# Alternatives for the printing bed? **URL:** \ **Category:** LulzBot Mini\ **Created:** [February 15, 2016, 4:37am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/alternatives-for-the-printing-bed/2955 "2016-02-15T04:37:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 18
**Author:** ![John\_Mc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/65b543/32.png) [@John\_Mc](https://forum.lulzbot.com/u/John_Mc)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2016, 12:05am UTC](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/alternatives-for-the-printing-bed/2955/18 "2016-07-13T00:05:49Z")
> [@algerbens](#): > > Is anyone using zebra plate on a mini? If so, how did you deal with the self calibration process and how did you attach the zebra plate to the bed? I have not used Zebra plate. If by “deal with the self calibration process” you mean how do you adjust the Z-offset to get the right starting height, there are several threads on here with information about storing a new z-offset in the firmware (here’s [one of them](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/mini-first-layer-troubleshooting/2873/1)). You can also fine tune the z-offset from within Cura under the Machine menu, choose “Machine Settings”. By default, the number here is zero, which means just use the number stored in firmware. If you enter a number here, it takes the number stored in firmware, adds your entry, and uses the result for initial z height. A negative number moves the head downward, a positive one moves it up. So for example, my Mini came with the Z-offset set to -1.33. If I enter 0.1 in the z-offset box, I get -1.33+0.1 = -1.22mm for my z-offset (I’ve raised my z offset by 0.1mm). Personally, I prefer to store the number in firmware, so th enumber is used no matter what computer I’m tethered to, or what software I am using to control the printer. However, the Cura menu selection is a handy way to make a quick change. --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.lulzbot.com/t/alternatives-for-the-printing-bed/2955)._