# Auto Calibration (/docs/v4/calibration/auto-calibration)
This guide covers the auto-calibration procedure for the **Vision Miner 22IDEX V4** printer. Auto-calibration establishes precise nozzle heights, Z-offset, bed mesh compensation, and XY alignment – all in one automated sequence. Run this procedure after nozzle changes, significant maintenance, or if you suspect alignment issues.
The printer heats both nozzles and probes them against the bare aluminum bed to measure their relative positions. The full calibration sequence includes:
1. **Tool Height Calibration** – measures the height difference between Tool 0 (left) and Tool 1 (right). The tool offset is always measured; the manual heat-break adjustment is only needed for **Mirror Mode** and **Duplicate Mode** and can be skipped.
2. **Z-Offset Calibration** – sets the precise first-layer height for proper bed adhesion.
3. **Mesh Bed Calibration** – probes the bed surface to create a compensation map. Runs only in **Auto** mesh-compensation mode; it is skipped in **Manual** mode, the factory default (see [Bed Leveling](bed-leveling)).
4. **XY Auto Squaring** – corrects axis perpendicularity in the XY plane, and calculates motor **steps per mm** when that option is enabled (runs if either is enabled).
5. **XY Offset Calibration** – measures the nozzle-to-nozzle offset by probing a hole in the bare bed. Essential for multi-color and multi-material printing.
Read the [Safety - Before You Begin](/docs/v4/reference/safety-before-you-begin) article to understand the hazards involved in working on the Vision Miner 22IDEX V4 – including electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical risks. All procedures in this wiki are provided as recommendations only. By choosing to follow any procedure, you do so at your own risk.
[Watch Video Guide](https://youtu.be/rI-GUlnOk7A)
[Open on YouTube](https://youtu.be/rI-GUlnOk7A?si=QHxnGX1oOz7eSHFx) if the player does not load.
## Tools and Materials [#tools-and-materials]
* [2mm HEX - Wera Screw Driver](https://visionminer.com/products/2mm-hex-wera-screw-driver) (hex wrench) – heat break set screw
* [2.5mm HEX - Wera Screw Driver](https://visionminer.com/products/2-5mm-hex-wera-screw-driver) (hex wrench, optional) – leveling the heater block during adjustment
* [Hand Nozzle Brush 3-Pack](https://visionminer.com/products/nozzle-brush-3-pack) (brass brush preferred) – nozzle cleaning
* [High Temp Gloves](https://visionminer.com/products/high-temp-gloves-vm-branded) (optional) – hot hardware
## 1. Starting the Calibration [#1-starting-the-calibration]
1. Open the **Dashboard** in the Web Interface.
2. Open the **Macros** panel and select **Auto Calibration**.
3. Enter the target temperature for the **left tool** (Tool 0) when prompted. Use the temperature matching the filament last loaded in that hotend. For a new machine or clean nozzles, use **250 °C**.
4. Enter the target temperature for the **right tool** (Tool 1). Same rule – match the loaded filament, or use **250 °C** if clean.
5. Confirm that the build plate has been removed when prompted. Click **OK**.
6. The printer will automatically heat both nozzles, home all axes, and prepare for calibration.
## 2. Nozzle Cleaning [#2-nozzle-cleaning]
Do not touch the hotends, heater blocks, or nozzles without heat-resistant gloves.
7. The printer runs an automated nozzle wipe using the built-in cleaning brushes. Wait for it to complete.
When cleaning nozzles with a wire brush, keep the brush away from **heater cartridge** and **temperature sensor** wires. A short circuit can blow a fuse or damage the mainboard.
8. When prompted, manually clean both nozzle tips with a wire brush (brass preferred). Remove all plastic residue – even small traces affect probe accuracy.
### Heat Break Check [#heat-break-check]
While the nozzles are accessible for cleaning, verify the position of the heat breaks on both tool heads:
If the heat break body (the part that clamps inside the heat sink) protrudes from the heat sink, auto-calibration may fail or produce incorrect results. **Stop calibration** and adjust the heat break before continuing.
**a)** Check that neither heat break protrudes more than 1mm (≈ 1/32 in.) from the heat sink.
**b)** If a heat break protrudes too far, the body will be visibly extended from the heat sink:
**c)** To correct this **before starting calibration**, locate the **heat break set screw** for that tool head - the **black hex set screw** on the heat sink, directly **above the heater block** (the one the red arrow points to in the photo at step 15). This is the only screw you loosen to move the heat break - do **not** loosen the silver or brass screws beside the heater block.
**d)** Use the **two-screwdriver method**: with a 2 mm hex screwdriver, loosen the set screw. Then use a second tool (e.g., the 2.5 mm hex wrench from the kit) to gently level the heater block and push the heat break upward until it protrudes no more than 1 mm. Retighten the set screw.
**e)** If you discover this issue **during calibration**, click **Cancel**, adjust both heat breaks as described above, then restart the Auto Calibration macro.
**f)** Complete this check for both tool heads before proceeding.
9. Confirm **Nozzles are Clean** in the Web Interface prompt, then confirm **Heat Breaks are All the Way Up** on the next prompt.
During probing, the Web Interface may briefly show **"Error: Probe was not triggered."** That message is part of the normal approach sequence, not a real fault. The process approaches the bed in small steps; we're aware the wording isn't ideal.
10. The printer homes all axes again and begins probing.
## 3. Tool Height Calibration [#3-tool-height-calibration]
11. The machine probes both nozzles against the bed to measure their height difference. The target is a deviation under 50 microns (0.05 mm).
12. If the deviation is within tolerance, the printer proceeds automatically to Z-Offset Calibration. [Skip to Remaining Calibration Steps](#remaining-calibration-steps).
13. If the deviation exceeds 50 microns, a prompt titled **"Nozzles deviated by … mm"** appears with three options: **Calibrate**, **Skip**, or **Cancel**. This adjustment is only needed for **Mirror Mode** and **Duplicate Mode** – if you do not use those modes, you can **Skip** it. Select **Calibrate** to adjust the heat break.
## 4. Adjusting the Heat Break (If Required) [#4-adjusting-the-heat-break-if-required]
The hotend components are hot. Wear heat-resistant gloves or use tools to avoid burns.
14. The Web Interface prompt will indicate which tool (left or right) needs adjustment. Identify the corresponding nozzle.
15. Locate the set screw on the side of the heat sink that secures the heat break for the indicated tool.
16. Loosen the set screw with a 2 mm hex screwdriver – just enough that the heater block can slide up and down. Do not fully remove it.
17. Use the **two-screwdriver method**: hold a second tool (e.g., the 2.5 mm hex wrench) against the heater block to level it and push it down approximately **2-3 mm**.
The heater block is hot. Use tools – do not push with bare fingers.
18. Slightly re-tighten the set screw – just enough to prevent the hotend from wobbling, but loose enough that the bed can still push it upward during the next probing sequence. Too tight = bed can't adjust; too loose = inaccurate result.
19. Click **OK** in the Web Interface prompt. The printer probes the nozzle against the bed, pushing the loosened hotend upward until it matches the height of the other nozzle.
### Tighten the Heat Break [#tighten-the-heat-break]
20. Once the printer finds the correct height, it positions the nozzle for access. Before tightening, check the hotend orientation:
The heater block must face **straight toward you** (toward the front of the machine). If it is rotated at an angle, it can contact the fan shroud during printing and melt it.
21. Use the **two-screwdriver method** to tighten: hold one 2.5 mm hex screwdriver against the heater block to keep it facing straight forward, and simultaneously tighten the heat break set screw with the 2 mm hex screwdriver. This prevents the heater block from rotating while you lock it in place.
22. Click **OK** to confirm. The machine re-runs the tool height check. If within tolerance, it proceeds automatically. If still out of tolerance, repeat steps 14–22.
## 5. Remaining Calibration Steps [#5-remaining-calibration-steps]
23. After tool height calibration passes, the following steps run automatically without user interaction:
* **Z-Offset Calibration** – sets the first-layer height
* **Mesh Bed Calibration** – creates a bed compensation map (runs only in Auto mesh-compensation mode; skipped in Manual, the default)
* **XY Auto Squaring** – corrects axis perpendicularity, and calculates **steps per mm** when that option is enabled (runs if either is enabled)
* **XY Offset Calibration** – measures the nozzle offset by probing a hole in the bare bed
24. When all steps complete, the printer displays a summary with calibration results:
* **Tool 1 Z Offset** – the height difference between Tool 0 and Tool 1. The two nozzles can never be made perfectly level mechanically, but the printer compensates for this offset automatically. This is critical for dual-head printing (Multi color/Dual Material Printing) – it ensures consistent layer height and maximum bonding strength between two materials.
* **Z-Offset** – the distance between the nozzle tip and the bed surface, determines how well the first layer adheres to the build plate.
* **Tool 1 Y-Offset** – the Y-axis positional offset between the two nozzles. Used to align toolheads in the XY plane so that multi-color and multi-material prints line up correctly.
* **Tool 1 U-Offset** – the U-axis (secondary X) positional offset between the two nozzles. Same purpose as Y-Offset but in the X direction.
* **XY Skew** – the perpendicularity correction between X and Y axes. Compensates for any mechanical skew in the crossbar.
25. Click **OK** to dismiss the results. Reinstall the build plate – the printer is ready for use.
## After Calibration: Verify XY Alignment [#after-calibration-verify-xy-alignment]
Auto-calibration **measures** the XY offset between Tool 0 and Tool 1, but that result should be **verified with a manual XY test print** before you rely on it for dual-head work. The automated probe can miss small offset errors that only show up in an actual print.
If you print with **both toolheads at the same time** – that means **Mirror Mode**, **Duplicate Mode**, or any **multi-color / multi-material** print – mechanically verify the XY alignment after auto-calibration. Follow the [XY Alignment Calibration](/docs/v4/calibration/xy-alignment) procedure to confirm and fine-tune the offset with a test print.
**What these dual-head modes mean** (so you know whether this applies to you):
* **Mirror Mode** – both toolheads run simultaneously, and Tool 1 prints a mirrored (symmetrical) copy of what Tool 0 prints. Used to make a left/right pair in a single print.
* **Duplicate Mode** – both toolheads run simultaneously and print two identical copies of the same part, doubling your output.
* **Multi-color / multi-material** – the two toolheads print different colors or materials into the **same** part, so their positions must line up exactly.
For full setup of these modes, see the [Mirror & Duplicate Mode](/docs/all/printing/mirror-duplicate-mode) guide.
If you only ever print with one toolhead at a time – no Mirror Mode, no Duplicate Mode, no multi-color or multi-material prints – the nozzle-to-nozzle XY alignment does not affect your results. You can skip the manual XY verification.
## FAQ [#faq]
After nozzle changes, heat break adjustments, any maintenance on the motion system or hotends, or whenever you notice first-layer inconsistency or nozzle misalignment between tools.
Yes – select **Skip** at the prompt. This skips only the manual heat-break adjustment (the edge-height match needed for **Mirror Mode** and **Duplicate Mode**); the multi-color tool offset is still measured. The remaining calibrations still run, but Mirror and Duplicate prints may show a height difference between Tool 0 and Tool 1.
Check that nozzles are truly clean, heat breaks are fully seated, and the aluminum bed surface is free of debris or residue. Ensure the heat break is not bent – a bent heat break will cause the nozzle to probe at an angle, giving inconsistent results. If the issue persists, contact support.
No. Auto-calibration sets mechanical offsets that don't depend on filament type. However, if you swap nozzles or remove a hotend, run calibration again.
Yes. The printer automatically retracts filament before probing. However, make sure the nozzles are thoroughly cleaned before and during the process – any plastic residue on the nozzle tip will affect probe accuracy.
A full auto-calibration typically takes 5–15 minutes, depending on which optional steps are enabled and whether the tool height adjustment requires manual intervention. If the tool height passes on the first attempt, it will be faster.
* **Tool 1 Z Offset** – the height difference between the two nozzles. The printer uses this to compensate automatically, so both nozzles print at the correct height. This is essential for Mirror and Duplicate Mode printing and for strong bonding between two materials in multi-material prints.
* **Z-Offset** – how close the nozzle sits to the bed on the first layer. A correct Z-Offset gives good first-layer adhesion without squishing filament too much.
* **Tool 1 Y-Offset / U-Offset** – the XY alignment between the two nozzles. These values ensure that when printing with two colors or materials, the layers line up precisely.
* **XY Skew** – corrects for any mechanical skew in the motion system. If the X and Y axes aren't perfectly perpendicular, this value compensates for it.
* **Mesh Bed Calibration** – controlled by the mesh-compensation mode. It runs only in **Auto** mode; in **Manual** mode (the factory default) it is skipped. See [Bed Leveling](bed-leveling).
* **XY Auto Squaring** – disabled by default. Probes reference holes in the bed plate to measure axis perpendicularity and correct crossbar skew. Enable it if you notice dimensional inaccuracy or skew in printed parts.
* **Steps per mm Calibration** – disabled by default. Uses the same reference holes to measure actual travel distance and correct motor steps. Enable it if you need precise dimensional accuracy.
These settings can be configured through the printer's Web Interface in the system configuration. Contact support if you need help locating these settings.
After auto-calibration, it is recommended to verify XY alignment with a test print, especially if you plan to do multi-color or multi-material printing. See the [XY Alignment Calibration](xy-alignment) guide for instructions.
You can click **Cancel** at the early prompts (nozzle cleaning, heat-break check, or the tool-height deviation prompt). The printer turns off the heaters and aborts. Note that any stage that already finished has written its result to the printer; stages that had not run yet keep their previous values. After tool height passes, the remaining steps run automatically without prompts.
## Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]
**Cause:** Tightening the heat break set screw shifts the nozzle along the Z-axis. Heat break may be damaged or bent.
**Solution:** Tighten the set screw without applying linear force along the Z-axis. Use the two-screwdriver method to stabilize the heater block while tightening. If the heat break is visibly bent or worn, replace it.
**Cause:** Debris on the nozzle or bed surface affected the Z-Offset calibration result.
**Solution:** Re-run auto-calibration with more thorough cleaning of the nozzles and bed. Ensure the bare aluminum bed is completely clean.
**Cause:** The XY Offset Calibration measured the offset correctly, but a dirty nozzle or bent heat break caused a slight measurement error.
**Solution:** Run the [XY Alignment Calibration](xy-alignment) test print to fine-tune the offset with live adjustment macros.
**Cause:** The Z-probe failed to attach or a grounding wire has a short circuit.
**Solution:** This is a hardware issue. Contact support for diagnosis.
## Support [#support]
If you could not find an answer here, reach out to our [support team](/support).
