There’s no denying that 3D printing has revolutionised the way we approach manufacturing, prototyping, and even everyday problem-solving. Among the many factors that contribute to a successful 3D print, bed levelling stands out as a fundamental yet often overlooked step. Proper bed levelling can mean all the difference between a flawless print and a frustrating failure.
At Phaser 3D, we pride ourselves on our expertise and commitment to providing premium quality 3D printing supplies, spare parts, and accessories across Australia. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of bed levelling – what it is, why it’s essential, and how to do it right.
What is Bed Levelling?
Bed levelling is the process of ensuring that the build platform (or print bed) of your 3D printer is perfectly level with respect to the nozzle. This alignment is crucial because it ensures that the first layer of your print adheres correctly to the bed, setting the foundation for all subsequent layers. A misaligned bed can lead to issues such as poor adhesion, warping, and even complete print failure.
Why is Bed Levelling Important?
- First Layer Adhesion: The first layer of your print is arguably the most important – it sets the stage for the entire build. If the bed isn’t level, the filament might not stick properly, leading to prints that detach from the bed mid-process.
- Print Quality: A level bed ensures that each layer of filament is deposited uniformly, resulting in a smoother and more precise print. Uneven layers can cause defects, making your prints look unprofessional and possibly compromising their structural integrity.
- Avoiding Nozzle Clogs: An improperly levelled bed can cause the nozzle to be too close to the bed, which may lead to clogging. This not only disrupts the print but also requires additional maintenance.
- Reducing Waste: Failed prints due to bed levelling issues result in wasted filament and time. By mastering bed levelling, you can minimise these losses and improve overall efficiency.
How to Level Your 3D Printer Bed
Levelling your 3D printer bed can be done manually or automatically, depending on your printer model. Here’s a step-by-step guide for manual bed levelling, which is the most common method:
- Preparation
- Turn off your printer and allow the bed to cool if it has been in use. A heated bed can expand, which might affect the levelling process.
- Clean the bed surface to remove any debris or residual filament.
- Home the Axes
- Home the printer so that the nozzle returns to its starting position. This step ensures that the printer’s firmware knows the exact position of the bed and the nozzle.
- Adjust the Bed Corners
- Disable the stepper motors from the printer’s control panel. This allows you to move the print head freely.
- Move the print head to one corner of the bed. Place a piece of paper between the nozzle and the bed.
- Adjust the bed’s height using the levelling screws until you feel slight resistance when moving the paper. The nozzle should be close enough to the bed to slightly grip the paper, but not so close that it tears it.
- Repeat the Process
- Move to each corner and repeat the adjustment process. It’s important to recheck each corner multiple times, as adjusting one corner can affect the others.
- Centre Check
- After adjusting all four corners, move the nozzle to the centre of the bed and check the gap with the paper again. Make any necessary fine adjustments.
- Test Print
- Print a simple test object, such as a single-layer square, to ensure that the bed is properly levelled. Observe the print for any signs of uneven extrusion or lifting corners.
Automatic Bed Levelling
For those with printers equipped with automatic bed levelling sensors, the process is more streamlined. The printer uses a probe to measure the distance between the nozzle and the bed at multiple points, adjusting the bed height automatically during printing. This technology saves time and increases accuracy, making it a worthwhile investment for serious hobbyists and professionals.
Troubleshooting Common Bed Levelling Issues
- Filament Not Sticking: If your filament isn’t adhering to the bed, it might be too far from the nozzle. Recheck the levelling and ensure the bed surface is clean and properly prepared.
- Nozzle Scraping the Bed: If the nozzle is dragging against the bed, it’s too close. Adjust the bed height to increase the gap slightly.
- Uneven First Layer: If your first layer looks uneven, revisit each corner of the bed and make fine adjustments. Sometimes even a small tweak can make a big difference.
Ready to get started?
Mastering bed levelling is an essential skill for anyone serious about 3D printing. It lays the groundwork for high-quality prints and reduces the likelihood of encountering frustrating issues. At Phaser 3D, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the best results with your 3D printing projects. Our extensive range of supplies, spare parts, and accessories, coupled with our expert knowledge, makes us your go-to destination for all things 3D printing in Australia.
Whether you’re after filament, nozzles, heater cartridges or any other 3D printing essentials, we’ve got you covered. By understanding and perfecting the process of bed levelling, you can take your 3D printing projects to new heights. Happy printing!