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This is the blog section. It has two categories: News and Posts.
Files in these directories will be listed in reverse chronological order.
Minimal 3DP YouTube Banner
Photo: Mike Wilson / CC-BY-CA
With my previous website, I put it together with Wordpress. As what typically happens, WordPress was just too cumbersome for me to maintain. Additionally, it seemed like someone was always trying to hack it. It was a pain and I worried about the hacks.
I have used Hugo in the past and I thought I would try to rewrite the site in it. I liked the Docsy theme but I was not sure I could create the Klipper Calibration website. It turns out it was easier that I thought.
One of my main goals for creating this site, is the Klipper Calibration calculators I have put together. I have my Klipper Calibration Spreadsheet but many people are requesting edit access. To simplify things, I thought it would be a good idea to create these online tools. It also gave me the opportunity to do some simple programming. It has been a while.
Because I am using Docsy, there are tools built in to leave comments and post issues on github. I thought this integration would be helpful as I tried to improve and expand the tools. I am looking forward to the feedback. I know that there is room for improvement.
To many time I do not document my work well enough. I have several different tools for reference and documentation. Because it is several different tools, I never know where to look. With this in mind, I am hoping this site can serve as a repository of knowledge for my work. I sometime wish I had more time. There are so many cool ideas to try. Hopefully, I will have a chance to explore.
The blog is a minor feature for me. I always have good intentions for keeping it up but I always have trouble finding the time. We will see how this iteration goes. I am thinking that Hugo will make it easy. A lot of content here was done via my iPhone. Working Copy and Textastic are amazing apps and worth every penny.
Minimal 3DP YouTube Banner
Photo: Mike Wilson / CC-BY-CA
With my previous website, I put it together with Wordpress. As what typically happens, WordPress was just too cumbersome for me to maintain. Additionally, it seemed like someone was always trying to hack it. It was a pain and I worried about the hacks.
I have used Hugo in the past and I thought I would try to rewrite the site in it. I liked the Docsy theme but I was not sure I could create the Klipper Calibration website. It turns out it was easier that I thought.
One of my main goals for creating this site, is the Klipper Calibration calculators I have put together. I have my Klipper Calibration Spreadsheet but many people are requesting edit access. To simplify things, I thought it would be a good idea to create these online tools. It also gave me the opportunity to do some simple programming. It has been a while.
Because I am using Docsy, there are tools built in to leave comments and post issues on github. I thought this integration would be helpful as I tried to improve and expand the tools. I am looking forward to the feedback. I know that there is room for improvement.
To many time I do not document my work well enough. I have several different tools for reference and documentation. Because it is several different tools, I never know where to look. With this in mind, I am hoping this site can serve as a repository of knowledge for my work. I sometime wish I had more time. There are so many cool ideas to try. Hopefully, I will have a chance to explore.
The blog is a minor feature for me. I always have good intentions for keeping it up but I always have trouble finding the time. We will see how this iteration goes. I am thinking that Hugo will make it easy. A lot of content here was done via my iPhone. Working Copy and Textastic are amazing apps and worth every penny.
If you’re like me, you’re constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest features to elevate your 3D prints from good to flawless.1 This relentless pursuit of perfection is the lifeblood of the 3D printing community, and it’s a spirit embodied by the team behind OrcaSlicer. More than just a piece of software, OrcaSlicer has established itself as a dynamic, open-source project at the vanguard of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology.2 It’s a slicer built by and for the community, characterized by a rapid development cycle that consistently delivers powerful, cutting-edge tools into our hands.
It is in this spirit of continuous innovation that the developers have released OrcaSlicer version 2.3.1 Alpha.1 This isn’t just a minor update; it’s a significant leap forward, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of slicing. This release is packed with enhancements that promise to refine our workflows and improve our print quality in tangible ways.
The 2.3.1 Alpha release is a treasure trove of new functionalities that address various aspects of the printing process. While this guide will focus on one revolutionary feature, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the breadth of improvements included in this update.1 The key additions are:
Each of these features deserves its own detailed exploration, and I plan to cover them in future articles and videos. However, the new flow calibration method represents such a fundamental shift in approach and offers such a significant improvement in accuracy and ease of use that it warrants a dedicated, comprehensive guide. My goal here is to provide a focused, exhaustive walkthrough that will empower you to master this new tool immediately, without wasting your time.1
For those who prefer a visual demonstration, I have created a complete video walkthrough that complements this written guide. You can watch it to see the entire process in action, from launching the test in OrcaSlicer to analyzing the physical prints.
Before we dive into the technical details, it’s important to understand the context of an “Alpha” release. In the world of open-source software, an alpha version is far more than just an early, potentially unstable preview. It represents a philosophical choice that lies at the heart of community-driven development.2 Unlike the closed, internal testing of proprietary software, a public alpha is a transparent invitation for the most engaged users to become active participants in the development process.
The OrcaSlicer project thrives on this collaborative model, offering not just stable releases but also “Nightly Builds” for those who want to test the absolute latest code.2 When you download and use OrcaSlicer 2.3.1 Alpha, you are not merely a consumer; you are a collaborator. The feedback you provide, particularly through well-documented bug reports, is invaluable data that helps the developers refine, debug, and perfect these new features before they are rolled into a stable release.1 This guide will not only show you how to use the new flow calibration but also how to responsibly contribute back to the project that provides these powerful tools for free.
To fully appreciate the brilliance of the new flow calibration method, we must first understand the limitations of the one it replaces. For a long time, flow rate calibration in OrcaSlicer (and many other slicers) involved printing a series of square patches, each with a different flow modifier.[4, 5] The top surface of these squares was printed with a simple diagonal line pattern, moving back and forth at a 45-degree angle.1
The process for determining the correct flow rate was almost entirely subjective. The official instruction was to run your fingers across the printed squares and select the one that felt the smoothest to the touch.1 While this method can work, its effectiveness is heavily dependent on the user’s experience and tactile sensitivity. A beginner might struggle to discern the subtle differences between patches, while even an expert’s judgment could be influenced by lighting or the specific texture of the filament. This subjectivity was the primary weakness of the old system, creating a barrier to achieving consistent, repeatable results.
The 2.3.1 Alpha release replaces the ambiguous diagonal pattern with a far more intelligent design: a concentric pattern based on an Archimedean chord.1 This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a fundamental re-engineering of the test based on geometric principles.
An Archimedean spiral is a shape defined by a path that moves away from a central point at a constant angular velocity. In simpler terms, the distance between each successive turn of the spiral remains constant. When the toolhead of a 3D printer traces this path, it should lay down a series of perfectly concentric lines with a uniform gap between them. This geometric purity is the key to the test’s effectiveness. Any deviation from the ideal amount of extruded filament—either too much or too little—will immediately disrupt this perfect, repeating pattern in a way that is visually and tactically obvious.
Unlike the old diagonal pattern, where over-extrusion might simply result in a slightly rougher surface, the Archimedean pattern provides clear, unmistakable evidence. This new test, as highlighted in the updated OrcaSlicer wiki, is now the recommended method for dialing in your flow rate.1
This evolution from a tactile, experience-based method to a visually explicit one represents more than just a technical upgrade; it’s a move that democratizes precision in 3D printing. It effectively lowers the barrier to entry for achieving one of the most critical calibrations, empowering users of all skill levels to diagnose and resolve extrusion issues with a newfound level of confidence.
The old method relied on an acquired skill—a developed “feel” for surface smoothness that created a knowledge gap between newcomers and seasoned veterans.1 The new test replaces this subjectivity with objective, observable data. Over-extrusion presents itself as distinct ridges where “the edge of the circle is really sticking out,” while under-extrusion creates clear “valleys” or gaps between the lines.1 These are not matters of opinion; they are measurable physical artifacts.
This aligns perfectly with OrcaSlicer’s overarching mission: to package “advanced calibration tools” within a “user-friendly interface” that supports a “wide printer compatibility”.2 By making a foundational calibration process like flow rate easier to perform and more reliable to interpret, the software empowers a much broader range of users to achieve superior print quality. It removes the gatekeeper of subjective “feel” and replaces it with the clarity of visual evidence. This new feature is a perfect encapsulation of the project’s philosophy: it doesn’t just add power for experts; it engineers that power in a way that elevates the entire community.
Before you jump into printing the new calibration test, a little preparation will ensure you get the most accurate results possible.
First, this test is designed to refine an existing flow rate, not to establish one from absolute zero. It is most effective when you start with a filament profile that is already reasonably well-configured. The calibration test works by applying small positive and negative modifiers to your filament’s current flow ratio setting. As the transcript notes, “it doesn’t reset it back to one. It’s based on what it’s currently set at”.1 So, if your filament profile’s flow ratio is already set to 0.98, the test chips will be modifiers based on that value.
Second, for the most scientifically accurate calibration, it’s crucial to follow the recommended order of operations. According to the official OrcaSlicer wiki, you should always calibrate temperature before calibrating flow rate.4 The temperature of your nozzle directly affects the viscosity of the filament, which in turn impacts how it flows. Dialing in your temperature first ensures that you are calibrating flow under the correct thermal conditions.
With your slicer open and your printer profile selected, launching the new test is straightforward.
You will see a series of small, square chips laid out on the build plate. Each chip is labeled with a modifier value, such as 0
, -0.01
, +0.01
, etc. This is the new, recommended test that utilizes the Archimedean pattern.1
Once the test plate is generated, simply slice it using the filament profile you wish to calibrate and send it to your printer. While it’s printing, prepare a well-lit area for inspection. Good lighting is critical for visually identifying the subtle surface differences between the test chips.
This is the most critical part of the process. Once the print is finished and has cooled, carefully remove it from the build plate. You will now analyze each chip, using both your eyes and your fingertips, to find the one that represents the “Goldilocks” zone of perfect extrusion.
Over-extrusion occurs when the printer pushes out too much filament. On the Archimedean pattern, this is incredibly easy to spot.
+0.03
, +0.05
) are most likely to exhibit these characteristics.Under-extrusion is the opposite problem: the printer is not pushing out enough filament to fill the toolpath completely.
-0.03
, -0.05
) are the primary candidates for this issue.Your goal is to find the single chip that is perfectly smooth, both visually and by feel.1
0
was the best, indicating my existing flow rate was already well-calibrated.1Once you have identified the best chip, updating your filament profile is incredibly simple. The value printed on the chip is the exact modifier you need to apply to your current flow ratio.
The logic is simple addition or subtraction:
+0.02
), you add that value to your current flow ratio.-0.03
), you subtract that value from your current flow ratio.0
chip, no changes are needed.Let’s use the concrete example from the transcript: imagine your filament’s flow ratio was set to 0.98
and you determined that the chip labeled +0.01
was the smoothest. Your new flow ratio would be $0.98 + 0.01 = 0.99$.1 This direct arithmetic is a significant improvement in user experience over older, more complex percentage-based formulas.[4, 5]
To make the change in OrcaSlicer:
Choosing to use alpha software is choosing to step onto the front lines of development. It’s a decision that reframes your role from a passive user to an active tester and contributor. Every print you run, every setting you tweak, provides real-world data that is impossible to replicate in a controlled lab environment. By engaging with these new features early, you are providing an invaluable service to the developers and the entire OrcaSlicer community. You are helping to forge the tools that everyone will be using in the next stable release.
Finding a bug in alpha software is not a failure; it’s a success. It’s an opportunity to contribute directly to the project’s improvement. However, the usefulness of your discovery depends entirely on the quality of your bug report. A vague or incomplete report is often unusable. To help you make the most impactful contributions, here is a checklist for submitting an effective bug report on the OrcaSlicer GitHub page, based directly on best practices.1
Step | Action | Why It’s Important |
---|---|---|
1 | Search First | Go to the OrcaSlicer GitHub “Issues” page and search to see if your bug has already been reported. |
2 | Provide Context | State the exact OrcaSlicer version (e.g., 2.3.1 Alpha), your Operating System (e.g., Windows 11, macOS Sonoma), and OS version. |
3 | Document Steps | Write a clear, numbered list of the exact steps required to reproduce the error. Be as specific as possible. |
4 | Include Your Setup | Mention the specific 3D printer profile you are using (e.g., Voron 2.4, Bambu Lab X1C, Creality Ender 3). |
5 | Add Visuals & Logs | Attach screenshots that clearly show the issue. If the slicer crashes, include the debug log file it generates. |
A well-structured bug report is one of the most powerful contributions a user can make to an open-source project. It transforms a moment of frustration into a constructive step toward a more robust and reliable piece of software for everyone. Despite its “Alpha” status, my own experience with version 2.3.1 has been that it “seems rock solid,” a testament to the quality of the developers’ work and likely the result of excellent community feedback during the nightly build phase.1
The introduction of the Archimedean chord flow calibration in OrcaSlicer 2.3.1 Alpha is a definitive step forward for precision 3D printing. By replacing a subjective, tactile test with a visually objective and geometrically intelligent one, OrcaSlicer has made a critical calibration process more accessible, repeatable, and accurate for users of all experience levels. It is a smarter test for a smarter slicer, and a perfect example of the thoughtful innovation that defines the project.
Your experience and feedback are what make the 3D printing community thrive. Now that you’ve learned about this new feature, I encourage you to join the conversation.
To continue your journey and become more involved with the OrcaSlicer project, here are the essential official resources. I strongly recommend bookmarking these to ensure you are always getting information from the primary source.
Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of my subscribers and members. Your support is what makes it possible for me to create in-depth content like this guide. Thank you for being a part of this community.1
Hey everyone! In my latest video, I dove deep into a 3D printing setting that often gets overlooked but makes a massive difference in your final prints: line width. For a long time, I was all about chasing faster print times, but I’ve come to realize that optimizing for quality and strength is well worth a few extra minutes – and line width is a key player in achieving just that [00:35].
What I Learned (and You Should Too!):
One of the biggest takeaways for me was just how much line width impacts the strength of your parts. Think about it: wider lines mean more material is laid down and there’s greater overlap between those lines, especially when it comes to printing walls. This significantly reduces those annoying little voids and makes your prints much more structurally sound [01:25], [03:06].
In the video, I specifically explored the line width settings within Orca Slicer. It’s pretty cool how much control you have, with options for the default width, the first layer, outer walls, and even the top surface [01:38].
Through my research (and a bit of trial and error!), I found that for a standard 0.4mm nozzle, bumping up the default line width to around 0.5mm (that’s 125%) seems to be a sweet spot. This aligns with recommendations in the Orca Slicer wiki and what others in the community are finding [05:10].
The best part? I was genuinely surprised at how little impact these adjustments had on the overall print time. The test print I showed in the video only took about 7 seconds longer with the optimized settings [10:06]. That’s a tiny trade-off for a noticeable improvement in quality!
Speaking of quality, I was really happy with how much cleaner the top surface looked after making these changes. You could see a real difference in how those layers blended together, resulting in fewer visible lines [11:22].
Oh, and here’s a little bonus tip I shared in the video: if you’re struggling with removing support material, try using a slightly thinner line width (smaller than your nozzle diameter) for your support structures. It makes them much easier to break away [08:37].
Give it a Shot!
Ultimately, what I wanted to show in this video is that taking the time to dial in your line width settings is well worth the effort. It’s all about finding that balance between print speed, the quality of your finished product, and the overall strength of your 3D prints [12:33].
Check out the full video for a more in-depth look and to see the results for yourself!
Watch the video here: Video Link
Let me know in the comments what line width settings you’ve found work best for you – I’m always learning! What else are you curious about in the world of 3D printing?
Have you ever wondered how fast your 3D printer can truly go? When I get a new printer or see a new model released, the first question that pops into my head is always, “How fast can I print with this thing?”
This post will explore how to determine the optimal print speed for your 3D printer, ensuring both speed and quality.
Ellis’s Print Tuning Guide provides valuable information and equations to calculate your extruder’s max flow rate. A simple test involves extruding a known length of filament at increasing speeds until you observe a noticeable drop in extrusion quality.
One of the key points that Ellis’ guide points out is that using approximate values (Table 1) is possible.
Hotend | Flow Rate (mm3/s) |
---|---|
E3D V6 | 11 |
E3D V6 Volcano | 20 |
E3D Revo | 11 |
Dragon SF | 15 |
Sailfish | 20 |
Dragon HF | 24 |
Dragonfly BMO | 13 |
Rapido HF | 24 |
Rapido UHF | 30 |
Mosquito | 20 |
Mosquito Magnum | 30 |
Bambu X1 | 35 |
Determine Max Flow Rate: Conduct tests as described above to find your extruder’s maximum volumetric flow rate. Set Volumetric Speed: Adjust the volumetric speed setting in your slicer software to match your calculated max flow rate. Optimize Print Profiles: Experiment with different print speed settings for various parts of the model, ensuring that the speeds for visible features do not exceed the calculated safe limit. Test and Iterate: Print test parts and adjust parameters based on the results. Observe print quality, part strength, and overall print time.
Model Size: Smaller models may not allow the printer to reach maximum speed due to acceleration and deceleration times.
Part Complexity: Complex models with intricate details may require slower print speeds to ensure accurate and high-quality results.
By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough testing, you can optimize your 3D printer’s print speed while maintaining excellent print quality and part strength.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always refer to your printer’s manual and manufacturer’s recommendations for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
I hope this guide helps you unlock your 3D printer’s full potential!
OrcaSlicer Logo
Photo: SoftFever
I am currently working on several projects this week. They include:
i recordedcan unboxing video on Sunday and I have begun building the Voron this week. I am working myvway through the assembly manual and wiol drop a vireo of rrame assembly next weekend.
I am working to add to my Orca Slicer tutorials th ok s week. i want to do a post on ideal settings for support (based on a viewer question) and do a video on my recommendation for seam settings.
As part of my job, I sometimes do STEM outreach with local schools. This usually involves taking a 3D printer and talking to kids (and parents) about STEM careers. Before I go to an event, I have gotten into the habit of 3D printing a bunch of print-in-place and flexi animals to give out. This week I am hoping to print 100 animals.
Voron Circuit Board Logo
Photo: Team FDM
I am currently working on several projects this week. They include:
I have started getting together my project website for my Voron build. One of the newer ideas I am trying is to create a project website. I am hoping that it makes it easier for me to save references and other links. I typically try to research a project before I begin and it will make it to asier to share my research.
With the Voron build, I have mostly saved basic references from the Voron site. I have also saved doc from the FormBot site. They appear to have some updated instructions for their kits.
I stumbled across this project a while ago. It seemed like an interesting conversion for my Ender 3 v2. This week I am going to work on adding a project website and printing the needed parts. The hardware cost less than $30 USD.
As part of my job, I sometimes do STEM outreach with local schools. This usually involves taking a 3D printer and talking to kids (and parents) about STEM careers. Before I go to an event, I have gotten into the habit of 3D printing a bunch of print-in-place and flexi animals to give out. This week I am hoping to print 100 animals.
M3DP Tools and Connections
Photo: Mike Wilson / CC-BY-CA
A while ago, I create the my Klipper Calibration Spreadsheet to help myself keep track of and remember various Klipper formulas to tune and improve my 3D prints. I decided to share the tools and i have received lots of requests to share the Spreadsheet. Rather than giving everyone access to edit my original sheet, I have recommended to everyone to “Make a Copy” of the sheet for their personal use. In a lot of cases this has caused some confusion. By making a copy, there is no way to any edits or updates I do to the tools.
Because of this (and my desire to do a little programming), I have put together the Klipper Calibration Website. The standalone site gives me an opportunity to create some useful tools and program. It also give me a way to create more detailed documentation and video links.
Another hope is that, because I am using Docsy, I can use the tie-ins with GitHub to allow the community to comment, make suggestions, and give feedback. I could than further refine the tools. It is my hope that this site will continue to evolve over time and include additional tools.