Whenever I start a new print I have noticed that the Z2 Axis will always be lower than the other three. I deduce this by observing the gantry while it is calibrating itself before a new print.
I will notice that after it goes around the first time testing the corners, the Z2 axis will always be adjusted up. Almost like it is slowly lagging behind the other three during prints, the machine does detect this and adjusts each time.
Weirdly enough I haven’t noticed a huge difference in the prints. However, I haven’t done anything rather large or wide. I am wondering if this is a known thing? Or if this phenomenon isn’t an issue during a print?
Any advice would be helpful.
Either way, I plan to test the Z-Axis’s in the future. My plan is to remove the gantry, and measure the movement of each Z-axis with a gauge caliper.
You did not have any answer yet… and i have not to give too xD. On my own, no problem at all. Maybe you have a trouble with your machine ? Please let’s us to know the answer when you find it
And you may also contact de sovol support by email : they are very efficiant and maybe it’s better to do it before to break anything else during the investigations.
Fair, advice. I would ask however I did in fact test the Z-Axis’s already. Interestingly enough; while having a dial gauge set at each one, and then telling the machine to “Move 1 mm” in the Z+ direction, everything was within .001 mm variation. So I suppose the “effect” I see is purely superficial.
It sounds like your SV08 might have a slight misalignment or mechanical lag on the Z2 axis, which could be due to a bit of uneven tension or play in the lead screw or couplings. The fact that it’s self-correcting during calibration is a good sign—it means the machine is compensating well enough to maintain decent print quality on smaller prints. However, for larger or more intricate prints, that consistent adjustment might start to show in subtle ways on your final results.
Testing the Z-axis individually, as you plan to do, is a great idea! When you remove the gantry and use a gauge caliper, check for any differences in movement between Z2 and the other Z-axis motors. Also, ensure all Z couplings, bearings, and screws are tight and aligned evenly. Sometimes, just a little tweaking here can bring all the Z axes back into sync and make sure your machine is set for precision with larger projects. Read more
My first post/rant here…and quite long.
First, a little background. I started printing around 5 years ago on an Ender 3. It printed the little Owl file on the supplied USB with the supplied filament just fine. From there I now have more printers and that original Ender 3 has been upgraded to the point it will print Carbon PC filament with a .06 nozzle at 250mm+ speed and I know my way around Marlin.
But it was time to upgrade to a larger and more capable machine with Klipper. After much research I chose the SV08. I can’t recommend it after my experience for the purpose for which it is marketed - primarily because of the crippled firmware that can’t reliably and accurately establish a Z axis offset. It also arrived with a broken cover plate over the power supply that was obviously there when the unit was packaged. The box and the metal cover over the electronics were both undamaged and intact. QC needs some improvement???
On the first attempt to set the Z offset the machine crashed HARD during the wipe and I shut it off with the power switch. On the second attempt it went thru the whole process. But how does one actually set the Z offset ?!? How thick is the first layer intended to be? My first ‘guess’ based on what appeared to be substantial under extrusion was to lower the nozzle. This resulted is at least a layer that was fully covered so I attempted to print the slow version of the included Benchy. It did so remarkably well, other than having a very pronounced elephant foot base.
I bought this machine with the intention of using it primarily as a parts source to build what I’ve been wanting. It cost less than my Ender 3, not including inflation, as cost to get it to the level it is today so I’m happy with it for MY purposes. But…
If someone is expecting this machine to be able to print simply by feeding it a file an poking “run” it isn’t going to be, in my opinion, a universally good experience. Why? Because of the crippled firmware that is obviously intended to make the Z offset as simple and user friendly as possible.
Using sensor-less homing for the X and Y axis works acceptably but there are just too many variables with the Z axis to allow it to be accurate and repeatable. Until Sovol can get this problem fix their user experience is going to be hit or miss. It appears from the reviews that if you ‘guess’ well at the initial Z offset the SV08 prints well. If you don’t than you get problems. My second attempt at the Benchy was right after the first slow version using the fast G-code. It failed near the end when it separated from the bed.
The overall print looked good, with a bit of noticeable ringing that should go away with input shaping. So the machine has some great potential!.
I presume that the Sovol staff is aware of the contents of this Klipper article on sensor-less homing? If they can get it to work with stock textured build plate than they will have done good. One way or another Sovol need to fix this VERY REAL Z axis offset deficiency. As is, the printer is almost unusable.
I’ll not attempt to when I get to my modifications and will use a different method for Z axis offset.
A man has to know his limitations.
Oh, and that hard crash on the first Z setting attempt? I discovered it bent the hot end at the heat break. First upgrade is now going to be the extruder assembly.
