The Z offset is an essential setting in a 3D printer that ensures the nozzle is the correct distance from the print bed surface. Even if you own one of the best 3D printers, if the nozzle is too close, the filament may not be able to flow properly, resulting in a print failure. Worse still, the nozzle could also damage the bed. On the other hand, if the 3D printer’s nozzle is also present, the filament may not adhere properly to the bed surface, resulting in poor bed adhesion. Therefore, it is important to set the Z offset well to ensure that the first layer adheres securely to the print bed.
Before adjusting the Z offset, you need to level your 3D printer bed. Properly leveling the print bed ensures that the print bed is the correct distance from the nozzle at all points. Check out our guide to manually leveling a 3D printer bed to learn how to do it right. Once the bed is well leveled you should be ready to fine tune and set the Z offset. Below we’ve highlighted the different ways to set your Z Offset correctly.
Manually setting the Z offset
To set the Z offset manually, you can adjust the nozzle height via your 3D printer’s LCD screen while placing a sheet of paper on the bed until you achieve the correct settings. The process differs slightly depending on the 3D printer model, but the general steps are similar whether you own one of the best 3D printers or not. In order to do this:
1. Place the printer in the home position to position the nozzle at the origin, which is usually the front left corner of the bed. In my case, I’m using Anycubic Kobra, so I’m going to go Menu > Leveling > Auto Leveling.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
2. Disable the steppers to move the nozzle manually. After disabling it, I can move the nozzle to the center of the bed to make it easier for me to feed the paper when leveling.
3. Lower the nozzle be near the print bed. The control interface allows you to move the nozzle in small increments until it is just above the bed surface.
4. Push the piece of paper gently between the nozzle and the print bed. You should feel some resistance as the paper touches the nozzle. The nozzle should not be pressed hard against the paper or far from it.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
5. Adjust the Z offset Use the on-screen interface until you feel a slight tug on the paper. You want the nozzle to be close enough to the bed for the paper to move, but not too loose that it slips out easily. I’ll go into my 3D printer Menu > Leveling > Z Offset.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
6. Save the Z offset settings if your 3D printer allows it. In my case I have to apply the settings by clicking the button on the screen.
Adjust Z offset in slicer or G-code
If you know how to change the G-code, you can adjust the Z offset directly in the G-code. To do this we must find the command responsible for referencing the printer (usually G28 or G29 for automatic bed leveling) as well as the command to move the Z axis, namely G92. You can then follow the steps below to change them.
1. Open the G-code file in any 3D slicing software or G-code editor. In my case I open Repetier Host as there is a section specifically for inserting and modifying the G-code before sending it to the 3D printer.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
2. Look for the G28 commandwhich brings the printer to its reference position, or G29 for automatic bed leveling and add the Z0 command at the end to tell the nozzle to move to the zero point on the Z axis.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
3. Go to the command that sets the initial Z position, i.e. G92, then add Z0.1 mm to give the nozzle’s current position a value of 0.1 mm. To raise the nozzle to print onto the surface, specify a negative number for the Z axis. You can add Z-0.1mm as shown below.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
4. Save the modified G-code file and send it to your 3D printer.
Another way to adjust the Z offset while still in Repetier Host is to go to Cura > G code.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
In the Start G code section you can see G28 And G92, and you can change them as shown above. You can also save the changes to the default settings so you can use them anytime by clicking create default.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
If you use the Ultimaker Cura Slicer separately, you can adjust the Z offset by installing the plugin. Go to marketplacelook for z-offset settings and install them.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
After installation you need to restart the slicer and then go Printing Preferences > Profile and look for Z offset then you can see it.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Fine tuning the Z offset with Baby Stepping
Baby stepping is where you make small adjustments to the Z offset while the printer is printing. It does this by sending a command to the printer to move the Z axis a very small amount during the print. This allows you to adjust the z-offset as the printer prints, observe the changes in the quality of the first layer, and adjust the z-offset accordingly.
You can do this from your 3D printer’s screen, where you pause the print, adjust the Z offset, and then resume the print. Alternatively, you can use MatterControl software to baby step without modifying your firmware or changing on-screen settings. You can also move the X and Y axes next to the Z axis as the print progresses. After you’ve downloaded the software and connected your 3D printer, you’re ready to go Control > Motion.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
After you’ve started your print, you can click Z+ or Z to move the nozzle higher or lower, and then you can watch your pressure in real time.
3D printing test prints
To verify that you’ve set your Z offset correctly, you can 3D print a square 0.22mm high. Your goal is to keep the surface flat. If you see ridges or valleys on the 3D print, you should adjust the Z offset until you find a smooth surface. You can download the files on Printables.
The above strategies should help you get your 3D printer’s Z offset right. If you are confident that the Z offset is set correctly but are still having issues with your 3D prints, you should check and adjust other settings on your 3D printer.
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