Voron Z Endstop Mods — Best Z Probe and Endstop Upgrades

Endstop Probe Mod Klipper V2.4 Trident V0.2

The stock Z endstop on Voron printers is a simple mechanical switch mounted on the Z axis gantry. It works, but the Voron community has developed significantly better solutions. From Klicky probes that deploy and stow automatically to Eddy-current induction sensors that never wear out, Z endstop mods improve first-layer consistency, enable automatic bed mesh compensation, and remove the most common source of Z-offset drift. This guide covers every major Z endstop mod available for Voron printers.

Last updated: May 2025. We cover Klicky, Unklicky, Euclid, inductive probes, Eddy current sensors, and nozzle touch-off methods. All pricing reflects China-direct sourcing. Difficulty ranges from moderate to advanced depending on the probe type.

Why Upgrade Your Z Endstop?

The standard Voron Z endstop is functional but has several limitations that experienced users quickly encounter:

• Mechanical drift: The microswitch trigger point shifts slightly over time due to thermal expansion of the frame and gantry. A Z offset that was perfect at cold startup may change after the chamber heats up.
• Only one reference point: A single endstop gives you a Z home position, but it does not measure the bed surface. You cannot do automatic bed mesh compensation with just a switch.
• Nozzle crash risk: If the Z endstop fails (broken wire, loose mount), the nozzle crashes into the bed. On a Voron with a glass or MIC6 cast tooling plate, this can damage the bed surface and the hotend.
• Manual Z offset calibration: Every nozzle change, hotend swap, or print surface change requires recalibrating the Z offset. A probe-based system automates this.

A good Z endstop mod solves all of these problems. It provides a stable reference point, enables bed mesh compensation, eliminates nozzle crash risk, and automates Z offset calibration. For anyone printing with multiple build plates or hotends, a probe mod is almost mandatory.

Z Endstop Mod Options

1. Klicky Probe (Deployable Microswitch)

The Klicky probe is the most popular Z endstop mod in the Voron community. It uses a small microswitch mounted on a deployable arm that is docked on a printed holder when not in use. The toolhead picks up the probe, touches the bed, and returns it to the dock.

Pros: Extremely accurate (repeatability of 0.002-0.005mm), low cost (~$5 in parts), proven design with thousands of users, works on any build surface including PEI, glass, and G10.

Cons: Requires printed parts and a small PCB or direct wiring. The deploy/retract cycle adds about 5 seconds to each Z homing operation. Some reports of the probe microswitch wearing out after 5000+ cycles (replace it for $0.50).

China-direct cost: Microswitch $0.50, PCB $1.50, magnet $0.50, printed parts $5-8. Total: ~$8-12.

2. Euclid Probe (Magnetic Docking Probe)

Similar concept to Klicky but uses a magnetic docking mechanism and a separate probe body that houses the microswitch. The probe body attaches to the toolhead via magnets and docks on a printed bracket at the side of the build plate.

Pros: Slightly more robust than Klicky, the probe body can be swapped for different nozzle types, very repeatable (0.003-0.006mm).

Cons: More printed parts to produce, slightly larger footprint in the build volume, magnets need to be correctly polarized for reliable docking.

China-direct cost: Microswitch $0.50, magnets $1, printed parts $6-10. Total: ~$8-12.

3. Eddy Current / Induction Probe (Inductive Sensor)

A solid-state inductive proximity sensor detects metal without any moving parts. Mounted to the toolhead, it triggers when it approaches a metal build plate. The Voron community uses the PL-08N or LJ12A3-4-Z/BX sensors.

Pros: No moving parts, no printed probe body needed, very fast (instant triggering), no deploy/retract cycle required, works at chamber temperature.

Cons: Only works on metal build plates (spring steel or MIC6 tooling plate, not glass or G10). Sensor-to-nozzle offset must be precisely calibrated. Inductive sensors have some thermal drift (0.01-0.03mm from cold to hot). Limited sensitivity with thin PEI sheets over spring steel.

China-direct cost: PL-08N inductive sensor $3-5, mounting bracket $2-4. Total: ~$5-9.

4. Eddy Current Sensor (Cartographer / Beacon)

These are next-generation Eddy current sensors that use a coil and high-frequency oscillator to measure the distance to a conductive surface. Unlike simple inductive sensors, they output an analog voltage proportional to distance, enabling sub-micron repeatability.

Pros: Highest accuracy available (0.001mm repeatability), no moving parts, fast scanning speed for bed mesh (under 2 minutes for a full mesh), works with any conductive build surface, includes temperature compensation in firmware.

Cons: Significantly more expensive than other options, requires an analog input on the controller board, firmware configuration is more involved.

China-direct cost: $35-55 for the sensor module, mounting bracket $3-5. Total: ~$38-60.

Recommended Build: Klicky Probe

For 90% of Voron users, the Klicky probe is the best balance of cost, accuracy, and reliability. Here is the full parts list.

Installation Steps — Klicky Probe on V2.4

Step 1: Print the Parts

Download the Klicky probe STL pack from the official Klicky GitHub repository. You will need:

• Probe body (left or right orientation depending on your toolhead)
• Probe dock (mounts to the frame at the left or right edge of the build plate)
• Z endstop adapter (replaces your existing Z endstop switch)
• Wago mount (if using a Wago-style toolhead connector)

Print in ABS or ASA at 0.2mm layer height. Use 4 perimeters and 50% infill. The probe arm takes the most stress — make sure it is printed with solid walls. The dock requires no supports if oriented correctly in the slicer.

Step 2: Prepare the Microswitch and PCB

If using the Klicky PCB, solder the microswitch legs to the PCB pads. The PCB provides a JST XH connector for easy wiring. If not using the PCB, solder three wires directly to the microswitch terminals: one to COM, one to NC, one to NO (NO is unused but good to have for future use). Use 28AWG silicone wire, no longer than 500mm.

Step 3: Assemble the Probe Arm

Press the microswitch (with or without PCB) into the printed probe body. Insert two 6x3mm N52 magnets into the pockets at the rear of the probe body. The magnets should be flush with the surface. Insert the same magnets into the mating pockets on the probe dock. Verify the polarity matches — the magnets should attract strongly when the probe is docked.

Step 4: Mount the Dock

The probe dock mounts to the front vertical extrusion at the edge of the build plate. For a V2.4 300mm, mount the dock on the left side of the front frame. For 350mm, either side works. The dock should be positioned so the probe arm is parallel to the build plate when docked. Use M3 T-nuts and M3x8mm screws. Leave the screws slightly loose, then adjust the dock height so the probe body sits level.

Step 5: Wire the Probe

Connect the three wires to your controller board. The NC pin goes to a free endstop input. COM goes to ground. Route the wire along the existing cable management chains. For the V2.4, you can run the wire alongside the toolhead umbilical. For the Trident, route through the cable chain. Avoid routing near stepper motor cables.

Klipper Configuration

[safe_z_home]
home_xy_position: 150,150
z_hop: 20
z_hop_speed: 15

[stepper_z]
endstop_pin: probe:z_virtual_endstop
# Remove any other endstop pin definition for Z

[probe]
pin: !PC14
speed: 5
lift_speed: 15
samples: 3
samples_result: median
sample_retract_dist: 3
samples_tolerance: 0.010
samples_tolerance_retries: 3

[gcode_macro PROBE_DOCK]
gcode:
  # Dock the Klicky probe
  G91
  G1 Z10 F300
  G90
  G1 X{printer.toolhead.axis_maximum.x - 10} F12000
  G1 Y{printer.toolhead.axis_maximum.y - 10} F12000
  G91
  G1 Z-5 F300
  G90

[gcode_macro PROBE_PICKUP]
gcode:
  # Pick up the Klicky probe
  G91
  G1 Z5 F300
  G90
  G1 X{dock_x_position} Y{dock_y_position} F12000
  G91
  G1 Z-10 F300
  G90

The key configuration points are the probe pin assignment, the safe_z_home position, and the probe macros for dock and pickup. You must calibrate the dock position coordinates for your specific printer geometry. The dock_x_position and dock_y_position should match the location of the probe dock in your printer's coordinate space.

Compatibility by Voron Model

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• Probe fails to dock: Most common with Klicky. Check that the magnets are correctly polarized and that the probe arm is not binding on the dock edges. Adjust the dock position by 0.5mm increments until the probe seats cleanly. The probe arm should click into the dock with a satisfying magnetic snap.
• False triggering during prints: The probe can trigger on part cooling fan airflow or vibration from high-speed printing. Increase samples to 5 and increase samples_tolerance to 0.015mm. Make sure the probe wire is not touching the heater cartridge wires.
• Z offset drift with temperature: If your Klicky probe was calibrated cold but prints at 60C chamber temperature, the Z offset may shift by 0.01-0.03mm due to thermal expansion of the gantry. Calibrate Z offset at printing temperature. Heat soak the printer for 15-20 minutes before calibrating.
• Inductive sensor not triggering: Verify the sensor is within the specified sensing distance (usually 4mm for PL-08N). If your build plate is not conductive (PEI on G10, glass), inductive sensors will not work. Switch to a Klicky or mechanical probe for non-metal surfaces.
• Euclid probe magnets losing strength: N52 magnets can lose some magnetic strength if heated above 80C repeatedly. Use N35SH or N42SH (high-temperature rated) magnets if printing in a hot enclosure. Replace magnets every 6-12 months as part of routine maintenance.

Difficulty Level

Inductive sensor: Easy (1/5). Mount the sensor, wire three wires, calibrate offset. About 1 hour including calibration. Best for Switchwire and first-time modders.

Klicky probe: Moderate (2/5). Requires printing parts, assembling the probe, wiring, and Klipper configuration. Expect 2-3 hours including calibration and dock positioning.

Euclid probe: Moderate (2/5). Similar to Klicky but with more printed parts and a slightly more complex docking mechanism. Expect 3-4 hours.

Eddy current sensor (Cartographer/Beacon): Moderate-Advanced (3/5). Wiring to an analog input and firmware configuration is more involved. Expect 3-4 hours plus initial calibration time.

The Klicky probe is by far the most recommended Z endstop mod in the Voron community. For under $15, it provides sub-0.005mm repeatability, enables automatic bed mesh compensation, and eliminates the drift and crash risks of the stock mechanical endstop. It is the single best upgrade you can make to improve first-layer consistency on any Voron printer. The inductive sensor is a simpler alternative for Switchwire users or anyone who prints exclusively on metal build plates. Whichever you choose, a probe-based Z endstop system transforms the Voron from a good printer into a great one.