Prints coming out wrong size

[Crisco723]

Hi, i'm using a PowerSpec Ultra 3D printer using Simply3D software. My prints are coming out about 7.5% smaller than what they should be. A 20mm test cube prints out 18.5mm. How to I fix this without having to change the scaling every single time. Thanks

[CompoundCarl]

Well, here's an easy test to figure out what may be happening. If you print a part that is 100mm wide, does it come out as 98.5mm wide or 92.5mm wide?

[Crisco723]

Well, here's an easy test to figure out what may be happening. If you print a part that is 100mm wide, does it come out as 98.5mm wide or 92.5mm wide?

100mm comes out to be about 94.2 mm. I thought maybe it was the Simply3D software altering it but I even used the software that came with my printer (PowerPrint) and it did the same thing. So I printed the 20mm test cube that was preloaded on the SD card that came with my printer and it also printed out smaller. I am using Inland PLA from microcenter, it is cheaper filament than others, but that's a lot of decrease in size.

[CompoundCarl]

Well there's a few options. It could just be the plastic shrinking. It could be wrong steps/mm values on in the x3g files. You can change those by going to Tools > Firmware Configuration, clicking the x3g tab, and editing the X and Y step/mm values. Just be sure to save the Firmware Configuration as a new name when you are done and then edit your process settings to use that new firmware config (more info on that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYPUAqT4UyI)

[Crisco723]

Well there's a few options. It could just be the plastic shrinking. It could be wrong steps/mm values on in the x3g files. You can change those by going to Tools > Firmware Configuration, clicking the x3g tab, and editing the X and Y step/mm values. Just be sure to save the Firmware Configuration as a new name when you are done and then edit your process settings to use that new firmware config (more info on that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYPUAqT4UyI)

Right now it's 96.2752018703 on both the A and B axis. So i'm guessing in need to increase both numbers? And if so, how much? Thanks

[Crisco723]

Well there's a few options. It could just be the plastic shrinking. It could be wrong steps/mm values on in the x3g files. You can change those by going to Tools > Firmware Configuration, clicking the x3g tab, and editing the X and Y step/mm values. Just be sure to save the Firmware Configuration as a new name when you are done and then edit your process settings to use that new firmware config (more info on that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYPUAqT4UyI)

Oh my bad I was looking at the wrong numbers. Both X and Y are set at 88.573186. So what do I do? Thanks

[Crisco723]

Well there's a few options. It could just be the plastic shrinking. It could be wrong steps/mm values on in the x3g files. You can change those by going to Tools > Firmware Configuration, clicking the x3g tab, and editing the X and Y step/mm values. Just be sure to save the Firmware Configuration as a new name when you are done and then edit your process settings to use that new firmware config (more info on that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYPUAqT4UyI)

Oh my bad I was looking at the wrong numbers. Both X and Y are set at 88.573186. So what do I do? Thanks

Found this, gonna try it : viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1937

[Crisco723]

Changing those numbers do not affect anything on my printer. Or am I going about this all wrong? After I make the changes do I export the firmware file to a sd card and upload it to my printer? Or is it supposed to do it through the Simply3D software?

[Crisco723]

Ok I messed with just about everything and still don't know what to do. I've noticed when I put the cube on the very edge of the platform and print it it's always about 10mm away from the edge. (again, scaling issue) But I was messing around with the 20mm cube and reset the position of it on the platform. X, Y, and Z all say 0 but the cube is not in the center ( assuming that's where it's supposed to be) So could this be the problem? I'm attaching a picture

[CompoundCarl]

Changing those numbers most definitely has an affect! Watch the video I posted above. You need to make the change and then click export to create a new firmware configuration. Then go into the progress and select that new firmware config on the G-Code tab. Watch the video. It is thoroughly explained there.