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Replicator+: Nozzle Scraping Against Build Plate

If the nozzle is scraping the build plate when you begin a print, the Smart Extruder+ is printing a little too close to the build plate. This can scratch the surface of the build plate, and can also cause extruded plastic to back up into the extruder and cause clogs.

First, make sure you’re running the latest firmware of MakerBot Print, and that you have the latest firmware installed on your MakerBot Replicator+

If your firmware and software are up to date and your Smart Extruder+ is still scraping against the build plate, you can change the starting height of the build plate by manually adjusting the Z-axis offset.

Instructions to manually adjust the Z-axis offset:

Calibrating the Z Offset

Z Calibration allows you to improve the quality of prints.  You can recalibrate the Z Offset directly on the printer by going to the printer's main menu and selecting Info > Calibration > Calibrate Z Offset. You can also do this through MakerBot Print:

  1. Navigate to the Printer Panel and select the printer whose Z Offset you wish to recalibrate.

  2. Select Utilities.

  3. Select Calibration.

Each time you attach a new Smart Extruder+, you will need to run the Z-Axis Calibration routine. This process will make sure the build plate is positioned at the correct distance from the Smart Extruder+ when you begin a print. To run the calibration routine, select Z Calibration and then select Run Home Calibration.

Manually Adjusting the Z-Axis Offset

If your rafts and first layers are printing poorly or if your filament isn’t sticking to your build plate, the Smart Extruder+ is probably printing a little too far from the build plate. Similarly, if no filament is coming out of the nozzle, or you’re hearing a clicking noise when your MakerBot Replicator+ starts a print, your extruder may be a little too close to the build plate.

To adjust the Z-axis Offset, you will need to have your printer connected to MakerBot Print:

  1. Navigate to the Printer Panel and select the printer whose Z Offset you wish to manually adjust.

  2. Select Utilities.

  3. Select Calibration.

  4. Select Z-Axis Offset.

Next, lower or raise the distance between the extruder nozzle and the build plate and select Apply Changes. We recommend changing this value just one notch at a time. Changes will only affect the next print.

Note: Decreasing the offset too much can damage your build plate.