Z-Offset Setting

[nitehawkhp]

Hello everyone,

Some history:

I'm new to Simplify3D and 3D printing. I purchased a Tevo Black Widow in September and have been unable to get a successful print. Granted, due to parts issues with the printer, length of time to receive replacements, and build time, I was unable to get the printer assembled until mid November.

I have tried various 'FREE' software and was unable to get anything to print properly. Then I heard about Simplify3D. I purchased the software and was sure I would get a perfect print. NOT so. Still have no successful prints.

Here are my problems:

1. Print height is often too high and all I print is thread.
2. If I manage to get the height set (I still have no idea how it happens) the bottom layer has gaps between the threads.
3. How does one set the z offset.

I have changed the z offset on the printer from -3 mm to to +2 mm and it makes no difference in where the nozzle is placed above the bed.
I change the setting in Simplify3D under the G-Code tab and that doesn't make any difference either.
How do I get the nozzle to set so it will start printing at the proper height above the bed?

I'm ready to be admitted in a mental hostpital. This is driving me crazy.

Someone please help explain how to get my printer to print.

Thanks,

Rod

[dkightley]

You're changing the Global-Z value in the wrong direction. A negative direction effectively moves the nozzle closer to the bed.....which is what you want if you're printing in free air!

[nitehawkhp]

Thank you for your reply. I finally figured out that I needed to be changing the value in the 'Global G-Code Offsets' area and not the 'Origin offset' area. I wish there was a manual that would explain how this software worked. I have looked at the videos but in many cases that generated more questions than answers. There must more than two hundred settings available within this software. I have seen the short comments that appear when the mouse pointer hovers above a setting, but for a total newbie at 3D-printing, it would be far more helpful, if there were examples to show what affect that setting would do when a machine was operating.

[rrdavis]

Check out the sticky post at the top of the forum:
https://forum.simplify3d.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2367

For example, here's the details on the G-Code tab which explains the global and origin offsets:
https://forum.simplify3d.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2366

[wealthychef]

I just wanted to add another approach: look at the M851 command. Example:
M851 Z-2.38 ; Sets the XYZ Probe Offset per https://marlinfw.org/docs/gcode/M851.html