Introduction
When one starts out as a beginner in the 3D printing world it can be very over whelming with so many guides on how to setup your 3D printer.
One of the most critical tasks is to ensure the print bed is level. If you don't have the luxury of an auto bed leveller, you have to take the manual leveling approach.
In this short article I will explain what I have learnt since my first 3D printer purchase, Creality the Ender 3, and what works for me in the hope that others may benefit also.
Tools
Paper is the first tool you will use when leveling your print bed. It works well, however, over time the paper becomes torn and the sides will get damaged as you drag it between the print bed and nozzle.
Do yourself a favor and buy a set of feeler gauges.
Here is a link to Wikipedia which explains a feeler gauge. Feeler Guage
These are sold at hardware and automotive stores.
For consistent print results I found that a 0.07mm gap between the print bed and nozzle works best. I am using a 0.4mm nozzle with PLA filament.
Leveling Process
Take your time!
- Work your way around all 4 corners of the print bed with the nozzle about 20mm in from each of the corner edges.
- Adjust the thumb wheel so that the feeler gauge just drags a little when running it between the print bed and nozzle.
- Complete this on all 4 corners getting the same amount of drag then go around again. You will eventually arrive at the correct distance. It may take 3 or 4 times around the print bed to get a consistent distance.
Print Settings
I always use a brim for bed adhesion and never print faster than 50mm/sec.
Using PLA, I have found that a print bed temperature of 60 degrees C and a nozzle temperate of 200 degrees C provides good print bed adhesion.
If you are having print bed adhesion problems try cleaning the print bed with Isopropyl alcohol. Clean once before every print.
I hope you found this information useful.
Till next time!