Automatic (semi) platform calibration checker

thingiverse

After using a 3D printer for nearly a year, I've found that platform calibration is crucial for producing high-quality prints. To achieve this, I employ a method involving a digital depth meter, webcam, macro lens, spreadsheet application, and OCR software to obtain a matrix of current platform heights. Adjustments are made using a primitive approach, which is almost manual in nature. The process entails the following steps: 1) Print a calibration object like http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:14174 for your digital gauge, 2) Set up a webcam to capture images of the meter screen or directly link the meter via serial port, 3) Use a macro in Vtask (or preferred macro app) to take measurements, and 4) Input data into an attached Excel spreadsheet, which contains basic estimates for platform deformations per screw. Although these values are rudimentary and lack advanced interpolation techniques, they provide a quick test to improve platform flatness. Repeat the process until the desired level of flatness is achieved. A video demonstrating this method can be found at http://youtu.be/yjfENofvFaM.