The 3D Touch sensor is a popular automatic bed leveling sensor used in 3D printers. It helps to compensate for any unevenness in the print bed by probing multiple points and adjusting the Z-axis accordingly. Here’s a detailed overview of the 3D Touch sensor and how to use it:
Features:
1.Automatic Bed Leveling: Probes the bed at multiple points and creates a leveling mesh to compensate for any surface irregularities.
2.High Precision: Offers accurate measurements to ensure the first layer is consistently smooth and adheres properly.
3.Compatible with Many Printers: Works with various 3D printer firmware like Marlin, Repetier, and others.
4.Simple Installation: Typically requires just a few connections and minor firmware adjustments.
5.5V Operating Voltage: Safe for most printer mainboards.
Specifications:
•Operating Voltage: 5V
•Current Consumption: < 15mA
•Probing Accuracy: ≤ 0.005mm
•Sensing Distance: 0.1mm to 0.4mm
•Wiring: Usually involves a 3-wire connection (Signal, Ground, and Power)
Installation Steps:
1.Mounting the Sensor:
•Attach the 3D Touch sensor to the print head using the provided mounting bracket or a custom bracket suited for your printer.
•Ensure the sensor’s probe can move freely and will touch the bed surface.
2.Wiring:
•Signal (SIG): Connect to the Z-min (or dedicated probe) input on the printer’s mainboard.
•Ground (GND): Connect to a ground pin on the mainboard.
•Power (VCC): Connect to a 5V power pin on the mainboard.
3.Firmware Configuration:
•Marlin Firmware:
•Enable the 3D Touch sensor in the configuration file (Configuration.h) by setting #define BLTOUCH.
•Set the appropriate offsets for the sensor relative to the nozzle.
•Configure the probing grid and enable the auto bed leveling feature.
•Repetier Firmware:
•Similar configuration changes are needed in the Repetier firmware configuration files.
4.Adjust Z-Offset:
•After configuring the firmware, manually adjust the Z-offset to ensure the nozzle is at the correct height when the probe triggers.
5.Testing:
•Run a bed leveling routine to ensure the sensor is correctly detecting the bed surface.
•Perform a test print to verify that the first layer is smooth and evenly adhered to the bed.
Example Wiring Diagram:
Here’s a simplified wiring diagram for connecting the 3D Touch sensor to a typical 3D printer mainboard.
3D Touch Sensor:
Signal (SIG) -> Z-min input
Ground (GND) -> Ground pin
Power (VCC) -> 5V power pin
Example Configuration (Marlin Firmware):
#define BLTOUCH
#define NOZZLE_TO_PROBE_OFFSET { -10, -10, 0 } // Adjust based on your setup
#define AUTO_BED_LEVELING_BILINEAR
#define GRID_MAX_POINTS_X 3
#define Z_MIN_PROBE_ENDSTOP_INVERTING false
#define Z_MIN_PROBE_PIN P0_10 // Adjust based on your board
#define Z_SAFE_HOMING
Precautions:
•Secure Mounting: Ensure the sensor is firmly attached and doesn’t wobble during probing.
•Proper Wiring: Double-check all connections to avoid short circuits or incorrect signals.
•Firmware Backup: Always backup your firmware configuration before making changes.
If you need more specific details or assistance with a particular printer model, please let me know!
