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  • What is the 3D printer offset?

What is the 3D printer offset?

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 3D printer offset?

The offset of your 3D printer is a setting in your software that refers to the distance between the print bed and the nozzle of the extruder. When the nozzle is too close to the print bed, it can dent your print. If it is too far from it, your print will not adhere (or will do so less well) to the print bed. If the offset is not set correctly, this will have a negative effect on the quality on your 3D print.

Why do I need to set the 3D printer offset?

When you set the Z offset of your printer correctly, your prints will adhere well to the print bed, resulting in a perfect first layer. This layer forms the basis of your 3D print and is important for the quality of the rest of your print. In addition, it is also recommended to adjust your Z offset in one of the situations below.  

A new print bed

Do you want to replace your print bed with a glass plate or another print bed that is higher than the current one? Then you need to adjust your Z offset to prevent the nozzle from denting your print during printing.

Add or integrate an object

If you want to print on an existing object or want to integrate an object into your design, you must adjust the Z offset so that the nozzle does not collide with the object. It is important that the surface is flat, otherwise the filament will not adhere properly.

Another filament type

Not every filament type has to be printed at the same distance from the print bed. Some filaments expand more than others after leaving the nozzle. If your extruder is too close or too far, it can ruin your 3D print.

How can I adjust the offset of my 3D printer?

You can optimize the Z offset settings by adjusting the G code or by making changes in your slicer software. In either case, you need to manually adjust the Z offset value. If you notice that the print does not adhere well to the print bed and there is too much space between the nozzle and the print bed, you should lower the nozzle. You do this by entering a positive value. If the nozzle presses correctly into the print, you must increase your offset value by entering a negative value.
 
Current Z offset New Z offset
Increase extruder Z0 Z -0.1
Lower extruder Z0 Z 0.1

Do you have another question?

Have you not been able to find the answer to your question in the overview above? At 123-3D.ie 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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