PVA settings for the Creality Ender 3
A starting profile for printing PVA on the Creality Ender 3 (220 × 220 × 250 mm, open frame, Bowden). Tune from here with a temperature tower and a flow test.
| Setting | Starting value |
|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 190–210 °C (start 200) |
| Bed temperature | 50–60 °C (start 55) |
| Print speed | 40 mm/s |
| First layer speed | 20 mm/s |
| Layer height | 0.2 mm (0.12–0.28) |
| Retraction distance | 5 mm |
| Retraction speed | 40 mm/s |
| Part cooling fan | 40% |
| Enclosure | Open |
| Drying before use | 45 °C for 6 h |
PVA absorbs moisture. Dry it at 45 °C for 6 h before a long print.
Why these values
The Creality Ender 3 is a Bowden machine, so it needs longer retraction (around 5 mm) to relieve nozzle pressure. Its usable speed is around 60 mm/s, so the 40 mm/s above is within the comfortable range for this material.
Cooling is set to 40%: a middle setting balances surface quality against layer bonding.
Next steps
- Print a temperature tower across 190–210 °C and pick the cleanest band.
- Calibrate flow, then check the volumetric flow against your hotend.
- If something goes wrong, see the troubleshooting guide.
- Price the part with the cost calculator.