Experiencing a high or low bed is a problem many users face when printing with an Ender 3, which leads to an uneven bed, poor bed adhesion, and failed prints. That’s why I decided to write this article, to teach you how to fix these issues.
Keep reading the article for more details on fixing a high or low bed on your Ender 3, starting with the bed being too high.
How to Fix Ender 3 Bed Too High
These are the main ways you can fix an Ender 3 bed that is too high:
Move the Z-Axis Endstop Higher
Replace the Bed
Buy a BuildTak Printing Surface
Flash the Firmware and Get a Bed Level Sensor
Align the X-Axis
Heat up the Bed
1. Move the Z-Axis Endstop Higher
One way to fix an Ender 3 bed that’s too high is to move the Z-axis endstop higher to create more space between the printing bed and the nozzle.
The Z-axis endstop is a mechanical switch on the left side of the Ender 3 3D printer. Its job is to act as a hard stop for the X-axis, particularly the printing head.
The Z-axis endstop acts as a hard stop for the X-axis and is commonly known as the Z-axis home point.
One user who was experiencing problems with his Ender 3 not leveling properly fixed his issue by moving the Z-axis endstop up a little and leveling the bed. He was able to print again within minutes.
Another user recommends getting some flush cutters to cut off the plastic tab on the Z-axis endstop, that way you’ll be able to slide it up higher and adjust it better. You can simply use the flush cutters that came with your 3D printer or you can get the IGAN-P6 Wire Flush Cutters from Amazon.
Check out the video below by The Print House, which shows you the process of adjusting your Z-axis endstop.
2. Replace the Bed
Another way to fix an Ender 3 bed that’s too high is to replace your bed, especially if it has any warped sides on it.
One user, the owner of an Ender 3 Pro with a glass bed, was having issues leveling it. He finally realized his bed was really warped and ended up replacing it with a magnetic bed surface.
After making sure his new bed was leveled, his prints came out perfect. He suggests ensuring your vertical frames are at a right angle to the base, and that the horizontal frame is at an even height on both sides.
Another user who built his Ender 3 Pro with a magnetic bed found it hard to level the center of the bed. He found out it was warped and got a new glass one.
Some users also recommended getting a customized glass plate from a local store as against using the glass bed that comes with your 3D printer. It’s cheap and gives a flatter surface.
Check out the video below, showing the process of installing a glass bed on an Ender 3 Pro.
3. Buy a BuildTak Printing Surface
Getting a BuildTak printing surface is another great way to fix issues with your Ender 3 bed being too high.
BuildTak is a build sheet that you install to your print bed to improve adhesion while printing and to make it easy to remove the printed part cleanly afterward.
One user was experiencing problems with his glass bed, as the nozzle was getting stuck when going from one corner to the other. After installing BuildTak on his bed, he got his printer working perfectly.
Although he recommends using BuildTak for large prints and still uses his normal glass bed for smaller ones. Many users recommend buying BuildTak, with one of them stating that he’s been using it successfully for over six years.
It’s easy to install and provides great adhesion for materials like PLA.
Check out the video below for the complete BuildTak installation guide.
4. Flash the Firmware and Get a Bed Level Sensor
You can fix your Ender 3 bed being too high by updating your firmware and getting a bed leveling sensor. I wrote an article about How to Flash 3D Printer Firmware which you can check out.
One user who struggled with a high bed leveling problem recommended flashing the Ender 3 firmware using the Arduino software. He got the EZABL sensor, which was easy to set up, and this solved his high bed problems.
You can find the EZABL sensor for sale on TH3DStudio.
Another user, who was experiencing high points in the center of his bed, installed a PINDA Sensor and got a magnetic bed to solve his high bed issue, though it’s mainly compatible with Prusa machines.
Another 3D printing enthusiast with a high bed flashed his firmware and enabled mesh bed leveling, and then he installed fixed bed mounts. He said it was a learning curve, but he fixed his high bed issues.
Check out the video below by The Edge Of Tech, showing the process of installing the EZABL sensor on the Creality Ender 3.
5. Align the X-Axis
Making sure your X-gantry is straight and not slanting or sagging is another way to fix an Ender 3 bed that’s way too high.
An X-axis that is not leveled can make it seem like a bed is too high. This happened to one user who tried all leveling solutions he could find online until realizing that his X-gantry was not straight, causing his problem.
After loosening and reassembling the X-axis at a 90-degree angle, he made sure it was properly leveled.
Check out the video below by SANTUBE 3D, which shows you the process of aligning your X-axis.
6. Heat up the Bed
You can fix your Ender 3 bed being too high by heating your bed and letting it stay hot for 10-15 minutes. A user with a high center did this, and it resolved the issue.
Another user suggests being aware of uneven distribution, as it takes a few minutes for the bed to warm up and even out the heat. He recommended using a good-quality straightedge to check the bed was straight.
He also recommends taking a look if the bed is still straight across all sides, in case it is, it usually means you have a warped bed and will need to replace it.
How to Fix Ender 3 Bed Too Low
These are the main ways in which you can fix an Ender 3 bed that is too low:
Loosen the Springs
Lower the Z-Axis Endstop
1. Loosen the Bed Springs
One way to fix an Ender 3 bed that’s too low is to loosen the springs with the bed leveling knobs to give the bed more height. Turning the knobs under your printing bed clockwise or anticlockwise will compress or decompress your springs.
Many users mistakenly think tightening the spring will mean a higher bed, but people recommend decompressing the springs to solve low bed problems. One user took over four hours to realize tightening the springs was not going to help.
Another user also solved his issue by loosening the bed springs on his 3D printer.
2. Lower the Z-Axis Endstop
Another way to fix an Ender 3 bed that’s too low is by lowering the Z-axis endstop to bring your nozzle slower to the bed.
One user who followed suggestions about lowering the bed placement of his Z-axis limit switch was able to solve the issue. He first tried to run G-Code to level his bed but was finding it difficult to get the nozzle close enough to it.
Another user cut off the peg that prevented him from moving the Z-axis endstop any lower and successfully got the Z-axis endstop to the desired height. He then lowered his bed and re-leveled it, solving the issue.
If you don’t want to cut off that peg, you can follow the suggestion of another 3D printing hobbyist, who recommends loosening the T-nuts to the point where you can move it a little. Then you will be able to move the Z-axis endstop down slowly.
Check out the video below for more information on fixing Z-axis endstop issues.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
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