How to calibrate the Extruder on your 3d Printer
Mark a 100mm segment on the filament. This can easily be achieved with a 100mm length of drinking straw or a steady hand. Take note whether the top or bottom of the mark signifies the correct length.
Mark the filament at the top of the extruder and measure the difference
between the two marks [This may require pushing the up arrow to reverse
your extruder]. If the original mark you made is lined up with the top
of the extruder,
Create a ratio from the expected extrusion length [100mm] and the actual extrusion length [105.03mm].
(expected length) x steps = (actual length) x new steps
We know three of these numbers so we can easily solve for the new steps. This will tell us the amount of steps the extruder must actually take in order to extrude 1mm. We extrude 100mm for the test because the greater length amplifies the minute error.
A simpler form of the ratio is New steps= (100*113.68)/105.03
New Steps=107.958
(expected length) x steps = (actual length) x new steps
We know three of these numbers so we can easily solve for the new steps. This will tell us the amount of steps the extruder must actually take in order to extrude 1mm. We extrude 100mm for the test because the greater length amplifies the minute error.
A simpler form of the ratio is New steps= (100*113.68)/105.03
New Steps=107.958
Clean up the mess from the extruder. And re-assemble your printer
If you followed these steps correctly you should be producing much
better prints. As you can see below the extra 5mm measured makes a
tremendous difference. If you were to repeat these instructions from
step one you should get no leftover extrusion when you extrude 100mm.
