<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Maintenance > Adjusting Z-Axis Offset

The printer is calibrated prior to shipment. Over the life of a printer, it is often necessary to adjust the distance between its SwiftTool and build-plate to either increase or decrease filament adhesion to the plate. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as a change of build plate, change of SwiftTool or printhead probe, normal build plate wear and tear, or small changes within the printer itself. Keep in mind that adjustments of half a millimeter or less can mean the difference between adhesion and non-adhesion. Also bear in mind that if the printer is very cool, the distance will change while adapting to room temperature. Please allow the printer to stabilize in temperature before starting to print.

 

Therefore, adjusting the distance between the SwiftTool and build plate (aka the Z-Axis Offset) is a good tool to have. This can be done and saved in your Simplify3D profile for each unique SwiftTool and material combination.

 

To make this change, please go to Simplify3D>Edit Process Settings>G-Code tab. Under the Global G-Code Offsets section, the Z-Axis Offset value can be adjusted. Setting a more negative value will move the nozzle closer to the build plate, increasing adhesion. Conversely, making the Z-Axis Offset more positive moves the build plate farther from the nozzle, decreasing filament adhesion.

 

When changing the Z-Axis Offset value, it is recommended to increase or decrease by 0,05 mm at a time. You may need to adjust the value more than once to find the setting that works best at any given time.

 

Important aspects:

•Take care when making the Z-Axis Offset more negative.

•Take small steps at once, 0,05 mm at a time.

•When the SwiftTool is quite close to the build-plate surface, adjust it by less than 0,05 at a time.