Using Profiles for Different Print Surfaces

If you frequently switch between different print surfaces (e.g., a smooth sheet for PLA and a textured sheet for PETG), you know that each one requires a slightly different Z-offset to get a perfect first layer. Re-calibrating this every time is tedious.

The Trick: Save Your Z-Offset in Klipper

With Klipper, you can create simple macros to save and recall the exact Z-offset for each of your print sheets, saving you a huge amount of time.

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How to Set It Up

This guide assumes you are comfortable editing your printer.cfg file.

1. Calibrate for Your First Sheet (e.g., Smooth)

   • Attach your smooth print sheet to the bed.
   • Go through the PROBE_CALIBRATE process to find the perfect Z-offset for this sheet.
   • After you ACCEPT the value, run SAVE_CONFIG in the console. This value is now your printer's baseline.

2. Calibrate for Your Second Sheet (e.g., Textured)

   • Swap to your textured sheet.
   • Heat the printer up and start a first layer calibration print.
   • Use the SET_GCODE_OFFSET Z_ADJUST= command to fine-tune the first layer live. For example, if you need to move the nozzle 0.45mm lower for the textured sheet, you would use SET_GCODE_OFFSET Z_ADJUST=-0.45.
   • Once the first layer is perfect, note the adjustment value you used.

3. Create Macros in printer.cfg

   • Add the following macros to your printer.cfg file. These macros will apply the offset and save it.

   [gcode_macro SET_SHEET_SMOOTH]
   gcode:
       SET_GCODE_OFFSET Z=0
       SAVE_CONFIG
   
   [gcode_macro SET_SHEET_TEXTURED]
   gcode:
       SET_GCODE_OFFSET Z=-0.45  # <-- Replace with your value!
       SAVE_CONFIG
   

How to Use It

Now, when you want to switch print sheets, you just need to run the corresponding command in the console before starting your print:

• For the smooth sheet: SET_SHEET_SMOOTH
• For the textured sheet: SET_SHEET_TEXTURED

The printer will apply the correct offset and save it, so it persists even after a restart.