Strain based leveling the duck's guts?
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I currently use a set of FSR's under the bed of my delta as a Z-probe. As I am near to completing the frame of my new larger size delta printer, I figured it might be time to look into other Z-probe techniques. Mainly to avoid the inconsistencies in trigger sensitivity across the bed.
My question is now, is the smart effector a no-brainer? Or are there alternatives available that I should look into?
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For a delta using Duet, the smart effector is the best. I tried FSR and the piezo.
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@jmjcoke said in Strain based leveling the duck's guts?:
For a delta using Duet, the smart effector is the best. I tried FSR and the piezo.
Can you name any negative points for the smart effector?
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In order to use with Seeme CNC style trucks and arms you must design or buy an adapter frame because the arm spacing is different.
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@jmjcoke said in Strain based leveling the duck's guts?:
In order to use with Seeme CNC style trucks and arms you must design or buy an adapter frame because the arm spacing is different.
Thanks for the input. I'm using a custom effector and carriages anyway, so that's a non issue for me I guess. I looking forward to see what others have to say though.
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I installed a Smart Effector a few months ago, it really works well. I don't believe there is a better overall solution. It's an easy install and has been reliable since day one. There is no hotend offset and it uses the nozzle as the probe. It replaces the tedious process of manual calibration, with better results, from a push of a button. I run auto calibration twice (takes about a minute) and I'm ready to print. The only issue that I encountered was one of the mag arms popping off due to buildup between the magnet and ball. The sockets and balls need to be cleaned periodically. If I was to add a bed sensor to my non delta printers it would be the same type of sensor, hopefully there will be a non delta solution as well.
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@bricor said in Strain based leveling the duck's guts?:
The only issue that I encountered was one of the mag arms popping off due to buildup between the magnet and ball.
Interesting, I've never heard of that happening before. Are you sure that you have arranged the rods to have alternating N and S poles around the effector? The joints are stronger that way.
The balls need lubricating occasionally. I use silicone grease, for no reason other than I have some in the office.
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For the record, the issue I encountered may be a result of many different things and not the smart effector kit. It happenened 2 times in a 4 hour period. Same print (gcode), different layer. The Smart Effector kit has been working flawlessly besides.
I read a few posts related to the subject (reddit possibly). They also mentioned lubrication as tou did. The subject matter of the posts matched my symptoms. Basically there is a fine black dust that settles in the joints. That was 2 months ago, might be due soon.
I don’t remeber reading the alternating pole thing, but i belive I have it as you suggest. If i remove the effector, the rod pairs will join together.What a wonderful thing it is to remove the effector with such ease.
As always, thank you DC42 for all your efforts!!!
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Good feedback, keep it coming guys. Note, that the magball part would not affect me tough, as would incorporate the smart effector in an effector of my own making
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I believe what you are suggesting parallels my thoughts of trying to mount the device to a non-Delta. Not sure if there will be an option, but it would be more universal.
It does work quite well as designed. Lightweight, minimilistic but very effective. Only added items were a part colling fan and a strain releif.
Unless your needs are real specific, it might be worth trying as documented. Its an easy (fun and rewarding) installation.
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I'm a delta fanatic, have several of them, have tried every single thing from FSR, piezo, microswitches, IR, pretty much every probe setup on the market. This is far and away the best solution.
