Quick tool change with Z-homing

A couple of weeks ago I made a video about an alternative z-homing method. The idea is to home with the tip of the nozzle itself on the bed. The whole hot end is moving upwards and engages a micro switch in the base itself. This allows to swap between tools, nozzles and build plates quickly without having to readjust or calibrate anything. I haven’t used this for mesh bed leveling because I use a DTI to make sure the bed is perfectly flat.

This tool holder is based on my original Quick tool change, but the tools need to be modified. I will release modified tools which are backwards compatible with the original tool holder. I’ve placed a drawing with the modification so you can adjust a tool yourself to try this thing out.

This this is a bit experimental and I have to perform thorough tests in order to make sure that this thing can be used without problems. So be aware that things can change and that it may not be suitable for you. I’ve uploaded the Fusion file and STEP file as well for you to tinker with. My apologies for the enormous mess I made xD

Things I’m not sure about and have to test:

• If this this affects or potentially damages a brass nozzle
• The reproducibility
• If it affects print quality
• Mesh bed leveling
• Maybe some other things I’ve forgotten about

So again, this is not a finished thing, but I’m inviting you to try it and I have to say that this looks promising. There are a lot of other methods as well and one of the reasons for me to try this is to learn about the different z-homing methods. The video I’ve uploaded tell a bit more in depth about the process of getting to this design