Print Settings Calculators

Print settings have a massive impact on quality, strength, and speed. The most fundamental choice is layer height, which our Layer Height Calculator helps you optimise based on your nozzle diameter. A standard 0.4 mm nozzle works well between 0.08 mm and 0.28 mm layer heights. Lower values give smoother surfaces for miniatures and detailed models, while higher values speed up functional parts dramatically. The Nozzle Size Calculator helps you decide whether switching to a 0.6 mm or 0.8 mm nozzle would better suit your typical prints, particularly useful for large structural parts where detail is less important.

Speed and flow are closely linked. Our Print Speed Calculator determines the maximum speed your hot end can sustain based on its volumetric flow rate, which typically ranges from 10-15 mm3/s for a standard V6 hot end up to 30+ mm3/s for high-flow units like the Revo or Rapido. The Flow Rate Calculator shows the exact volumetric throughput for any combination of speed, layer height, and line width. Getting retraction right is crucial for clean prints without stringing. The Retraction Calculator provides starting values based on whether you run a direct drive or Bowden setup, with Bowden tubes typically needing 4-7 mm of retraction compared to 0.5-2 mm for direct drive.

Wall thickness, infill, and cooling complete the picture. The Wall Thickness Calculator multiplies your perimeter count by line width to show exact wall dimensions, while the Infill Calculator estimates how different infill percentages and patterns affect material usage and print duration. The Cooling Calculator is essential for printing overhangs and small features, calculating the minimum layer time and fan speed needed to prevent sagging. Finally, the First Layer Calculator dials in the slightly squished first layer settings, typically 150-200% line width at 50-70% speed, that ensure strong bed adhesion. The Print Time Estimator ties everything together, giving you a time estimate before you commit to a long print.