What are the best tools and methods to measure the accuracy of your calibration test print?

1 What is a calibration test print?

A calibration test print is a simple model that you can print to test various aspects of your printer's performance, such as extrusion, bed leveling, dimensional accuracy, and alignment. A calibration test print can help you identify and fix any issues that might affect your print quality, such as under or over extrusion, warping, layer shifting, or gaps. There are many calibration test prints available online, such as the 20mm calibration cube, the XYZ calibration cube, or the all-in-one test.

2 How to use a caliper?

A caliper is a device that can measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object with precision. You can use a caliper to measure the dimensions of your calibration test print and compare them to the expected values. For example, if you print a 20mm calibration cube, you can use a caliper to measure the length, width, and height of the cube and see if they are close to 20mm. If they are not, you might need to adjust your steps per mm, extrusion multiplier, or flow rate settings.

3 How to use a micrometer?

A micrometer is another device that can measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object with even more precision than a caliper. You can use a micrometer to measure the thickness of your calibration test print's walls and layers and compare them to the expected values. For example, if you print a 0.4mm nozzle test, you can use a micrometer to measure the width of the nozzle and see if it is close to 0.4mm. If it is not, you might need to adjust your nozzle diameter, extrusion width, or line width settings.

4 How to use a digital scale?

A digital scale is a device that can measure the weight of an object with accuracy. You can use a digital scale to measure the mass of your calibration test print and compare it to the expected value. For example, if you print a 100% infill test, you can use a digital scale to measure the mass of the print and see if it is close to the theoretical mass calculated by your slicer software. If it is not, you might need to adjust your extrusion multiplier, flow rate, or filament diameter settings.

5 How to use a visual inspection?

A visual inspection is a method that involves looking at your calibration test print with your eyes and checking for any defects, such as stringing, blobs, zits, gaps, warping, or layer shifting. You can use a visual inspection to assess the overall quality of your calibration test print and see if it matches your expectations. For example, if you print a bridging test, you can use a visual inspection to see if the bridges are sagging, curling, or breaking. If they are, you might need to adjust your cooling, speed, or retraction settings.

6 How to use a software analysis?

A software analysis is a method that involves using a computer program to scan, compare, or evaluate your calibration test print. You can use a software analysis to measure the accuracy of your calibration test print and see if it matches your design. For example, if you print a dimensional accuracy test, you can use a software analysis to compare the scanned model of your print to the original STL file and see if there are any deviations or errors. If there are, you might need to adjust your steps per mm, extrusion multiplier, or flow rate settings.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?