How to Add BLTouch Auto Bed Leveling in 3D Printing

To add BLTouch auto bed leveling to your 3D printer, physically install the sensor on the print head, connect it to the printer's control board, and update the firmware to enable and configure the sensor. Then, run the bed leveling procedure to calibrate the printer for accurate first layers.

Syntax

The main steps to add BLTouch auto bed leveling involve hardware installation, wiring, and firmware configuration.

• Hardware: Mount the BLTouch sensor on the printer's print head.
• Wiring: Connect the sensor's cables to the control board pins (usually servo and probe pins).
• Firmware: Enable BLTouch and auto bed leveling features in the firmware configuration files.
• Calibration: Use G-code commands to run the leveling process and save the mesh.

gcode

M280 P0 S10 ; Deploy BLTouch probe
G28 ; Home all axes
G29 ; Start auto bed leveling
M500 ; Save settings to EEPROM

Example

This example shows the basic G-code commands to use BLTouch for auto bed leveling after installation and firmware setup.

gcode

M280 P0 S10 ; Deploy BLTouch probe
G28 ; Home all axes
G29 ; Auto bed leveling sequence
M500 ; Save leveling data to EEPROM
G1 Z10 F3000 ; Move nozzle up after leveling

Output

BLTouch probe deployed
Axes homed
Bed leveling points measured
Settings saved
Nozzle moved up 10mm

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding BLTouch include:

• Incorrect wiring causing sensor failure or errors.
• Not updating firmware or enabling BLTouch support.
• Skipping the bed leveling calibration after installation.
• Mounting the sensor too high or low, causing inaccurate probing.

Always double-check wiring diagrams and firmware settings before powering on.

gcode

;; Wrong wiring example
; Sensor signal connected to wrong pin

;; Correct wiring example
; Follow manufacturer wiring guide and connect to correct servo and probe pins

Quick Reference

Summary tips for adding BLTouch auto bed leveling:

• Mount sensor securely and at correct height.
• Connect wires to correct control board pins.
• Enable BLTouch and bed leveling in firmware (e.g., Marlin).
• Use G28 to home, G29 to level, and M500 to save.
• Test probe deployment with M280 P0 S10.

Key Takeaways

Physically install and wire the BLTouch sensor correctly on your 3D printer.

Enable and configure BLTouch support in your printer's firmware before use.

Run the auto bed leveling procedure with G-code commands and save the results.

Double-check wiring and sensor height to avoid common installation errors.

Use firmware and G-code commands to test and calibrate the BLTouch sensor.