The Histed Dial

thingiverse

An actual physical bed levelling tool for a Prusa i3 mk3 printer, designed to work with wavey washers and other similar mechanisms, can be created using a simple 3D CAD design. This tool is intended for use with a maximum height level change across the bed of .67mm. The first 3D CAD design ever created was designed specifically for this purpose. To level the mk3's bed accurately, it is necessary to adjust the bed m3 screws in small increments. The Wikipedia article on bed leveling provides detailed instructions and guidelines for achieving precise adjustments. To create a more accurate screwdriver gauge for standard pitch m3 screws (with .5mm height change per turn), a tool was designed that allows users to see the exact height change as they turn the screw. This is achieved by adding small markings or increments on the dial, allowing users to track and record precise measurements. There are 9 screws holding down the heated bed that need to be adjusted very precisely during the leveling process. Before attempting this task, it is essential to read and understand the Wikipedia article on bed leveling to ensure accurate adjustments. The tool was designed to work seamlessly with a Wera M3 screwdriver (with a 2mm head and a 3mm cylindrical shaft). The clip feature of the tool securely holds the screwdriver in place without slipping, making it easy to use. Users can simply insert the screwdriver into the vertical hole and push it firmly at both the top and bottom into the clip. For optimal results, the center of the dial must be perfectly aligned with the center of the shaft, ensuring that the circumference of the dial rotates evenly around its center during use. This alignment also helps to keep the base of the dial perpendicular to the screwdriver, making it easier to align the screwdriver correctly. The tool should be mounted so that the tip of the screwdriver just clears the base of the dial by less than a millimeter. This ensures that the dial is almost touching the bed of the printer when the screwdriver is in the head of a screw. The screen-printed dotted lines on the heated bed provide a clear reference point against the dial, allowing users to track and measure precise height changes. When using the tool, it's essential to account for any slop or play in the screwdriver bit interface with the screw due to manufacturing tolerances. This can be done by taking up the slack before starting to adjust the screws. To use the tool effectively, turn the screwdriver normally, rather than trying to rotate the dial itself. The dial is designed to provide a clear visual reference against the bed's screen-printed lines, allowing users to track precise height changes as they turn the screw. The text on the dial indicates the exact mm height change as the user rotates the screw, providing accurate measurements against the reference points on the bed. There are 50 markings or increments on the dial, making it easy to track and record precise measurements. If you plan to use this tool with a different screwdriver diameter, I'd be happy to create alternative versions for different driving shaft dimensions. The current design is based on the best screwdriver available at the time of creation.