From c0175a57f0a9f479f2ff5aa2f893e318169d6132 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Jake Tolbert Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:28:59 -0600 Subject: [PATCH] create bed leveling documentation. fixes #120 --- README.md | 1 + docs/BED_LEVELING.md | 35 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 36 insertions(+) create mode 100644 docs/BED_LEVELING.md diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 094af81a..5b14e022 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ Due to the beta stage of Klipper Mod the documentation is not fully-completed. T - [Uninstall](docs/UNINSTALL.md): Uninstall Klipper Mod - [Slicing](docs/SLICING.md): Configure your Slicer for Klipper - [Wifi](docs/WIFI.md): Methods to Configure WiFi +- [Bed Leveling](docs/BED_LEVELING.md): Leveling the bed, configuring Z offset, and bed mesh settings - [Linux Environment](docs/LINUX.md): Klipper Mod Linux environment - [Klipper Screen](docs/KLIPPER_SCREEN.md) - [Guppy Screen](docs/GUPPY_SCREEN.md) diff --git a/docs/BED_LEVELING.md b/docs/BED_LEVELING.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e20da6c6 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/BED_LEVELING.md @@ -0,0 +1,35 @@ +# Initial Calibration Before Printing +Proper calibration is essential for achieving high-quality prints. + +If you’re experienced with other printers, you might assume that calibration involves adjusting the z-endstop using `Z_ENDSTOP_CALIBRATE`, calibrating the probe-to-nozzle offset with `PROBE_CALIBRATE`, and creating a bed mesh. Once done, you’d consider the printer ready to go. However, that’s not the recommended approach here. + +The Z-Endstop in this setup is deliberately positioned to prevent the nozzle from crashing into the bed, even if you switch to a thicker build plate and forget to create a mesh. For this reason, the Z-Endstop should not be adjusted. In fact, attempting to save changes to it will result in an error. + +In this system, the "z-offset" refers not just to the offset between the nozzle and the probe (as typically intended by Klipper) but also compensates for the lower z-endstop. + +Follow the steps below to ensure perfect first layers: + +## Step 1: Create a Heightmap +1. Use the "Heightmap" option in the menu to create a heightmap, or the Bed Leveling option if you are using guppyscreen. +2. Ensure the nozzle is clean and not leaking filament, as this can result in an inaccurate heightmap. +3. Perform this step with the bed and nozzle at room temperature. + +**Important**: After creating the mesh, your printer still isn’t ready for printing. The nozzle-to-bed distance will be too large due to the Z-Endstop being intentionally offset. + +## Step 2: Adjust the Z-Offset +While the default z-offset in the configuration works initially, it doesn’t account for the intentionally lower z-endstop. To address this, you’ll need to adjust the Z-offset using the well-known [paper test](https://www.klipper3d.org/Bed_Level.html?h=paper#the-paper-test). + +1. Move the toolhead to the center of the build plate (X=0, Y=0) with Z=2. +2. Gradually lower the Z-axis to Z=0, ensuring the nozzle doesn’t come down too far and crash into the bed. +3. Once at Z=0, continue lowering the nozzle in small increments by using "babysteps" to adjust the z-offset until the paper test indicates the correct distance. The nozzle should lightly grip a sheet of paper, allowing it to slide with slight resistance. + +Once the Z-offset is properly calibrated, save the new value with the `Z_ENDSTOP_CALIBRATE` command. Klipper will calculate the new Z-offset based on the adjustment. + +**Note**: This process invalidates the previously created heightmap. To avoid errors, delete the heightmap and save your configuration with `SAVE_CONFIG`. + +## Step 3: Recreate the Heightmap +Now, recreate the heightmap by repeating Step 1. This time, the heightmap will account for the adjusted Z-offset and produce a more accurate representation of your bed surface. The new heightmap will reflect the corrected nozzle-to-bed relationship, ensuring optimal print quality. + +At Z=0, the nozzle will now be positioned precisely as determined during the paper test. + +With these steps, your printer is fully calibrated and ready to deliver high-quality first layers.