Camera-assisted XY calibration tool (CXC)

In 3D printers with more than one extruder such as dual extrusion printers, IDEX printers, or tool-changing printers, proper XY-offset callibration (the distance between the two nozzles) is indispensable to achieving satisfying results, especially with multimaterial prints such as many colors or support materials. In dual/IDEX/toolchanger printers, the XY-offset callibration tends to be a time-consuming activity and it does not always yield accurate results due to human error. It is usually performed by printing callibration line patterns and adjusting the offset until the lines match. In many printers, however, this is usually only possible with PLA, which requires filament changing. And if the callibration can be performed with other filaments, the bed must be heated first.

Video 1: How to use the CXC XY-offset callibration tool. Source: Ember Prototypes.

To make this long, tedious and imperfect callibration process easier for dual extrusion printers, Ember Prototypes has designed the this camera-assisted CXC XY-offset callibration tool. It is a compact device that performs a fast (5 minutes) and accurate callibration of the XY offset without the need to print callibration lines, with a less than 0.1 mm error.

Image 1: The software of the CXC tool. Source: Ember Prototypes.

The combination of a camera and a powerful software helps monitor the callibration process by providing an underside view of the printhead with crosshairs. In the software interface, the user can perform actions such as aligning the center of each nozzle to the same XY position, adjust the camera exposure and zoom, and refresh the camera connection. The parameters (automatically saved) are flexible to accomodate the different ways different printers callibrate offset, and each parameter is accompanied by detailed usage tips.

Image 2: The CXC tool in use with various 3D printers. Source: Ember Prototypes.

The CXC callibration tool was designed to be easy to use and compatible with many 3D printers, no matter the build plate type. A reusable sticker is provided for non-steel plates and adhesion to spring steel build plates is ensured by a built-in magnet. The only requirements for the tool's proper functioning are the ability to jog the gantry in 0.1 mm steps or less (and read the absolute position), as well as the ability to override XY calibration values (or tune offsets in the slicer). The CXC callibration tool can work with any operating system (Windows standalone or cross platform web app).