The Elegoo Jupiter platform can lose its flatness
The build platform of the Elegoo Jupiter is an extensive component that supports a considerable print area. With prolonged use and numerous heating and cooling cycles, this aluminum block can deform, compromising its initial flatness. This phenomenon is due to the uneven expansion and contraction of the material, which generates internal stresses. The result is a surface that is no longer uniform, directly impacting the ability to level the bed precisely. 🛠️
Identifying when the platform is deformed
To verify if the platform has lost its flat shape, you can use simple tools. Place a straight metal ruler or a height gauge on the surface when it is cold. Observe if light filters between the ruler and the aluminum. Another technique is to manually move the print head with a feeler gauge to record height differences at various points on the bed. An unequivocal sign is obtaining very different leveling values in the corners and failing to achieve homogeneous compensation in the center, even if the automatic leveling sensor is operating correctly.
Methods to confirm deformation:- Use a ruler or gauge to look for gaps where light passes through.
- Map height variations with a feeler gauge on the head.
- Observe extreme disparity in corner values when leveling.
Some users have seen their perfect leveling disappear after just a few high-temperature prints, leaving the bed with more curves than a mountain road.
Options to restore a flat surface
There are several strategies to solve this issue and recover a stable base for printing. The most common and effective is to place a tempered glass sheet or a high-quality magnetic steel plate on the original platform. This addition provides a new reference surface that is inherently flat. A more laborious alternative is to sand the platform with fine-grit sandpaper attached to a rigid and flat base, a process that requires extreme care to not affect the integrated heating system. If the deformation is severe, contacting the manufacturer's technical support to request a component replacement may be the way to go.
Practical solutions available:- Install a tempered glass sheet or magnetic steel plate.
- Sand the surface with fine sandpaper on a flat base, with caution.
- Contact support to evaluate replacing the platform.
Maintaining functionality in the long term
Understanding that aluminum can deform with use is key to keeping your Elegoo Jupiter in optimal condition. Diagnosing the problem in time allows applying solutions like adding a secondary flat surface, which is usually the simplest and most durable option. Implementing these fixes helps ensure that bed leveling is precise and consistent, avoiding print failures and ensuring the quality of the final results. 🎯