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Nozzle height and distance of the 3D printer

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

What is the correct nozzle height?

One of the most important influences on the quality of your 3D print is the height of the nozzle. The nozzle height determines the distance between the nozzle and the print bed. It is important that you have the right height to create a good first print layer. For a good print layer, the filament must be printed on the print bed with light pressure. This light pressure increases the surface where the filament is pressed onto the print bed, while good extrusion remains.

What do you want to avoid?

It may happen that the distance between the nozzle and the print bed is not set correctly. This can cause problems during printing. The problems with a too large or too small nozzle height are as follows:

  • Nozzle is too high. When the print head hangs too high, the filament is printed on the print bed with too little pressure. The filament thus covers a part of the print bed that is too narrow, with the result that the filament starts to come loose during printing.  

  • Nozzle is too low. If your nozzle hangs too close to the print bed, there is not enough room for the filament to be pressed out of the print head. This can result in damage to your nozzle or print bed.

How do I calibrate the distance between the print head and the print bed?

While setting up the 3D printer, you must determine the distance between the nozzle and the print bed. A common method is to place a sheet of paper under the print head and adjust it so that you feel light pressure between the print head and the paper. You can use 80gsm A4 paper for this. If you can remove it from under the print head after adjustment without tearing and with a slight resistance, then you have the correct nozzle height. Remember to re-adjust this distance every few months. The distance may have changed due to the removal of 3D prints and the varying temperatures you use while printing. If you still run into problems, check out our page on printing problems.

Do you have another question?

Have you not been able to find the answer to your question in the overview above? At 123-3D.co.uk we are busy with 3D printing every day and we like to follow every development. We are happy to share the knowledge and experience that we have built up over the years with you in our 3D printing help centre!
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