Z axis adjustment in software.

[desman]

When setting up the MakerGear M2 the video shows to use a business card as the gauge for setting the Z axis gap between the extruder and the build plate. If the gap is not quite correct is there an adjustment in the Simplify 3D software to compensate making the gap narrower or wider before starting to print.

[JoeJ]

Yes, go to "edit process settings", click G-Code tab, and adjust the Z-axis gcode offset. For example, a value of 0.1mm for the z-axis offset would move the nozzle 0.1mm further away from the bed.

[KC_703]

Yep. Z-offset G-Code. I use it all the time with my TAZ and PEI bed... its just too difficult to mechanically dial in the z-endstop using the thumbscrew. Much easier to specify .1-.3... which should be all that it takes to dial in the optimized nozzle height.

[ozleon]

Hi Joe, KC,

I have a Taz 5, and adjusting via the thumb screw is a pain. I want to try your suggestion, but want to know what height to set the thumb screw. Do I set it so the nozzle is right on the bed, or measure with the folded sheet of paper, and fine tune with the software offsets?

[JoeJ]

When you click the Home Z button in the software (or go to G1 Z0), the nozzle should just barely be touching the surface. You could also go to G1 Z0.1 and then level it so that a piece of paper just barely fits between the nozzle and the bed. The built-in S3D bed leveling wizard uses 0.1 and suggests to use a piece of paper.

[billyd]

I have found the taz 5 nozzle needs to be pretty high off the bed, much higher than my R2. I don't know the exact height but it's probably close to .3 to .4mm. Any closer and I have problems because of the x-axis rods sagging over their range. Of course I am using a dual extruder so that's a big part of the sag. The stock hex nozzle is a lot lighter so maybe it can be a lot closer.

ps check out my removable bed design for the taz 4 or 5 on thingverse. If you hate the taz 5 bed as much as I did, you will love it.