How To: Z-Adjust App for Rev.E machines

[Jules]

This is the link to the Z-Adjust Application for the Rev.E machines.

This application allows you to re-set your Starting Height using metric feeler gauges to fine-tune the gap for the first layer for improved appearance. The Z-Adjust App does not run through the Leveling process.

The blue plastic feeler gauge that comes with your machine is 0.13 mm. If you want to squash the first layer a bit less, you can use a 0.15 mm (.006") feeler gauge with the Z-Adjust app linked below. (Keep in mind, you will likely need to start using adhesive (hairspray or gluestick) if you switch to the larger gap, but increasing it will eliminate the sharp little lip that forms on the first layer.)

Z-Adjust Application https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4et2bvwry3bc ... J5-Ja?dl=0



Update: For those of you who are not afraid of G-Code manipulation, Steve has provided this which is the quick expert way to fine-tune the Starting Height:

From the command line in S3D

First Type M501 to read the EEPROM parameters
Look for the M206 line. (it should look something like M206 X0.0 Y0.0 Z4.20)
You can then adjust it using M206 Z[new value] (so add or subtract your .02 to what ever yours was to raise or lower the starting height)
and then M500 to save it to the firmware.

This is an excellent way of fine-tuning the gap between the bed and the nozzle. If you add +0.02 to the Z value from the M206 line, you will move the bed 0.02 mm closer to the nozzle, making the gap smaller.
If you subtract -0.02mm, you will increase the gap and move the bed farther away.

[SouthSideofdaSky]

Thank you!

[Jules]

My pleasure!

[tks546]

This is the link to the Z-Adjust Application for the Rev.E machines.

This application allows you to re-set your Starting Height using metric feeler gauges to fine-tune the gap for the first layer for improved appearance. The Z-Adjust App does not run through the Leveling process.

The blue plastic feeler gauge that comes with your machine is 0.13 mm. If you want to squash the first layer a bit less, you can use a 0.15 mm (.006") feeler gauge with the Z-Adjust app below. (Keep in mind, you will likely need to start using adhesive (hairspray or gluestick) if you switch to the larger gap, but increasing it will eliminate the sharp little lip that forms on the first layer.)

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4et2bvwry3bc ... J5-Ja?dl=0

It's something how critical that first layer gap is, hundredths of a mm can make or break a print.

[Jules]

When I joined, Ed described it as the width of a human hair. (Well okay, maybe two head hairs, or one beard hair, but it's still a great visual.)

[ednisley]

the width of a human hair

Just like this:
https://softsolder.com/2015/11/12/3d-pr ... alization/



One turn of an adjusting screw moves the platform by twice the thread thickness.

If the nozzle-to-platform gap is incorrect by the diameter of that hair, the extruded plastic on the first layer will either not stick or be mashed flat.

The gap setting is really that sensitive ...

[psd]

what is your process?
Keep the app open while you have S3D open and adjust z then print a test, then adjust z again and print till you get it right?
Can you adjust while printing?

[sthone]

While the app is great for the initial setup.... if you just want to make a slight change see this reply in the other thread. It's much easier method then trying to use a feeler gauge every time.