Fine tuning (Form Studio 1)

Z-axis fine tuning is an advanced troubleshooting feature on Formlabs Form Studio 1 printers. Use Z-axis fine tuning to correct any consistent, small-scale dimensional errors or to mitigate model adherence issues.

Tip:

Adjusting the Z-Compression Correction value in PreForm corrects dimensional inaccuracy along the Z-axis for a single model.

Correcting overcompression

Printed prints are sometimes shorter than their intended design. This dimensional inaccuracy is referred to as Z-compression and can be adjusted by either raising the build platform or by recalibrating the Z-axis.

Fine tune the Z-axis

Z-Axis fine tuning changes the height of the build platform above the tank’s flexible film before the first layer adheres to the build platform. Small adjustments adding to the build platform’s height may correct Z-compression in models.

Tip:

Your PreForm settings do not change when adjusting the Z-axis.

Note:

Make sure that your firmware and PreForm versions are up to date. To check your printer’s firmware version, refer to the support article Checking the firmware version for Formlabs SLA printers. To update your PreForm version, refer to the FAQ article How do I update PreForm?.

To fine tune the Z-axis on a Form Studio 1 printer:

Update the printer’s firmware.
Ensure that the printer is not running a print job and is currently Idle.
Tap the gear icon on the printer’s touchscreen. The Settings screen appears. Tap Tools > Calibration > Z-Axis fine tune.
Tap the ˄ button above Z Offset to raise the default position of the build platform and increase the value in increments of 50 µm. The highest available Z Offset value is 1000 µm.
- Depending on your printer’s firmware version, the value may be displayed as an integer or with multiple decimal places.
Start by changing the Z Offset value to 50 µm. Tap Apply to save the value and return to the Settings screen.
Print small models to test the change and continue to adjust the value until models print with consistent supports and rafts.

Note:

Using the Align build platform calibration tool resets the Z Offset value to 0 µm.

Correcting non-adherence

Prints that run without an error but leave the build platform empty are the result of non-adherence. This can be corrected by either lowering the build platform or by recalibrating the Z-axis.

Fine tune the Z-axis

Z-Axis fine tuning changes the height of the build platform above the tank’s flexible film before the first layer adheres to the build platform. Small adjustments lowering the build platform’s height may correct non-adherence in models.

Tip:

Your PreForm settings do not change when adjusting the Z-axis.

Note:

To fine tune the Z-axis on a Form Studio 1 printer:

Update the printer’s firmware.
Ensure that the printer is not running a print job and is currently Idle.
Tap the gear icon on the printer’s touchscreen. The Settings screen appears. Tap Tools > Calibration > Z-Axis fine tune.
Tap the ˄ button above Z Offset to raise the default position of the build platform and increase the value in increments of 50 µm. The highest available Z Offset value is 1000 µm.
- Depending on your printer’s firmware version, the value may be displayed as an integer or with multiple decimal places.
Start by changing the Z Offset value to -50 µm. Tap Apply to save the value and return to the Settings screen.
Print small models to test the change and continue to adjust the value until models print with consistent supports and rafts.

Note:

Using the Align build platform calibration tool resets the Z Offset value to 0 µm.

Contacting Formlabs Support

If your parts never adhere or continue to shift location on the build platform, reset all Z-Axis fine tuning settings to default values and contact Formlabs Support.