Overview
The 3D printer probe is responsible for measuring the distance between the toolhead and the bed on FDM 3D printers, ensuring a consistent first layer.
This is a list of popular probes compatible with common toolheads for Voron printers, Printers for Ants, and other custom 3D printers.
Touch Probes
Section titled “Touch Probes”Touch probes are the most traditional probes. They rely on a servo to deploy, sense, and retract a pin probe.
Touchless Probes
Section titled “Touchless Probes”Touchless probes rely on non-physical sensors to probe the bed such as light, induction, or capacitance.
Dockable Probes
Section titled “Dockable Probes”Dockable probes are the lightest as they are stored on the printer frame after probing. They are are very simple in design, often based on a simple mouse microswitch. Require a complex klipper macro to support the docking and stowing of the probe.
Nozzle Probes
Section titled “Nozzle Probes”Nozzle probes utilize the tip of the hotend nozzle to probe the bed. This gives a very accurate probe measurement and do not require and X or Y offset. This also requires that the tip of the nozzle be clean and heated to the ideal temperature before probing. They are best paired with a nozzle wiper.
Bed Scanner Probes
Section titled “Bed Scanner Probes”Eddy current probes scan the bed taking rapid height measurements based on the magnetic eddie current reflected from the metal bed.
