XY Alignment
Vision Miner 22IDEX V4 - align T0 and T1 toolheads for multi-color prints using cylinder or line pattern tests, live adjustment macros, and offset validation.
XY Alignment ensures both toolheads (T0 and T1) print at the same position for multi-material and multi-color parts. Auto Calibration measures the offset by probing each nozzle into the build plate cutout, but dirty nozzles or bent heat breaks cause incorrect offsets. Verify and fine-tune alignment with a test print and live adjustment macros after Auto Calibration, toolhead service, or when you see color shifts or gaps in dual-extruder prints.
Two methods:
- Cylinder Test - contrasting-color filaments; clearest visual feedback.
- Line Pattern Test - similar-color filaments or materials that do not bond.
Before you begin - safety and risk
Read the 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.
Bent heat breaks invalidate calibration
Both nozzles must point straight down. Inspect each hotend from the side - if a heat break is bent in any direction, calibration results will be incorrect. Replace bent heat breaks before calibrating.
Auto Calibration first
Run Auto Calibration before XY alignment.
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Tools and Materials
- Vision Miner 22IDEX V4 with 0.4 mm nozzles on both toolheads.
- Two filaments loaded (contrasting colors recommended for cylinder test).
- Web Interface access.
Test files:
| Method | File | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder Test | XY Alignment Test.gcode | Jobs > Test Prints on the printer, or download |
| Line Pattern Test | Offset_X_Y_dual_extruder_.stl | Download (STL model) |
| Line Pattern Test | XY Offset IDEX Instruction (PDF) | Download (additional instructions) |
T1 moves relative to T0
Both methods adjust the right toolhead (T1) position relative to the left toolhead (T0). Arrows in macro names indicate direction when standing in front of the machine.
Cylinder Test (contrasting filaments)
Use when you have contrasting filament colors (black + white, black + yellow). Color contrast makes misalignment easy to spot.
- Load contrasting filaments into both toolheads. Verify both extrude cleanly.
- Start XY Alignment Test.gcode (from Jobs > Test Prints or the download link above). When prompted, set temperature and filament settings.
- Let it print 5-10 layers. The test produces a vertical cylinder alternating T0 and T1 each layer.
- Observe the cylinder from all sides - front, back, left, right. A well-aligned print shows equal color distribution from every angle.
A misaligned print shows one color dominating on one side:
- If color distribution is uneven, open the Web Interface > Macros > System > Calibration > Live XY Offset Adjustment.
- Identify which side shows more of one color and click the corresponding macro. Each click moves T1 by 0.05 mm:
| Symptom | Macro |
|---|---|
| More color on the right | → Move T1 Left |
| More color on the left | → Move T1 Right |
| More color on the front | → Move T1 Backward |
| More color on the back | → Move T1 Forward |
- Adjust live while the print runs. Make 1-2 clicks at a time, wait 5-10 layers to see the effect, then adjust again.
- Repeat steps 6-7 until the cylinder shows uniform color from all angles.
- Let the print finish. Remove and rotate to confirm even color from all angles.
Offsets save automatically
All offset values are saved automatically. No manual save or confirmation needed.
Line Pattern Test (similar colors)
Use when filaments are similar in color (Ultem 1010 + HTS2 breakaway) or materials do not bond. The cylinder test would not give clear visual feedback.
- Load filaments into both toolheads.
- Use the STL model (
Offset_X_Y_dual_extruder_.stl) or refer to the PDF instruction (download) for slicer settings. - Slice with appropriate settings and send to printer.
- Wait for the print to complete.
- Remove the print and examine the surface.
- Look at the transition between T0 and T1 line groups. Aligned: smooth and flush. Misaligned: visible step or offset at the boundary.
- If you see a step, open Web Interface > Macros > System > Calibration > Live XY Offset Adjustment. Adjust based on the shift direction:
| T1 lines shifted | Macro |
|---|---|
| right | → Move T1 Left |
| left | → Move T1 Right |
| forward | → Move T1 Backward |
| backward | → Move T1 Forward |
Each click moves T1 by 0.05 mm.
- Reprint the single-layer test to verify the adjustment.
- Repeat steps 6-8 until the transition between T0 and T1 lines is smooth with no visible step.
Troubleshooting
FAQ
Support
If you could not find an answer here, reach out to our support team.