Project Dashboard Accessories and Upgrades Dual Extruder Tool Head v2 Calibration Workflow

1 Getting Started

This guide uses Cura: LulzBot Edition for both slicing the 3D model and for controlling your LulzBot 3D printer. Download and install Cura by following the instructions found at LulzBot.com/Cura.

Download the following files by selecting the files below or by right clicking and selecting Save link as:

Additional items required:

  • Dual Extruder Tool Head v2
  • 2 different colored filament reels or coils of the same material type (HIPS/PLA/ABS preferred)
  • Computer
  • USB cable (included with your TAZ 3D printer)

Additional items recommended:

  • Digital Calipers (A ruler was included with your TAZ 3D printer and can be used)
Dual Extruder v2 Set Up

2 Record Your Existing Extruder ESTEPS

Record your current ESTEPS by using your Graphical LCD controller. Navigate to:

Configuration > Advanced Settings > scroll down to Esteps/mm and E1stps/mm and record both Esteps values.

Record your Esteps

3 Add new machine

  • Add a new machine profile by selecting Settings > Printer > Add New Printer.
  • Select LulzBot TAZ 5/6 and DualExtruder v2
Add New Printer
Select Proper Printer and Tool Head Combination

4 Load Model Files

  • Load the Outer Square STL and Inner Square STL into Cura LE
Inner and Outer Square on the Plate

5 Assign Extruder Materials

  • In the prepare tab, select Extruder 1
  • Choose the material you have loaded into the Rear HotEnd from the material drop down bar
  • In the prepare tab, select Extruder 2
  • Choose the material you have loaded into the Front HotEnd from the material drop down bar
Selecting Rear Tool Head Material
Selecting Front Tool Head Material

6 Merge Models for Printing

  • Hold down Shift and _Left Click__ Each Model
  • Right click either model, select Merge Models
Merging Models
Models After Merge

7 Set Rear Nozzle Height TAZ 5

  • This slide has directions for setting the nozzle height on a TAZ 5 Only Skip to next slide for TAZ 6 directions

  • Raise your front nozzle on the tool head by screwing the adjustment screw Counter Clockwise

  • Position the tool head above the plate, and home the Z Axis
  • Using a folded piece of paper, slide it between the build plate and the rear nozzle.
  • You should feel slight resistance between the nozzle and bed, but still able to move the paper
  • Adjust You Z axis Thumb Screw and re-home if there is too much or not enough tension on the paper

8 Set Rear Nozzle Height TAZ 6

This slide is for the TAZ 6 ONLY if you are installing on a TAZ 5, skip to the next slide.

  • The TAZ 6

9 Print Calibration Squares

Press Print to print the merged Calibration Squares model.

As your 3D printer moves to print each portion it will switch between active extruders automatically. Monitor the print progress for it should only take a few minutes. Once the print has finished proceed to the next step.

Press Print

10 Measure The Four Gaps

Once the printed objects are complete, leave them on the print surface. Use your digital calipers to measure the gap between each model from the top & bottom, and the gap between each side. Record your current values.

11 Calculate The Offsets

Enter these numbers into our offset calculator found here: https://www.lulzbot.com/dual-extruder-calibration-calculator

This will produce new offsets, that will need to be updated in the Machine Settings menu.

Offset Calculator

12 Close Printer Interface Window

Close the control window.

13 Update New Offsets

Open the Machine settings window by selecting:

Machine > Machine Settings

Update your__X__ and Y offsets and save the changes by pressing OK.

Update offsets

14 Print Calibration Squares

Reprint the inner and outer calibration squares using the steps in this guide to fine tune the offsets until you are satisfied with the results.

15 Measure The Four Gaps

Once the printed objects are complete, leave them on the print surface. Use your digital calipers to measure the gap between each model from the top & bottom, and the gap between each side. Record your current values.

16 Print Another Model!

Once you are satisfied with the dual extruder offsets print a two color dice to celebrate! The model is available here:

Dice

Happy printing!

Done! Take me home