Introduction

Aligning the build plate so that it is parallel to the light engine surface is crucial for print success. A misaligned plate can lead to poor part adhesion to the plate especially in certain areas. 

Build plate alignment should be done in these situations:

• During the initial setup (shipping could have caused slight misalignment)
• Every 1000 hrs of operation as per the maintenance plan
• Anytime the light engine or z-axis is removed/replaced

Careful not to twerk down the thumbscrews (finger tight) or to get thin cured resin layers on the mating surface of the build plate handle. This could misalign a previously already aligned build plate. 

Video Overview

Instructions

Step 1 | Check that Build Plate Sits Flat on LE

Before aligning the build plate, it is important to check that the build plate itself sits flat on the LE surface to ensure the light engine is not bowing or sitting on an uneven surface itself. 

• Place a clean build plate center and flat on the LE surface without the sliding it in the z-axis arms. 
• Take a piece of copy paper and fold it in half. 
• Try to slide it in between the build plate and LE surface at the four corners. You should not be able to.

Step 2 | Check that Build Plate Sits Flat While in Arms

Similarly, we'll also do a check to ensure the build plate is aligned while sitting in the arms and locked in place by the thumbscrews. 

• Slide the build plate into the arms and tighten the thumbscrews. 
• Unlock the Z-axis and lower the build plate on to the LE surface. 
• Check the four corners with the folded piece of paper. If it slides into a corner, you will need to re-align the build plate. 

Step 3 | Re-Align the Build Plate

Similarly, we'll also do a check to ensure the build plate is aligned while sitting in the arms and locked in place by the thumbscrews. 

• Loosen the four screws (two on each side) holding down the bottom jaw of the Z-axis arms. You do not need to remove them, only loosen them.

• Slide the build plate in the arms and lower it on to the LE surface. Thumbscrews should be loose when re-aligning.
• Push up lightly on the bottom jaw of the arms so the it sits flat against the mating surface of the build plate. Finger tighten the side screws so they stay in place while you reach for a tool.
• Tighten side screws tightly with hex key and repeat the above steps for the other side. 

What's Next

Afterwards, repeat Step 2 to check if you did your alignment correctly. If you are having troubles, the video has more details on advanced steps to properly align it. You can also submit a ticket and we can help you directly as well. 

Updated June 01, 2023 00:28