Nozzle height

[mastory 39]

So far in just less than 2 weeks of printing, I have only found only generalizations regarding how high the print nozzle should be when the Z axis is zeroed. This hasn't stopped me from making prints, but it has left some doubt as to what is optimal. I have been able to effectively level the bed and make prints with the height approx. .003-.008" (.08-.20mm). I have done this by using copy paper as a feeler gage either single or doubled over and adjusting the leveling screws or the switch to get an even drag resistance. I used my dial calipers to measure the paper. I think real feeler gages are in order. Have them in the garage, but not knowing what might be the ideal setting, it makes little difference.

I suppose it makes a difference what your bottom skin settings are, and which slicer is being used. Relative to that, I am asking how you set your nozzle clearance, what distance you set it to, and which slicer you're using.

I would hope that a series of rule of thumb standards could be established to take the guesswork out of the process.

Matt

[Daid 290]

My clearance is zero. The Z0 should be on the bed, not above it. The first layer is not printed at Z0 but at Z[layer thickness].

[mastory 39]

I like the reasoning. If an adjustment should be made, the offset can be made in the Gcode right? Is it true with both SF and Netfabb?

[Daid 290]

For SF I would adjust the start code, for NetFabb you might be able to do the same. But SF also has the "bottom" plugin which might be able to do something with this. Not sure.

[owen 18]

I use a feeler guage and adjust between 0.0 to 0.3mm when printing with High Quality style in Netfabb which is a 0.12mm layer height and 0.06mm half layer height for outer contours. I find if a print just doesn't start a couple of times in a row I adjust it down a small amount.