1 Topic by heartless (edited by heartless 2015-09-21 17:28:17)

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Topic: recent bed "height" issues...

hey gang... My #1 SD4 has recently developed a problem maintaining bed level.

For months I was able to level once at the start of the day and run multiple prints with no problem maintaining bed level.

just recently it has begun causing me HUGE headaches between print runs...

I can run one print with no problem, 1st layer is good, the rest of the print as well...
finish that print, Home everything, reheat, try to run the next print and level is either too tight - not allowing smooth extrusion, or too loose - not sticking.

kill the print, home again, check level and everything checks out perfectly - using the exact same method I have used from the beginning.

home again, reheat, try to run print again, and it is usually the opposite problem from the previous print attempt (if too low before, it is now too high, or vice versa)

it is driving me absolutely crazy!

Anyone have any thoughts as to why - all of a sudden - I am having these issues?

Specs are: SD4 running on Rumba and Supernight PSU, E3D V6 hotend, Lawsy bearing carriages, thicker aluminum heated bed with glass top, and stock 5/16" Z rod...

I have cleaned and re-greased multiple times...not sure what is causing the problem?

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

2 Reply by wardjr

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

Are you having a level issue or a height issue?

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

3 Reply by heartless

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

i guess it would be more of a height issue than a "level" issue...

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

4 Reply by wardjr

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

Is your well nut binding?  I have found that over time those can tighten themselves.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

5 Reply by heartless

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

no well nut on this one - the rod isnt tall enough to put one on it.

I finally got it set decently enough to run another print - when this one finishes I am going to pull it out and verify that all connections are good & tight and check vref again... other than that, I am at a loss for what to check?

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

6 Reply by wardjr

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

Is there any chance the adjuster screw is moving around slightly during homing?  I have found a little blue loctite will firm that adjuster up and still keep it adjustable.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

7 Reply by heartless

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

that was my first thought, too - and the answer is: no, it is quite snug in it's place - it doesn't slop around at all. in fact, you must be very deliberate about turning it.

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

8 Reply by wardjr

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

And all the rivets are secure on the platform?

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

9 Reply by heartless

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

ah-ha! looks like there may be a little bit of movement there. never thought about those.

Thanks!

now, how best to secure the platform?

replace rivets with screws/locking nuts?

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

10 Reply by wardjr

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

Bolts with nyloc nuts seems to be the preferred method.

Printit Industries Model 8.10 fully enclosed CoreXY, Chamber heat
3-SD3's & a Workbench all fully enclosed, RH-Slic3r Win7pro, E3D V6, Volcano & Cyclops Hot End
SSR/500W AC Heated Glass Bed, Linear bearings on SS rods. Direct Drive Y-axis, BulldogXL
Thanks to all for your contributions

wardjr's Website

11 Reply by heartless

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

awesome!

Thanks - again! smile

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

12 Reply by heartless

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Re: recent bed "height" issues...

Well, that seems to have been where the problem was. got the front 2 rivets drilled out and replaced with 3mm bolts & nylock nuts cranked in nice & tight. have run a couple of prints now - and it is maintaining the same height so far...

Will have to get the 2 rivets at the back of the bed support done soon to avoid more frustrations.

Thank you, once again, wardjr for the help. smile

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1