3D Printer leveling tutorial follow by steps

A properly leveled print bed is the first step to achieving successful 3D printing results. For beginners, incorrect bed leveling can cause problems such as poor first-layer adhesion, uneven printing, or failed prints.

This guide explains how to level a LONGER LK5 Pro 3D printer step by step. Using the A4 paper leveling method, you can quickly adjust the distance between the nozzle and the print bed to improve print quality.

Before starting, make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow each step to avoid damage to the nozzle or print surface.

Why 3D Printer Bed Leveling Matters

Bed leveling ensures the nozzle stays at a consistent distance from the print surface across the entire build area.

If the nozzle is too high:

Filament may not stick properly
Prints can detach during printing
First layers may look thin or incomplete

If the nozzle is too low:

The nozzle may scrape the bed
Filament can become overly compressed
Extrusion may become inconsistent

Proper leveling helps:

Improve first-layer adhesion
Reduce failed prints
Improve print accuracy
Protect the nozzle and build surface
Create smoother bottom layers

Even modern printers with assisted leveling still require proper setup and verification.

Before You Start

Requirements

Prepare the following before leveling your Longer 3D printer:

Longer 3D printer
One piece of A4 paper
Power connection
Access to the printer touch screen

Follow official machine specifications or instructions.

Precautions

Before starting the leveling process:

Ensure the printer is placed on a stable surface
Make sure the hot end and bed are clean
Avoid forcing the nozzle against the print bed
Keep fingers away from hot surfaces
Do not move the print head aggressively by hand

Important: Heat expansion can slightly affect the bed position. Follow the recommended heating steps before leveling.

Step-by-Step 3D Printer Leveling Tutorial

Step 1: Check the Limit Switch Installation

Before leveling, make sure the limit switch is installed correctly. Adjust the switch position if necessary:

Lower the hot end until it is close to the print bed.
Loosen the limit switch fixing screw.
Adjust the switch until it is triggered correctly.

A properly installed limit switch helps the printer detect the correct home position.

Step 2: Turn On the Printer

Power on your LONGER 3D printer and wait until the touchscreen interface appears. Make sure the printer starts normally before continuing.

Step 3: Heat the Print Bed to 60°C

Set the hot bed temperature to 60°C.
Wait until the temperature is stable before leveling.
Heating the bed helps improve leveling accuracy because the material may slightly expand when heated.

Step 4: Prepare an A4 Paper

Place a standard A4 paper between the nozzle and the print bed. The paper will be used to check the nozzle gap during leveling.

Step 5: Enter Leveling Mode

On the printer touchscreen:

Open the leveling function.
Start the automatic movement process.
Wait until the nozzle reaches the adjustment position.

Do not adjust the bed while the nozzle is moving.

Step 6: Adjust the First Corner

When the nozzle stops:

Place the A4 paper between the nozzle and the bed.
Turn the leveling knob under the print bed.
Adjust until the paper feels slight friction when moved.

The correct adjustment should feel like:

Paper can still move.
Paper is not completely loose.
Paper is not tightly stuck.

Step 7: Repeat for All Four Corners

Repeat the same adjustment process for the remaining corners. For each corner:

Place the A4 paper.
Adjust the leveling knob.
Check the paper resistance.

After adjusting all corners, check again if needed. Small changes in one corner may affect the others. Multiple adjustment rounds are normal during manual leveling.

Step 8: Check the Center Position

After leveling the four corners:

Select the center position on the touchscreen.
Place the A4 paper under the nozzle.
Check whether the friction feels similar to the corners.

If the center position is different, repeat the leveling process until the entire print bed feels consistent. And you can follow video to levele your 3D printer.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Filament does not stick	Nozzle too high	Re-level the bed and reduce nozzle distance
Nozzle scratches the bed	Nozzle too low	Loosen the leveling knobs slightly
One corner prints differently	Uneven leveling	Repeat corner leveling process
Paper feels different in center	Bed not evenly leveled	Recheck all corners and center
Prints warp or detach	Poor first layer adhesion	Re-level bed and clean print surface
Bed leveling keeps changing	Loose hardware or springs	Inspect leveling hardware
Extruder clicks during first layer	Bed too close to nozzle	Increase nozzle gap slightly

Tips for Better 3D Printer Leveling

Level After Moving the Printer: Moving the printer can change the bed position. Re-level the machine after transportation.
Keep the Print Bed Clean: Dust, oil, and leftover filament can affect leveling accuracy. Clean the print surface regularly.
Adjust Slowly: Avoid making large adjustments. Small changes to the leveling knobs are usually enough.
Check Before Important Prints: For large or high-quality prints, check the first layer before starting long printing jobs.

FAQ

1. How often should I level my LONGER 3D printer?

Check leveling:

Before important prints.
After moving the printer.
After replacing the nozzle.
When first-layer problems appear.

2. Why is A4 paper used for leveling?

A4 paper provides a simple thickness reference. During leveling, the paper should move with slight resistance.

3. Why does the bed need to be heated before leveling?

Heating helps simulate normal printing conditions because the bed position may change slightly after heating.

4. What happens if the nozzle is too close to the bed?

The nozzle may scratch the surface, reduce filament flow, or cause poor extrusion.

5. Why do I need to repeat leveling several times?

Adjusting one corner can slightly affect other areas. Repeating the process helps achieve a more even result.

Final Thoughts

Bed leveling is one of the most important setup steps for beginners using a LONGER 3D printer. A properly leveled print bed helps improve first-layer adhesion, reduce failed prints, and achieve more stable printing results.

By following this A4 paper leveling method step by step, users can quickly set up their printer and create a better printing experience.

If leveling problems continue, check the limit switch position, print bed condition, and leveling hardware before starting another adjustment.