Filament calibration: temperature tower and flow test
Slicer presets are a starting point. This two-test routine turns a preset into settings that actually work on your machine: a temperature tower for bonding and surface, then a flow test for exact extrusion.
Before you start
Dry the filament if it is moisture-sensitive, check that the nozzle is clean and the plate is level, and set flow to 1.00 with cooling at your normal value. Change one variable at a time, or the tower will not tell you anything.
Material-by-material starting points
Each guide uses that material's real temperature range, drying schedule and enclosure needs.
PLA
190–220 °C · 50–60 °C bed · dry 45 °C/4 h
PLA+
205–225 °C · 55–65 °C bed · dry 45 °C/4 h
PETG
230–250 °C · 70–85 °C bed · dry 65 °C/5 h
ABS
240–260 °C · 95–110 °C bed · dry 80 °C/4 h
ASA
240–260 °C · 95–110 °C bed · dry 80 °C/4 h
TPU
220–240 °C · 40–60 °C bed · dry 50 °C/6 h
Nylon (PA)
250–280 °C · 70–90 °C bed · dry 80 °C/10 h
Polycarbonate (PC)
270–310 °C · 100–120 °C bed · dry 80 °C/6 h
HIPS
230–250 °C · 90–110 °C bed · dry 65 °C/4 h
PVA
190–210 °C · 50–60 °C bed · dry 45 °C/6 h
PLA-CF (carbon fibre)
200–230 °C · 50–60 °C bed · dry 45 °C/4 h
PETG-CF (carbon fibre)
240–265 °C · 70–85 °C bed · dry 65 °C/6 h
PA-CF (carbon fibre nylon)
260–300 °C · 80–100 °C bed · dry 80 °C/10 h
Wood-fill PLA
190–220 °C · 50–60 °C bed · dry 45 °C/4 h
TPU 95A
220–240 °C · 40–60 °C bed · dry 50 °C/6 h