Kinematic calibration
Determine the LA and LB kinematic parameters for your Rep5x printer. These values are needed for accurate inverse kinematics calculations.
LA = Distance from A-axis rotation centre to nozzle tip. Measured by aligning nozzle to reference at A0°, A90°, A180°, A270°. For Rep5x design, typically close to 0.
LB = Distance from B-axis rotation centre to nozzle tip. Measured by aligning nozzle to reference at B0°, B-90°, B+90°. Typical range: 40-60mm.
Camera method
Use a USB camera mounted on the print bed facing upward. Align the nozzle with a crosshair overlay for precise measurements.
Requirements:
- USB camera
- 3D printed camera mount
- Chrome/Edge browser
Cone method
Use a 3D printed calibration cone placed on the bed. Touch the nozzle tip to the cone tip at various angles.
Requirements:
- Calibration cone print (~10 min)
- Chrome/Edge browser
Connect to printer
Establish connection to your Rep5x printer via USB serial.
Serial connection
Click Connect and select your printer's serial port (usually contains "USB" or "CH340").
Measurements to perform
Select which parameters to measure. You can skip one if you only need to verify a single value.
Prepare printer
Home the printer and set the reference point for measurements.
Automatic preparation
The reference point should be where the camera is focused (typically the bed surface or a fixed point). This point remains constant while rotating the A and B axes to measure LA and LB.
LA measurement (A-axis)
Align the nozzle to the reference point at A0°, A90°, A180°, A270°. The distance moved reveals LA.
Camera view
Align nozzle tip with the centre crosshairIK-assisted positioning
Auto-position using IK when rotating
Z safety lift
Z raised before rotating A-axis
Instructions
Position the nozzle tip at your reference point (camera crosshair or cone tip) with A-axis at 0°.
Measurement progress
Movement controls
XY Movement
Z Movement
A/B Rotation
Step size
Current position
LB measurement (B-axis)
Align the nozzle to the reference point at B0°, B-90°, B+90°. The distance moved reveals LB.
Camera view
Align nozzle tip with the centre crosshairIK-assisted positioning
Auto-position using IK when rotating
Z safety lift
Z raised before rotating B-axis
Instructions
Position the nozzle tip at your reference point with B-axis at 0°.
Measurement progress
Movement controls
XY Movement
Z Movement
A/B Rotation
Step size
Current position
Measurement complete
Your kinematic parameters have been determined.
LA (A-axis offset)
millimetres
LB (B-axis offset)
millimetres
Save results
Using your parameters
Use these values in the Vase Generator under Advanced → 5-Axis Kinematics, or in your slicer's post-processing configuration.