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Testing Overview
1.Goal
The goal for Profile Iterator is to provide guidance on the filament testing process, whether you are starting from the beginning or troubleshooting print defects. The iterative process of tuning and printing can be challenging when there are various settings in Ideamaker that can be tuned. This tool gives pointers on the main settings that are influencing print results based on the issues identified. Not only is this tool designed to help tune filaments, but it is also designed to provide a learning experience on print settings and the tuning process.
2.Basic Calibration and Feature Tests
To understand the different qualities of 3D printed parts, it is important to know the factors affecting the print result. Aside from the hardware and firmware that the printer uses, print settings directly influence how the filament gets extruded to form the layers of the model. Some settings affect the print globally while others target specific features of the model. During the testing process, it is best to tune in the basic calibrations for temperature and flowrate before tackling specific features. However,there are occasions where these global settings need to be slightly adjusted later in the testing process based on the results with other settings tuned. The testing process can become iterative and time consuming, but it helps you achieve higher quality prints. The more familiar you become with the printing behaviors and tuning choices the faster it will be to tune profiles.
3.Tests
1. Temperature Test

The goal of this test is to use a temperature tower model with sections labeled for printing at different temperatures to determine the best print temperature for the filament used. Each filament comes with a filament manufacturer recommended range, but the best temperature to print at varies from printer to printer. A quick test print with different temperatures will show the differences and help select the best one. For this test, you will download and print the sliced Gcode file generated for you. Use the guide to help select the best printing temperature.

2. Flowrate Test

The goal of this test is to use a 2 shell hollow cube for measuring the dimensional accuracy. Just because the extrusion width is set in the slicing profile does not always mean the actual printed width matches exactly. For this test, you will download and print the sliced Gcode file generated for you. Use a caliper to measure the widths and calculate the best flowrate.

3. Pressure Advance Test

The goal of this test is to use a pressure advance tower model with sections labeled for printing with different pressure advance values to determine the best value to use for your slicing profile. Filaments have varying elasticity that affects the extrusion behavior. The purpose of pressure advance is to compensate for the under extrusion at start of extrusion and over extrusion at end of extrusion, and this pressure advance value should improve the extrusion result, especially at the start and end points. For Marlin users, Linear Advance share a similar concept, so this test should still work. A quick test print with different pressure advance values will show the differences and help select the best one. For this test, you will download and print the sliced Gcode file generated for you. Use the guide to help select the best value.

4. Vertical Surface Test

The goal of this test is to use a small cylinder to check extrusion consistency. Consider this a test print to validate the temperature and flowrate settings. For this test, you will download and print the sliced Gcode file generated for you. Use the guided questions to identify print issues and find solutions.

5. Ghosting Test

The goal of this test is to use a small cube with logo to check ghosting or ringing. Because ghosting or ringing is more apparent on sharp corners and small details, the sides with logo will be observed. For this test, you will download and print the sliced Gcode file generated for you. Use the guided questions to identify ghosting and learn about the possible solutions for it.

6. Start/End Point Test

The goal of this test is to use a block peg to check start and end point quality. Whether the start and end points are positioned at a round surface or a sharp corner, this model lets you observe those results. For this test, you will download and print the sliced Gcode file generated for you. Use the guided questions to analyze start and end point quality and find solutions for improvement.

7. Top Surface Test

The goal of this test is to use a block peg that focuses on the top layers to check top surface quality. For this test, you will download and print the sliced Gcode file generated for you. Use the guided questions to identify any top surface issues and find solutions for it.

4. Test Model Downloads
1. Temperature Test File
2. Flowrate Test File *Need to change settings for two shell hollow cube
3. Pressure Advance Test File
4. Vertical Surface Test File
5. Ghosting Test File
6. Start End Points Test File
7. Top Surface Test File