Assessment of a Vibrational Sensor: Piezo Sensor Evaluated

Assessment of a Vibrational Sensor: Piezo Sensor Evaluated

3D Printing Made Smoother: E3D PZ Probe vs Advanced Sensing

If you're into FDM 3D printing, you're well-acquainted with the bed-sensing struggle. Most printers now sport some form of bed probing, making the printing process a breeze. However, there's a variety of strategies to pinpoint the bed's position relative to the head.

Take, for example, [ModBot]'s Voron printer, sporting a clicky probe that occupied valuable space. In the linked video, he reviews the E3D PZ Probe – a washable piezoelectric device and the associated hardware to sense nozzle crashes into the print bed.

There's a multitude of choices, each boasting its own set of pros and cons. We favor solutions that determine the tip's exact position, eliminating the need for messy offset adjustments, as is common with probes that gauge from a probe tip rather than the print head.

The E3D's offering is modular, adaptable to any setup, provided you can wrap your head around the installation. Or, like [ModBot], you could opt for an E3D heatsink fitted with the washer, perhaps better suited for E3D products.

From the printer's perspective, the device looks like a standard end stop, making configuration a breeze. Still, there are alternative solutions for sensing head crashes. We've had our eye on those "real-time" sensors available now, but our CR Touch serves us well enough that we've yet to find the time for an upgrade.

E3D PZ Probe: The Basics

Pros:

• Ease and Dependability: The E3D PZ probe is straightforward and widely supported in many printer firmware packages. Its solid-state nature eliminates concerns related to electromagnetic interference or thermal drift.
• Affordability: PZ probes generally cost less and are a breeze to implement into existing printer designs.

Cons:

• Wear and Damage: The probe must physically touch the bed, potentially leading to wear or damage over time, especially on rough or abrasive surfaces.
• Slow Speed: The physical movement required for probing can be slow, especially on larger beds.
• Risk of Misalignment: Misalignments due to vibrations or dust can lead to erroneous readings.

Real-time Sensor-Based Solutions: A Look Ahead

Pros:

• No Physical Contact: Contactless measurement eliminates wear and the risk of damaging the nozzle or bed.
• High Speed and Precision: Advanced sensors can scan large beds swiftly and with high repeatability – often completing large bed scans in under 80 seconds.
• Thermal and Environmental Resistance: Advanced sensors are less affected by heated bed temperatures or electromagnetic noise.
• Consistent First Layers: Proprietary algorithms and multiple sensors (like in the Elegoo Centauri Carbon) ensure reliable compensation for uneven surfaces, improving first-layer adhesion and print quality.
• Automation: Most real-time systems offer fully automatic leveling and compensation, reducing setup burden for users.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Real-time sensor systems are typically more expensive than simple mechanical probes.
• Installation Complexity: Integration can be more complex, requiring firmware compatibility or additional hardware modifications.
• Compatibility Issues: Not all printer firmware supports advanced sensor-based solutions, and some may require custom firmware or configuration.
• Potential for Sensor Drift: Certain advanced sensors may be affected by environmental factors, though eddy current sensors are generally robust in this regard.

A Side-by-Side Comparison

| Feature | E3D PZ Probe | Real-Time Sensors (Eddy Current/Pressure) ||--------------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Contact Method | Mechanical (touches bed) | Non-contact (no touching) || Speed | Moderate | Very fast || Durability/No Wear | No (risk of wear) | Yes || Cost | Low | Higher || Installation/Setup | Simple | More complex || Environmental Resistance | High | Very High (eddy current specifically) || Bed Size Suitability | Good for all sizes | Excellent for large beds || User Experience | Manual/Mild Automation | Highly automated |

The Final Verdict

• E3D PZ Probe caters to budget-conscious users prioritizing simplicity and broad compatibility, particularly for printers that don't require the highest speed or automation.
• Real-time, advanced sensor-based solutions (like eddy current or multiple pressure sensors) are perfect for users craving automation, speed, and precision, especially on large-format printers, though at a higher cost and with more setup complexity.

Both technologies excel depending on user requirements, printer size, and the desired level of automation.

In the world of FDM 3D printing, it's essential to consider various tools and technologies for an easier and smoother printing experience. The E3D PZ Probe exemplifies such a tool, a washable piezoelectric device that offers ease and dependability in probing the print bed. On the other hand, real-time sensor-based solutions, like eddy current or pressure sensors, present an alternative with no physical contact for higher speed, precision, and environmental resistance, particularly on large-format printers. Depending on user requirements, printer size, and the desired level of automation, both technologies offer unique advantages and cater to different needs in the realm of 3D printing electronics and gadgets powered by technology.

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