Calibration of the print bed - Creality K1C

Bed calibration: Step-by-step guide to manual and automatic bed calibration

Bed calibration is one of the most important tasks to ensure high print quality with your Creality K1C 3D printer. An improperly calibrated bed can lead to issues such as poor first layer adhesion, warping, or even defects in the print. The Creality K1C offers both manual and automatic calibration options, making the process flexible and user-friendly. Below you will find a detailed step-by-step guide to successfully perform both methods.

Why bed calibration is crucial

A properly calibrated build platform ensures that the distance between the nozzle and the print bed is even. This distance is crucial because it affects the adhesion of the first layer and the flatness of the entire print. If the bed is not properly calibrated, certain areas of the print bed may be too far or too close to the nozzle. This causes the first layer to be either too thin or not applied at all. In the worst case, the nozzle can even damage the print bed.

Step-by-step guide to automatic calibration

The Creality K1C is equipped with automatic bed leveling, which significantly simplifies the calibration process. However, you should perform the automatic calibration correctly to achieve the best possible results.

Perform automatic calibration

Turn on the printer and heat up: Turn on the Creality K1C and let it heat up to the printing temperature you have set for your material (e.g., 60 °C for PLA). This simulates real printing conditions, as the print bed expands at higher temperatures.
Open the calibration menu: Use the Creality K1C touch display to navigate to the settings and select the "Automatic Leveling" or "Auto Bed Leveling" option. The printer will then automatically move to several positions on the print bed and measure the distance between the nozzle and the bed using a built-in sensor.
Perform measurement: The printer measures the height of the print bed at various points and saves these values. This creates a "height map" that the printer uses for later print jobs. This compensates for any unevenness on the print surface.
Fine-tune the Z-offset: After the automatic leveling process is complete, you should adjust the Z-offset (the distance between the nozzle and the bed). This is especially important to ensure the first layer is applied optimally. You can do this by adjusting the Z-offset in the printer menu. Ideally, place a sheet of paper between the nozzle and the print bed and adjust the distance so that the paper can be moved slightly without getting stuck.
Start a test print: To ensure the calibration was done correctly, you should start a small test print, such as a calibration grid. This allows you to see if the first layer is applied evenly.

Step-by-step guide to manual calibration

Although the Creality K1C has automatic calibration, it is still useful to know how manual calibration works. This method is especially helpful if you want to make minor adjustments or check the automatic calibration.

Manual calibration of the print bed

Turn on the printer and preheat the bed: Similar to the automatic method, you should preheat the print bed to the recommended temperature for the filament used. This ensures that any material expansions are taken into account.
Align bed to leveling points: The Creality K1C usually has four leveling screws at the corners of the print bed. Through the menu, you can manually move the print head to each of the four corners of the print bed.
Use the paper method: Place a regular sheet of paper between the nozzle and the print bed at the first corner. Turn the leveling screw so that the paper just slides between the nozzle and the bed without getting stuck. Repeat this process at all four corners of the print bed.
Check the center of the bed: After calibrating the corners, you should move the print head to the center of the print bed and use the paper method again to check if the distance in the center is correct. If necessary, make minor adjustments at the corners to achieve perfect leveling.
Adjust the Z-offset: Here too, you should fine-tune the Z-offset after calibration to ensure the perfect height of the first layer.
Start a test print: To ensure that manual calibration was successful, start a test print. Make sure the first layer is applied evenly and adheres well to the print bed.

Common calibration problems and how to fix them

Even though automatic and manual calibration may seem simple, problems can occasionally occur that affect print quality. Here are some common challenges and solutions:

Insufficient adhesion of the first layer

If the first layer does not adhere properly, this could indicate insufficient calibration of the Z-offset. Make sure the distance between the nozzle and the print bed is not too large. Too much distance prevents the filament from sticking to the surface, while too little distance can cause the filament to be crushed and the extruder to clog.

Nozzle scratching the print bed

If you notice that the nozzle touches or even scratches the print bed, the Z-offset is set too low. Increase the distance between the nozzle and the bed to fix the problem.

Uneven filament application

If the filament is too thick in some places and too thin in others, the leveling may not be correct. Check if all four corners of the print bed are at the same height and make manual adjustments if necessary.

Tips to improve calibration results

Regular calibration: Even if the printer has been working perfectly for a while, it may be necessary to check the calibration regularly, especially after multiple prints or transporting the device.
Careful cleaning of the print bed: A clean print surface helps the filament adhere better and makes the calibration process smoother. Use isopropyl alcohol to remove dust and residues.
Check the print platform: Make sure the build platform is not warped or damaged. An uneven print platform can significantly complicate the calibration process.

Conclusion

Calibrating the print bed is an essential part of the 3D printing process, especially if you want to consistently achieve high-quality results. The Creality K1C offers both automatic and manual calibration options, giving you flexibility and precision. By calibrating regularly and following the steps outlined above, you ensure that your prints are clean, precise, and free of errors.