--- title: 'Input Shaping Calibration Pattern' description: 'Create G-code to calibrate IS setting' category: [ tools ] author: KimmoHop ---

# Input Shaping Calibration Pattern

Based on the excellent work of @tombrazier

{% alert warning %} Caution! Only for Cartesian printers. CoreXY kinematics are not yet tested. {% endalert %}

Use this form to generate G-code that you can use to calibrate your Input Shaping Damping Frequency and Zeta/Damping factor. Default values apply to standard PLA filament and a 0.4mm nozzle.

The generated G-code files print Frequency Sweeps (zigzag patterns with increasing speeds) to find Resonant Frequencies (frequencies to dampen) and Zeta/Damping Factors for the X axis (left-to-right) and Y axis (front-to-back).

Three separate G-code files are generated for download:

1. Damping Frequency to find Resonant Frequency for X and Y (displayed in the box below)
2. X Zeta/Damping Factor (not shown)
3. Y Zeta/Damping Factor (not shown)

Fill out the form and press Generate G-code to create the test patterns. Use the Download * as file buttons to save the results.

### Settings | ### G-code
#### Printer Info |  |  |
Printer Name |
Filament Diameter |  | Diameter (mm) of the filament used for the tests
Nozzle Temperature |  | Nozzle Temperature (°C)
Bed Temperature |  | Bed Temperature (°C)
Retraction Distance |  | Retraction distance after pattern (mm)
Line Width |  | Line width (mm)
Layer Height |  | Layer Height (mm). If pattern is not clear, try to increase Layer Height
Fan Speed |  | Fan Speed (%)
#### Speed
Frame Printing Speed |  | Printing speed when not in pattern (mm/s)
Travel Speed |  | Travel Speed (mm/s)
Retract Speed |  | Retract Speed of the extruder (mm/s)
Frame Acceleration |  | Printing and transition acceleration/deceleration (mm/s^2)
Jerk |  | Jerk for X and Y when not in pattern. -1 to use pattern default
Junction Deviation |  | Junction Deviation when not in pattern. -1.0 to use pattern default
#### Print Bed
Bed Size X |  | Size (mm) of the bed in X
Bed Size Y |  | Size (mm) of the bed in Y
#### Pattern
Max X Frequency |  | Maximum frequency (Hz) for X pattern
Max Y Frequency |  | Maximum frequency (Hz) for Y pattern
Z-Offset |  | Offset the Z (mm) for manual layer adjustment
Use Bed Leveling |  | Level the bed or load a saved mesh (UBL only!) before printing. Bed leveling must be activated in Configuration.h!
Extrusion Multiplier |  | Usually 1.0
Align Z |  | Align the Z gantry by running the G34 command
Filename |  |

### Notes:

- Max X Frequency and Max Y Frequency should be high enough to reach Resonant Frequency. The moving bed of a "bedslinger" printer usually has a lower Resonant Frequency corresponding to its greater mass. Adjust values after your first test print and as-needed to match the printer.
- Use Bed Leveling requires a probe.
- Printer and other parts (e.g., filament spool) may resonate and emit sounds during Frequency Sweeps.
- The printer's stepper motors may skip steps leading to lost position —aka "layer shift"— at or above the Resonant Frequency. This is normal behaviour.
- Be aware that high speeds may exceed what your extruder can handle. A 60Hz frequency corresponds to 120mm/s (7200 mm/min) movement speed. For the default 0.5mm line width and 0.2mm layer height the machine needs to extrude 12 cubic mm of filament per second. Know your extruder's limits.
- If the test patterns show asymmetry or vibration in the Z direction, linear motion might have slack or flex (e.g., from loose roller wheels). See the image below.
- Input Shaping can affect Linear Advance. If Linear Advance is enabled, calibrate K-factor after calibrating Input Shaping.

## Examples

The following images demonstrate some test patterns.

### Damping Frequency Pattern theory

- Frequency sweep patterns are printed for both axes.
- As the Frequency approaches the Resonant Frequency the vibration Amplitude increases.
- At Resonant Frequency amplitude reaches it's peak.
- Beyond Resonant Frequency amplitude may remain high or decrease.
- Measuring the distance (mm) from the beginning of the pattern to the point of amplitude peak reveals Resonant Frequency, where frequency is this distance divided by 2.
- To reduce ringing, Input Shaping tries to dampen Resonant Frequency, aka. Damping Frequency.

### Zeta/Damping Factor theory

- Damping Factor sweep patterns are printed for both axes.
- The Damping Factor controls damping. (See the image below.)
  1. Damping Too Low: Vibration is not cancelled at Damping Frequency.
  2. Damping Correct (critical): Vibration is cancelled at Damping Frequency.
  3. Damping Too High: Vibration is reduced too aggressively also below Damping Frequency.
- To find the best value look for the zigzag pattern with the most uniform amplitude at and below the Damping Frequency and the same or decreased amplitude above the Damping Frequency.

### Damping Frequency Pattern - Example 1

### Zeta/Damping Factor Pattern - Example 1

### Damping Frequency Pattern - Example 2

This print consists of:

- Frame (back and left lines)
- Y Frequency Sweep (horizontal at front)
- Slowdown
- X Frequency Sweep (vertical on left)
- Slowdown

The Resonant Frequency for Y is around 39Hz (78mm). The Resonant Frequency for X is not so clear, 55-60Hz (110-120mm).

### Zeta/Damping Factor Pattern - Example 2

This print consists of:

- Frame (back and left lines)
- Y Frequency Sweeps at increasing Damping Factor values

Damping Factor values start from 0.05 and increase by 0.05.

0.40 (8th pattern) looks the best.

Note! Zeta/Damping pattern for X is vertical. (The leftmost line is part of the anchor and is not relevant to Damping Factor values.)

### Example of loose roller wheels

During this pattern the bed may have been moving and/or rotating in directions other than just Y.

The roller wheels of the bed were too loose and tightening them improved the pattern.