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OrcaSlicer 2.3.1 Alpha Just Dropped & How to Use the New Flow Rate Calibration

Aug 24, 2025

Wilson M

Maintainer

Mike Wilson

Founder & Lead Engineer

Mastering Extrusion: A Deep Dive into OrcaSlicer’s New Archimedean Flow Calibration

From Subjective Guesswork to Visual Precision: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your Flow Rate with the OrcaSlicer 2.3.1 Alpha Feature

The Next Evolution in Slicing: Introducing OrcaSlicer 2.3.1 Alpha

The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection

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.

A Glimpse of the Future: What’s New in Version 2.3.1 Alpha?

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:

A new sparse infill rotation system for stronger, more efficient internal structures.
Substantial changes and improvements to the fuzzy skin feature, offering more creative control over surface textures.
Integrated input shaping calibration for printers running Klipper firmware.
A new junction deviation calibration test for users with Marlin-based machines.
And, the focus of our deep dive today, a completely redesigned and more intuitive method for flow rate calibration.1

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

Multimedia Integration: Watch the Guide in Action

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.

The Philosophy of Alpha Releases in Open Source

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.

From Subjective Feel to Objective Data: A Paradigm Shift in Flow Calibration

The Old Way: Limitations of the Diagonal Surface Test

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.

Introducing the Archimedean Chord: A Smarter Pattern for a Smarter Slicer

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

The Democratization of Precision

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.

A Practical Guide: Dialing in Your Flow Rate with the New Test

Prerequisites and Setup

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.

Step 1: Launching the Calibration Test

With your slicer open and your printer profile selected, launching the new test is straightforward.

Navigate to the top menu bar.
Click on the “Calibration” dropdown.
Select “Flow Rate.” A new test plate will be automatically generated in your workspace.

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

Step 2: Printing and Initial Observation

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.

Step 3: Interpreting the Print – The Art of Sight and Touch

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.

Identifying Over-extrusion

Over-extrusion occurs when the printer pushes out too much filament. On the Archimedean pattern, this is incredibly easy to spot.

Visual Cues: Look for concentric circles where the edges are raised and pronounced. As the transcript describes, “the edge of the circle is really sticking out”.1 This happens because the excess plastic has nowhere to go and is forced upwards, creating distinct ridges. The surface may look overly glossy and lose fine detail.
Tactile Cues: When you run your finger across an over-extruded chip, it will feel bumpy and rough. You will be able to clearly feel the ridges formed by the excess filament. The chips with positive modifiers (e.g., +0.03, +0.05) are most likely to exhibit these characteristics.

Identifying Under-extrusion

Under-extrusion is the opposite problem: the printer is not pushing out enough filament to fill the toolpath completely.

Visual Cues: Look for visible gaps between the concentric lines. You may be able to see the layer below through these gaps. The transcript refers to these as “valleys” in the surface.1 The surface might also have a dull, matte, or unfinished appearance because the lines are not properly squishing together.
Tactile Cues: An under-extruded chip will feel textured or even hollow. Your finger will catch on the gaps between the lines, giving it a rough or scratchy feel. The chips with negative modifiers (e.g., -0.03, -0.05) are the primary candidates for this issue.

The “Goldilocks” Zone – Identifying the Optimal Result

Your goal is to find the single chip that is perfectly smooth, both visually and by feel.1

The Ideal Chip: The best chip will have a uniform, smooth top surface with a consistent, healthy shine.1 The concentric lines should be laid down perfectly next to each other with very little to no visible gaps. When you run your finger across it, it should feel almost like a single, solid surface. In my own testing for the video, the chip labeled 0 was the best, indicating my existing flow rate was already well-calibrated.1
An Important Nuance: It is crucial to understand one key detail from the official documentation: “it is okay to have a visible line between the inner and outer spiral”.1 The goal is not to create a completely fused, monolithic surface where the lines are indistinguishable. The perfect result is one that shows distinct lines laid down with “very little gap between” them.1 Do not mistake the faint line between toolpaths for under-extrusion. You are looking for the smoothest possible surface that is free of ridges (over-extrusion) and significant valleys (under-extrusion).

Step 4: Applying the Results and Updating Your Profile

Once 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:

If you picked a chip with a positive value (e.g., +0.02), you add that value to your current flow ratio.
If you picked a chip with a negative value (e.g., -0.03), you subtract that value from your current flow ratio.
If you picked the 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:

Go to the “Filament” tab in the left-hand panel.
Click the “Edit preset” icon next to your chosen filament profile.
In the filament settings window, scroll down until you find the “Flow Ratio” parameter.
Enter your newly calculated value.
Crucially, click the “Save” icon at the top of the window to save your changes to the profile. Forgetting this last step is a common mistake that will cause you to lose your newly calibrated value.

The Enabler’s Guide: Responsible Use of Alpha Software

You Are Now Part of the Development Team

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.

How to Submit an Effective Bug Report: A Checklist

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.

The Power of Community Feedback

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

Conclusion, Community, and Further Resources

Summary: A Step Forward for Precision

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.

Join the Conversation: A Call to Action

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.

Have you tried the new flow test? What were your results? Is there another new feature in the 2.3.1 Alpha release that you feel I should highlight in a future guide? As I always say, “just leave me a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can”.1
If you found this guide valuable, please consider giving it a few ‘claps’ here on Medium. This is a simple, free way to show your support, and it helps the platform’s algorithm show this article to more people who might benefit from it.
For more deep dives, tutorials, and the latest updates in 3D printing and OrcaSlicer, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on Medium.1

The OrcaSlicer Ecosystem: References and Further Reading

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.

Official OrcaSlicer GitHub Repository: This is the home of the project. Here you can download the latest stable and alpha releases, read the full release notes, and report bugs.2
Official OrcaSlicer Wiki: An invaluable resource for detailed documentation on all of OrcaSlicer’s features, including the main Calibration page which provides a broader overview of the entire tuning process.4
Official OrcaSlicer Discord Server: The best place to engage with the community in real-time, ask questions, and get support from fellow users and the developers themselves.2

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

Level Up Your Prints: Why Line Width is Your 3D Printing Secret Weapon

May 3, 2025

Wilson M

Maintainer

Mike Wilson

Founder & Lead Engineer

Level Up Your Prints: Why Line Width is Your 3D Printing Secret Weapon

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?

Extrusion Rate Smoothing in OrcaSlicer

Apr 18, 2025

Wilson M

Maintainer

Mike Wilson

Founder & Lead Engineer

Extrusion Rate Smoothing in OrcaSlicer: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding and Optimizing Your 3D Prints

3D printing involves a lot of intricate settings to achieve the best possible results. One of the advanced features in Orcaslicer that can significantly impact print quality is extrusion rate smoothing. This post will explore what it is, why it’s important, and how to use it effectively.

What is Extrusion Rate Smoothing?

Extrusion rate smoothing, similar to Prusaslicer’s pressure equalizer, is a feature that limits the rate of extrusion volume change below a certain threshold. In simpler terms, it helps Orcaslicer manage how much plastic needs to be pushed out by the extruder. Think of it as gently applying the brakes in a car rather than jamming them on. It smooths out the start and stop of extrusion, especially during speed changes at corners and bridges.

Why Use Extrusion Rate Smoothing?

Consistent Extrusion: It leads to more consistent extrusion, particularly at high speeds.
Reduced Inconsistencies: It helps eliminate inconsistencies during speed changes, such as at corners
Aids Pressure Advance: It works in conjunction with pressure advance for better results.
Smoother Finishes: Contributes to smoother surface finishes.

The Mechanics Behind It

During printing, the printer constantly speeds up and slows down, especially at corners and overhangs. These speed changes necessitate changes in the amount of plastic being pushed out. Sudden changes can be difficult for the extruder and firmware to handle, leading to artifacts like bumps and bulges. Extrusion rate smoothing creates speed ramps, gently slowing down before a change and gradually speeding up afterward. This makes it easier for the extruder to keep up, reducing unwanted artifacts.

Extrusion Rate Smoothing, Pressure Advance, and the Motion Planner

The printer’s firmware has a motion planner that interprets speed change commands and translates them into motor movements. Pressure advance calculates the necessary slowdown to reach the target speed. Extrusion rate smoothing regulates the pressure changes, creating a smooth ramp-up and ramp-down of pressure. Without it, sudden speed changes can cause blobs and artifacts.

Using Extrusion Rate Smoothing in OrcaSlicer

In OrcaSlicer, the extrusion rate smoothing settings can be found in the speed section of the process parameters. These settings include segment length and an option to apply it only to external features.

To determine the appropriate values, you can refer to the OrcaSlicer wiki or use my [Klipper Calibration spreadsheet(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LlSHsa86RuT_btswmDsmQp0LrTJ9U0HJcRhorsqz1ug/edit?usp=sharing)]. The spreadsheet helps calculate the maximum ERS value based on parameters like outer wall acceleration, line width, and layer height. It’s recommended to start with an experimental value between 60% and 80% of the maximum calculated ERS.

Important Considerations

A lower ERS value means more aggressive smoothing, and a higher value means less smoothing.
If the ERS value exceeds the maximum, it won’t be applied.
Extrusion rate smoothing is most useful for high accelerations and large flow rates, such as on a Voron with a high flow hotend and when pressure advance is set.
For Bowden printers, especially with flexible filaments, a lower ERS value is generally better. Direct drive printers can typically use higher values.
This value may need to be adjusted when changing acceleration or if you notice inconsistencies.
It’s a user-determined value, so experimentation is key.
Potential downsides include increased print time (though this is rare) and a possible loss of fine detail in some cases.
Crucially, extrusion rate smoothing won’t solve problems caused by an improperly calibrated printer.

Key Takeaways

The ERS value sets the maximum rate of change for extruded plastic, not the extrusion speed itself.
Start with recommended values (60-80% of the maximum) and increment by 10%.
Use low rates for Bowden setups with flexible filaments and higher rates for direct drive.
Pay close attention to overhangs to assess the effect of the setting.
Don’t exceed the maximum ERS value.
If using Klipper, calibrate pressure advance before adjusting extrusion rate smoothing.

Extrusion rate smoothing is a powerful tool in OrcaSlicer for optimizing print quality. By understanding its mechanics and how to adjust the settings, you can achieve smoother, more consistent 3D prints.

3D Printing and Max Volumetric Speed

Jan 1, 2025

Wilson M

Maintainer

Mike Wilson

Founder & Lead Engineer

Finding Your 3D Printer’s Sweet Spot - A Guide to Maximizing Print Speed

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.

Factors Influencing Print Speed

Print Parameters

Infill: While not a major time-saver, adjusting infill patterns and density can slightly reduce print time.
Wall Thickness: Reducing the number of walls can significantly decrease print time, but it can also compromise the model’s strength.
Layer Height: Increasing layer height generally speeds up printing, but it can also affect print quality and part strength.
Other Parameters: Factors like print speed, infill density, and layer height also impact the mechanical properties of the printed part, according to research. Finding the balance between speed and strength is crucial.

Extruder Limitations

Max Flow Rate: Each extruder has a maximum flow rate, which determines how much filament it can push out per second. Exceeding this limit leads to inconsistent extrusion, poor print quality, and weaker parts.

Determining Max Flow Rate

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

Finding the Sweet Spot

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.

Important Considerations

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!

Ender 3 S1 Plus (e3s1p) Klipper Config

Jan 1, 2025

Wilson M

Maintainer

Mike Wilson

Founder & Lead Engineer

# !Ender-3 S1 Plus
# printer_size: 300x300x300
# This file contains pin mappings for the stock 2021 Creality Ender 3
# S1 & S1 Pro. To use this config, check the STM32 Chip on the
# Mainboard, during "make menuconfig" select accordingly either the
# STM32F103 with "28KiB bootloader" or the STM32F401 with
# "64KiB bootloader" and serial (on USART1 PA10/PA9) for both.

# For a direct serial connection, in "make menuconfig" select
# "Enable extra low-level configuration options" and  Serial
# (on USART2 PA3/PA2), which is on the 10 pin IDC cable used

# Flash this firmware by copying "out/klipper.bin" to a SD card and
# turning on the printer with the card inserted. The filename
# must be changed to "firmware.bin"

# With STM32F401, you might need to put "firmware.bin" in a
# folder on the SD card called "STM32F4_UPDATE" in order to flash.

# See docs/Config_Reference.md for a description of parameters.


###fluidd set
[include cx_printer.cfg]

[display_status]

[pause_resume]

[gcode_macro PAUSE]
description: Pause the actual running print
rename_existing: PAUSE_BASE
# change this if you need more or less extrusion
variable_extrude: 1.0
gcode:
  ##### read E from pause macro #####
  {% set E = printer["gcode_macro PAUSE"].extrude|float %}
  ##### set park positon for x and y #####
  # default is your max posion from your printer.cfg
  {% set x_park = printer.toolhead.axis_maximum.x|float - 5.0 %}
  {% set y_park = printer.toolhead.axis_maximum.y|float - 5.0 %}
  ##### calculate save lift position #####
  {% set max_z = printer.toolhead.axis_maximum.z|float %}
  {% set act_z = printer.toolhead.position.z|float %}
  {% if act_z < (max_z - 2.0) %}
      {% set z_safe = 2.0 %}
  {% else %}
      {% set z_safe = max_z - act_z %}
  {% endif %}
  ##### end of definitions #####
  PAUSE_BASE
  G91
  {% if printer.extruder.can_extrude|lower == 'true' %}
    G1 E-{E} F2100
  {% else %}
    {action_respond_info("Extruder not hot enough")}
  {% endif %}
  {% if "xyz" in printer.toolhead.homed_axes %}
    G1 Z{z_safe} F900
    G90
    G1 X{x_park} Y{y_park} F6000
  {% else %}
    {action_respond_info("Printer not homed")}
  {% endif %}

[gcode_macro RESUME]
description: Resume the actual running print
rename_existing: RESUME_BASE
gcode:
  ##### read E from pause macro #####
  {% set E = printer["gcode_macro PAUSE"].extrude|float %}
  #### get VELOCITY parameter if specified ####
  {% if 'VELOCITY' in params|upper %}
    {% set get_params = ('VELOCITY=' + params.VELOCITY)  %}
  {%else %}
    {% set get_params = "" %}
  {% endif %}
  ##### end of definitions #####
  {% if printer.extruder.can_extrude|lower == 'true' %}
    G91
    G1 E{E} F2100
  {% else %}
    {action_respond_info("Extruder not hot enough")}
  {% endif %}
  RESUME_BASE {get_params}

[gcode_macro CANCEL_PRINT]
description: Cancel the actual running print
rename_existing: CANCEL_PRINT_BASE
gcode:
  TURN_OFF_HEATERS
  {% if "xyz" in printer.toolhead.homed_axes %}
    G91
    G1 Z4.5 F300
    G90
  {% else %}
    {action_respond_info("Printer not homed")}
  {% endif %}
    G28 X Y
  {% set y_park = printer.toolhead.axis_maximum.y|float - 5.0 %}
    G1 Y{y_park} F2000
    M84
  CANCEL_PRINT_BASE

[stepper_x]
step_pin: PC2
dir_pin: PB9
enable_pin: !PC3
rotation_distance: 40
microsteps: 16
endstop_pin: !PA5
position_min: -5
position_endstop: -5
position_max: 305
homing_speed: 80

[stepper_y]
step_pin: PB8
dir_pin: PB7
enable_pin: !PC3
rotation_distance: 40
microsteps: 16
endstop_pin: !PA6
position_min: -2
position_endstop: -2
position_max: 305
homing_speed: 80

[stepper_z]
step_pin: PB6
dir_pin: !PB5
enable_pin: !PC3
rotation_distance: 8
microsteps: 16
endstop_pin: probe:z_virtual_endstop           #enable to use bltouch
#endstop_pin: !PA15                #disable to use bltouch
#position_endstop: -0.1
position_min: -10
position_max: 305
homing_speed: 4
second_homing_speed: 1
homing_retract_dist: 2.0

[extruder]
max_extrude_only_distance: 1000.0
step_pin: PB4
dir_pin: PB3
enable_pin: !PC3
rotation_distance: 7.74
microsteps: 16
nozzle_diameter: 0.400
filament_diameter: 1.750
heater_pin: PA1
sensor_type: EPCOS 100K B57560G104F
sensor_pin: PC5
#control: pid
# tuned for stock hardware with 200 degree Celsius target
#pid_Kp: 23.904
#pid_Ki: 1.476
#pid_Kd: 96.810
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 265

[idle_timeout]
timeout: 172800

[heater_bed]
heater_pin: PA7
sensor_type: EPCOS 100K B57560G104F
sensor_pin: PC4
#control: pid
# tuned for stock hardware with 50 degree Celsius target
#pid_Kp: 74.000
#pid_Ki: 1.965
#pid_Kd: 696.525
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 130


[verify_heater extruder]
check_gain_time: 200
hysteresis: 5

[fan]
pin: PA0
kick_start_time: 0.5

#set heater fan runnig with temperature over 60;
[heater_fan my_nozzle_fan]
pin: PC0
max_power: 0.8
shutdown_speed : 0
heater:extruder
heater_temp : 60
fan_speed : 1.0


[mcu]
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb_serial_1
restart_method: command

# [mcu rpi]
# serial: /tmp/klipper_host_mcu

# [adxl345]
# cs_pin: rpi:None
# spi_speed: 2000000
# spi_bus: spidev2.0

# [resonance_tester]
# accel_chip: adxl345
# accel_per_hz: 70
# probe_points:
#     150,150,10

[input_shaper]
shaper_type_x = mzv
shaper_freq_x = 59.2
shaper_type_y = mzv
shaper_freq_y = 30.0

[filament_switch_sensor filament_sensor]
pause_on_runout: true
switch_pin: ^!PC15


[bltouch]
sensor_pin: ^PC14       #signal check port ^stand for pull up
control_pin: PC13       #singal control prot
x_offset: -30.0
y_offset: -40.0
#z_offset: 0          #z off_set configuration
stow_on_each_sample = false #high speed for bltoch,
speed: 3.0
samples: 2
samples_result: median
sample_retract_dist: 6.0
samples_tolerance: 0.01
samples_tolerance_retries: 3

[safe_z_home]
home_xy_position:185,195
speed: 200
z_hop: 10
z_hop_speed: 10

[bed_mesh]
speed: 150
mesh_min: 25,30         #need to handle head distance with bl_touch
mesh_max: 273,250       #max probe range
probe_count: 5,5
fade_start: 1
fade_end: 10
algorithm: bicubic

[bed_screws]
screw1: 25, 33
screw2: 262, 33
screw3: 262, 272
screw4: 25, 272


[gcode_arcs]
#resolution: 1.0

[printer]
kinematics: cartesian
max_velocity: 300
max_accel: 4000
max_z_velocity: 10
max_z_accel: 1000
square_corner_velocity: 5.0

[exclude_object]

[include timelapse.cfg]
[include cx_gmcro.cfg]