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MBL test pattern

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3d-gussner edited this page Apr 17, 2020 · 10 revisions

How to test Mesh Bed leveling using MBL test pattern

With the MBL-test-pattern you should be able to see how good MBL is working. All 9 pieces should have the same layer adhesion as well surface finish.

This test should also show if a new firmware still does the job or got better or even worse. It makes sense to redo this after a firmware update.

Download the test file/s

MBL-test-pattern.3mf

Live adjust Z

With the First layer calibration you should have the "perfect" Live-Z. But it may be different for the center, so please follow these instruction:

  • Write down the 1st layer cal value you are using.
  • Open the attached MBL-test-pattern.3mf file in PrusaSlicer and set your Printing (0.2mm Speed or Quality), Filament and Printer settings to the material and printer you are using.
  • remove all edge patterns a_ to h_HyperCal.stl so you just have the center_HyperCal.stl left on build plate.
  • Slice it and export the gcode.
  • Clean the bed.
  • Print the center_HyperCalif the print looks good / perfect continue with MBL-test-pattern

    • Redo this print and adjust the Live-Z until you are happy with the result and write down the Live-Z value for the center print.

      Don't forget to clean the bed each time.

MBL-test-pattern

  • Open the attached MBL-test-pattern.3mf file in PrusaSlicer and set your Printing (0.2mm Speed or Quality), Filament and Printer settings to the material and printer you are using.
  • Slice it and export the gcode.
  • Clean the bed
  • Print the whole pattern.

Evaluate the print results and improve

If MBL is working fine all 9 test pattern prints should have the same good adhesion and surface finish.

If some pattern aren't "perfect" you can focus to print one by one to determine where MBL may have an issue:

  • Connect your printer via USB to Pronterface/Octoprint
  • Run G80 command and after that G81
    • Copy/save the G81 results for later.
  • Open the attached MBL-test-pattern.3mf file in PrusaSlicer and set your Printing (0.2mm Speed or Quality), Filament and Printer settings to the material and printer you are using.
  • remove all except the one you want to fine tune / do research on, so you just have ONE left on build plate.
  • Slice it and export the gcode.
  • Clean the bed
  • During printing the one pattern try to fine adjust the Live-Z so it looks "perfect" / equal to the center print.

    • Redo this print until you are happy with the result and write down the Live-Z value for that print.

      Don't forget to clean the bed each time.

Report back

If you want to report back your results, please add at least following information:

  • Printer: MK2.5, MK2.5s, MK3, MK3s
  • MMU: MMU1, MMU2, MMU2s
  • Firmware version printer and MMU
  • Live-Z found via 1st layer cal.
  • Live-Z value for the center_HyperCal print.
  • Live-Z values for other pattern prints that needed adjustment.
  • Add G81 results.

Feel free to write additional information

MBL-test-pattern report

Tips

  • On some printers the PINDA temp calibration can improve the print results
    • You can start the PINDA temp calibration via LCD menu: Calibration -> Temp. calibration -> Calibrate
    • Use G76 command
    • Best practice is to run the PINDA Temp. calibration in the "coldest" print environment.
    • If the temperate your of print environment changes with the seasons it makes sense to rerun the Temp. calibration when it get's colder.
  • Try to run the MBL-test-pattern with "cold" printer. As most users don't print 24/7 it makes sense to run the test when the printer is "cold" again as it would be for the next print.
  • If your edge pattern are really bad you can try to use Bed level correct to manually fine tune the results.
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