Many 3D printing hobbyists want to be able to use temperature towers for optimal 3D prints but need to figure out how as the tool can be complicated for those that are just starting.
To use a temperature tower for optimal 3D prints, you can either use the calibration shapes plugin in Cura or download a separate temperature tower from a website such as Thingiverse. Using an online calibration tool is another possible solution to generate a temperature tower for 3D prints.
Keep reading for more information on how to use a temperature tower for optimal 3D prints.
How to Use a Temperature Tower for Optimal 3D Prints
These are the main ways to use a temperature tower for optimal 3D prints:
Use the calibration shapes plugin in Cura
Download a separate temperature tower
Generate a temperature tower from Teaching Tech
Use the Calibration Shapes Plugin in Cura
One of the most popular ways to use a temperature tower for optimal 3D prints is by using the Calibration Shapes plugin available in Cura.
You can find the plugin over at the Marketplace on Cura and it is recommended to close the software and reopen it to initialize the plugin correctly after installation. After installation, the plugin can be found by going to “Extensions” and then “Part Calibration”.
These are the steps to the plugin in Cura to get a temperature tower for optimal printing:
Open Cura, access the plugin, and click on “Add PLA Temp Tower”.
Configure the temperature tower script by going to Extensions > Post Processing > Modify G-Code.
Add a script by scrolling down and selecting “Temp Fan Tower”.
Adjust the settings in the script window based on your specific requirements.
Subtract the number of base layers from the total number of layers and divide it by the number of temperature changes to calculate the interval.
Input the calculated values into the script window for temperature changes and layer intervals.
Match the printing temperature and initial layer temperature in the settings to the first temperature of your test tower.
Slice the model and print the temperature tower to analyze the results.
It is recommended to remove the script from the window before slicing another model to avoid unintended temperature changes.
One user stated that this is a great method to help people test different temperatures for each filament without too much trouble. Another user was having problems trying to print an optimal temperature tower by manually updating the G-Code.
Using the Cura temperature tower method solved his problem and allowed him to deal with a new filament that was giving him problems.
One 3D printing hobbyist stated that while you have to work around some quirks, the plugin works very well. He said that the ability to create calibration models inside the slicer can be very useful.
Check out the video below for more information on how to use this method.
Download a Separate Temperature Tower
Another possible method is downloading a separate temperature tower from websites like Thingiverse.
These are the steps to download a separate temperature tower for optimal 3D prints:
Find and download a suitable temperature tower model from Thingiverse.
Import the temperature tower model into your preferred slicing software.
Adjust the print settings according to your preferences.
Generate the G-code for the temperature tower model.
Print the temperature tower and observe the temperature changes.
Analyze the results to determine the optimal temperature range.
Users recommend downloading the Temp Tower PLA, ABS, PETG, which is available on Thingiverse for free.
This temperature tower comes with STL files and G-codes for different filaments and temperatures.
One user stated that he just grabs the G-code file for the filament he is using from the Temp Tower model available on Thingiverse and it usually works pretty well.
Users also recommend the Smart Compact Temperature Calibration Tower, which can also be downloaded for free on Thingiverse. They stated that it works really well to get some optimal 3D prints.
Check out the video below for more information about this method.
Generate a Temperature Tower From Teaching Tech
In addition to using plugins in slicing software like Cura or downloading temperature tower models, another way to create a temperature tower for optimal 3D prints is through online calibration tools. One popular tool is available on the website Teaching Tech Calibration Tool.
Here are the steps with this tool to make temperature towers for optimal 3D prints.
Open the website and scroll down to the “Temperature Tower” section.
Select your nozzle diameter and layer height from the drop-down menu.
Adjust the temperature increment you want for the temperature changes.
Adjust settings such as retraction speed, bed temperature, and feedrate.
Click on the “Download G-Code” to get your file.
Download and import the G-Code or STL file into your slicing software.
Configure the print settings, including layer height, infill density, and support structures, according to your preferences.
Print the temperature tower to analyze the results.
One user stated that he prefers the Teaching Tech generator to any other way to make temperature towers.
Another user also recommends using online calibration tools such as the one available on Teaching Tech’s website. He stated that besides the temperature tower, there are other tools available on the website to help you get some optimal 3D prints.
Check out the video below for more information about using online calibration tools.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
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