How To Overwrite Z Probe Nozzle Heating Before Homeing

How to Overwrite Z Probe Nozzle Heating Before Homing

This article explains how to modify your 3D printer firmware to prevent the nozzle from heating before the Z probe homes, thus saving time and energy. Preheating the nozzle before the Z-probe homes is often unnecessary and can lead to wasted time and energy consumption. This guide will show you how to adjust your firmware to prioritize the Z-probing process. This is particularly beneficial for users with auto-bed leveling systems as it streamlines the bed leveling process.

Why Overwrite Nozzle Heating Before Homing?

The default behavior of many 3D printers is to heat the nozzle before initiating the homing sequence, including the Z-probe homing. However, the nozzle temperature is irrelevant to the Z-probe's function. The Z-probe solely determines the distance between the nozzle and the print bed. Heating the nozzle before this process is redundant and adds unnecessary time to the overall print preparation. Furthermore, constantly heating the nozzle contributes to increased energy consumption and potentially reduces the lifespan of your heating components.

Modifying Your Firmware: A Step-by-Step Guide

The precise method for modifying your firmware will depend on the specific firmware you are using (e.g., Marlin, Klipper). However, the general principles remain the same. This guide focuses on making changes within the relevant configuration files. Remember to back up your firmware before making any changes.

1. Identifying the Relevant Configuration Files:

Locate the configuration files for your specific 3D printer firmware. These files often contain settings related to homing sequences and nozzle heating. Common file names include Configuration.h (Marlin) or similar configuration files within your Klipper configuration directory.

2. Finding the Homing Sequence:

Within the configuration file, you need to identify the section of code that defines the homing sequence. This section typically includes commands related to moving the axes to their respective home positions.

3. Modifying the Homing Sequence:

You'll need to reorganize the homing sequence to prioritize the Z-probe homing before the nozzle heating. This might involve moving the code related to M109 (set extruder temperature) after the code related to Z-probing. The exact syntax will vary depending on your firmware.

4. Example (Conceptual):

Imagine a section of your firmware looks like this:

; Original Code
M109 S200 ; Heat nozzle to 200°C
G28 Z ; Home Z axis (using Z probe)

You would modify it to:

; Modified Code
G28 Z ; Home Z axis (using Z probe)
M109 S200 ; Heat nozzle to 200°C

5. Compiler Specific Considerations:

• Marlin: You may need to adjust macros or define custom functions related to the homing sequence. Consult the Marlin documentation for detailed instructions.
• Klipper: Klipper uses a different configuration structure. You'll need to edit your printer.cfg file and potentially adjust the [probe] section and the gcode commands within your start gcode.

6. Compiling and Flashing the Firmware:

After making the changes, you'll need to compile your modified firmware and flash it to your 3D printer's control board. Consult your 3D printer's documentation for instructions on how to compile and flash firmware.

7. Testing:

After flashing the updated firmware, test it by initiating a print. Observe whether the nozzle heats after the Z-probe has successfully homed.

Important Considerations:

• Firmware Compatibility: The instructions provided here are general guidelines. Always refer to your specific 3D printer's and firmware's documentation for precise instructions.
• Safety: Modifying firmware requires caution. Incorrect modifications can damage your printer. Proceed with care and ensure you have a backup of your original firmware.
• Advanced Users: This process may be easier for users who are comfortable with editing text files and understanding firmware code. If you're unsure, seek assistance from experienced users or online communities.

By implementing these steps, you can optimize your 3D printing workflow, saving valuable time and reducing energy consumption without compromising print quality. Remember to always back up your firmware before making any changes!