Zav Base Printer

The Zav Base Printer is an FDM 3D printer from Zav Co., Ltd. with a 200 x 200 x 200 mm build volume.

Specifications

The Zav Base Printer (commonly known in the DIY enthusiast maker community as the "ZAV Standard" or "ZAV 200") is a classic representative of the open-source DIY (Do-It-Yourself) 3D printer kit movement. It is designed specifically for users who value mechanical rigidity, low cost, and total freedom of customization. Unlike commercial plug-and-play machines, the ZAV is assembled from laser-cut plywood components, requiring solid engineering knowledge but offering upgradeability.

• Kinematics: The printer utilizes high-speed CoreXY kinematics.

Calibration

Tuning a DIY printer requires precision. Below are 8 essential calibration steps to get the most out of your ZAV Base:

• Geometric squaring of the frame and XY gantry

Before installing and tensioning the belts, you must verify that the plywood frame is square and that the X and Y axes are perpendicular. Use a 90-degree engineer's square. Slide the Y-carriages to the very back of the frame and adjust the brackets until both carriages touch the rear endstops at the exact same moment.

Common defects

• Hardware defects and mechanical weaknesses
• Plywood hygroscopicity and dimensional instability: Wood expands and contracts based on ambient humidity. In very damp or dry rooms, the frame can twist slightly, pulling the XY gantry out of square and requiring frequent re-leveling. Solution: Coat all raw plywood parts with 2–3 layers of clear acrylic lacquer during assembly. This seals the wood fibers and prevents moisture absorption.

What it is used for

Best use-cases

• ABS and ASA technical parts: Thanks to the enclosed box shape (when fitted with acrylic panels), the ZAV retains heat well, making it ideal for printing dimensionally accurate mechanical parts, gears, and brackets out of high-shrinkage materials.