Summary of FORCE SENSITIVE RESISTOR TAKES THE PAIN OUT OF BED LEVELING
The article describes the FS-Touch, a tool designed to simplify 3D printer bed leveling by providing repeatable measurements. Built around an Arduino Pro Micro and a force-sensitive resistor, it replaces the subjective paper method with objective data. The device measures the distance between the nozzle and bed via force readings, guiding users with LEDs to adjust knobs until all corners match a reference value, ensuring proper filament adhesion.
Parts used in the FS-Touch:
- Arduino Pro Micro
- Force sensitive resistor
- LEDs
- Adjustment knobs
How do you know if your 3D printer bed is levelled? Oh, don’t worry – you’ll know. Without a level bed, filament won’t stick properly to the build surface and you’ll run into all sorts of other problems. Knowing how tricky it can be to get the bed just right, [Antzy] built a tool to help.
The device, which he calls the FS-Touch, is based around an Arduino Pro Micro fitted with a force sensitive resistor. This allows the distance between the bed and nozzle to be measured based on the force read by the resistor when placed in between the two.
Using the tool is simple. First, the bed is brought roughly into alignment using the typical paper method.Then, a reading is taken from one corner of the bed, and the measurement saved for reference. The other corners can then be set to the same level, with the aid of LEDs to guide the user in which direction to turn the adjustment knobs.
Measuring force in this way has the potential of being more repeatable than the somewhat difficult paper method. It promises to ease the task for users that may be struggling to get their bed in proper shape. Of course, automated bed levelling makes things even easier again. Video after the break.
Source: FORCE SENSITIVE RESISTOR TAKES THE PAIN OUT OF BED LEVELING
- How do you know if your 3D printer bed is levelled?
Without a level bed, filament will not stick properly to the build surface and you will encounter various problems. - What is the main component used to measure the distance between the bed and nozzle?
The device uses a force sensitive resistor to measure distance based on the force read when placed between the two surfaces. - Can this tool make bed leveling more repeatable than the paper method?
Yes, measuring force has the potential of being more repeatable than the somewhat difficult paper method. - How does the FS-Touch guide the user during adjustments?
It uses LEDs to guide the user in which direction to turn the adjustment knobs. - What is the first step before taking a reading with the FS-Touch?
The bed is brought roughly into alignment using the typical paper method. - Does automated bed levelling make things easier than using the FS-Touch?
Yes, automated bed levelling makes things even easier again compared to manual tools. - Why did Antzy build the FS-Touch tool?
He built it because knowing how tricky it can be to get the bed just right requires a helpful tool.
