any additional adjustments if necessary.

4.    Repeat if Necessary: If you find that the extrusion is still not accurate, repeat the calibration process until you achieve the desired results.

By following these steps, you can effectively calibrate the extruder of your 3D printer to ensure accurate filament extrusion and improve the quality of your prints.

Temperature Calibration:

Temperature plays a critical role in 3D printing as it directly affects the flow characteristics of the filament and the adhesion of successive layers. Different types of filaments have specific temperature ranges within which they perform optimally.

Calibrating temperatures ensures that the filament is melted and extruded smoothly, and that layers adhere well to each other and the print bed.

Here are the steps that will help you:

1.    Select Test Models: Choose simple test models or a calibration tower with features sensitive to temperature changes.

2.    Set Initial Temperature: Start with the filament manufacturer's recommended temperature settings.

3.    Print Test Models: Print the selected models at the initial temperature settings.

4.    Evaluate Print Quality: Inspect for defects like stringing, warping, or poor layer adhesion.

5.    Adjust Temperatures: Incrementally adjust nozzle and/or bed temperatures based on print quality. For example, lower nozzle temperature for stringing, or increase bed temperature for better adhesion.

6.    Reprint Test Models: Print the test models again using the new temperature settings.

7.    Compare Results: Compare print quality across different temperatures, focusing on surface finish and layer adhesion.

8.    Fine-Tune: Continue adjusting temperatures until optimal print quality is achieved.

9.    Note Settings: Record the temperature settings that yield the best results for future reference.

10.    Apply Settings: Use calibrated temperature settings for actual print projects to ensure consistent and high-quality prints.

By following these steps and iteratively adjusting temperature settings based on print quality, you can effectively calibrate both the nozzle and bed temperatures of your 3D printer for optimal performance and print quality.

Fine-tuning Print Settings:

Once you have calibrated your 3D printer by following the above given steps, there are some fine-tuning print setting techniques that can enhance your print quality.

Let's discuss them in detail:

Adjusting Settings for Better Prints:

·    Layer Height: Layer height determines the thickness of each layer in your print. Lower layer heights result in smoother surfaces but may increase print time. Experiment with different layer heights to find the balance between print quality and speed that suits your needs.

·    Print Speed: Print speed affects how quickly the printer moves during printing. Higher speeds can reduce print time but may sacrifice print quality, especially on intricate or detailed parts. Lower speeds can improve print quality but increase print time. Adjust print speeds based on the complexity of your prints and the desired level of detail.

·    Infill Density: Infill density refers to the amount of internal structure inside the print. Higher infill densities create stronger prints but may increase material usage and print time. Lower infill densities reduce material usage and print time but may result in weaker prints. Experiment with different infill densities depending on the intended use of the printed object.

Tips for Experimenting:

·    Make Small Adjustments: When fine-tuning print settings, make small, incremental adjustments to one parameter at a time. This allows you to isolate the effects of each adjustment and determine its impact on print quality.

·    Keep Detailed Records: Keep track of the settings you're experimenting with and the results of each print. Note any changes you make, including layer height, print speed, infill density, temperature, and cooling settings. This information will help you identify trends and make informed decisions during the tuning process.

·    Print Test Models: Use test models specifically designed to evaluate different aspects of print quality, such as overhangs, bridging, and surface finish. Printing these test models allows you to quickly assess the effects of your adjustments and make informed decisions about which settings to keep or modify.

·    Iterate and Iterate: 3D printing is an iterative process. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't yield perfect results. Continue experimenting, making adjustments, and reprinting test models until you achieve the desired level of print quality.

·    Learn from Others: Take advantage of online resources, forums, and communities dedicated to 3D printing. Learn from the experiences and insights of other users who may have encountered similar challenges or successfully optimized their print settings.

By following these tips and techniques, you can effectively fine-tune your print settings to achieve better print quality and optimize your 3D printing process for your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calibration is vital for successful 3D printing. It ensures accuracy and reliability in printouts. Experimenting with settings helps improve print quality. Regular calibration is necessary to maintain consistency and high standards over time. It's like fine-tuning a musical instrument, small adjustments make a big difference.

So, keep calibrating, keep experimenting, and enjoy the journey of 3D printing!