First-Time Calibration

Run these three routines, in order, before your first real print — they only take a few minutes and prevent most "why won't it print" problems.

1. XYZ Calibration

From the LCD menu: Calibration → XYZ Calibration. The printer probes the frame geometry with the PINDA probe to confirm the X/Y/Z axes are square. Run this once after assembly, and again if you ever disassemble the frame.

2. First Layer Calibration

Calibration → First Layer Cal. The printer prints a series of test lines while you adjust the Live-Z offset live, in real time, using the knob.

Tip: You're looking for a line that's slightly squished — you should see faint ridges from the nozzle, and be able to just barely pick at the edge with a fingernail. If the line doesn't stick at all, the nozzle is too far away; if it's scraping/see-through, it's too close.

3. Live-Z Adjustment (ongoing)

Live-Z is not a one-time setting — small bed or nozzle changes over time mean you'll revisit Settings → Live Adjust Z occasionally. It can also be adjusted mid-print from the tune menu if a print's first layer doesn't look right, without restarting.

After calibration

Run Calibration → Mesh Bed Leveling before every print (the stock start G-code does this automatically) so the printer compensates for any slight warp in the sheet across the whole bed, not just the center point Live-Z tunes.

See Mesh Bed Leveling & PINDA Probe Issues if mesh leveling fails or looks wrong.