Ten 3D Printable Calibration & Test Print Things

When I got my first 3D printer it came preloaded with a small 1″ x 1″ square 3D model that was intended to calibrate and test the printer. Over the years I’ve probably ended up printing this small model dozens and dozens of times. Whenever I change filaments, try different types of filaments or do any sort of work on my printer I make one, just to clear out the nozzle, make sure everything is working and that the printing temperature is optimal. The result is fewer failed prints, but it has also means that I have a big jar full of these small squares that I have nothing to do with.

While I was researching my Benchy list from a few weeks ago I got the idea to start looking for some small models that served the same purpose as my little square but could actually serve a second purpose. As usual I wasn’t disappointed and I was provided plenty of great options for small, easy test prints and decided to share a list of the best of them with you.

Here are Ten 3D Printable Calibration & Test Print Things:

JENGA CALIBRATION BLOCKS

iMakr Jenga calibration block by Chefmaki

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

This was the model that I decided to use as my new test print and i’m already a third of the way to a full Jenga set. There is also plenty of room to write down the material name and printing temperature for easy future reference.

CALIBRATION DICE

20 mm CALIBRATION DICE CUBE by Chocarrat

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

You can never have enough dice, at least i’ve never found an amount of dice that’s too much to have, so these 3D printable dice are a great way to test and calibrate your printer. This little die seemed pretty well-balanced when I printed it at 20% infill, and I would happily use these dice in a game.

BUILDING BLOCKS

CALIBLOCK – Calibration Print Toy by tempo502

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

If you’re looking for a more complicated and difficult test print then the CaliBlock is just what you’re looking for. The print is a literal torture test for most 3D printers, but if you make enough of them you’ll have a set of interconnecting building blocks. But before you start printing these guys make sure that you read the designer’s notes and printing directions because they’re a bit fussy.

CALIBRATION SHEEP

Calibration Sheep by rulzAT

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

These cute little flat sheep are a small and easy print that is perfect for testing bed adhesion, printing temperature or bed calibration. The designer created a version of the model with a hole in it so they can easily be made into jewelry or keychains.

CALIBRATION CAT

Cali Cat – The Calibration Cat by Dezign

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

I legitimately wish that my 3D printer had come preloaded with a calibration cat because I would love it if I had a jar full of these cute little critters.

ROCKET SHIP

AstroPrint Rocket by AstroPrint

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

The AstroPrint Rocket is a great alternative benchmark test model. it has several overhangs, curves and fine detailed parts, so it’s really going to push the limits of your printer. Like the Benchy, it’s also a great model to keep handy as a small gift or a demonstration of your printer’s capabilities.

CALIBRATION TEMPLE

Calibration temple by BrunoBellamy

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

Another great test print option is this simple but tough to print temple. With a bunch of arches, columns, steps and fine details, your printer is going to need to be in top form to make one of these. There is also a dual extrusion version available!

MOVABLE ALPACA

Tika Alpaca by Mika Yeap

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

This little alpaca is probably a little more involved than most benchmark prints, but I’ve found that a great way to test out printing temperatures is to print a model that has movable parts that print in place. If the parts don’t move or need to be forced then your printing temperature may be set too high, and if it’s just right then you have an adorable, posable alpaca!

POLYPEARL TOWER

PolyPearl Tower Torture Test by Polymaker_3D

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

If rockets or temples aren’t you thing, then maybe the PolyPearl Tower is more up your alley. This great 3D printer torture test is based on the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, but it’s been designed to be your printer’s worst nightmare.

PUZZLE

Printer Clearance Test Puzzle by Devin Montes

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

Repurposing test prints as a puzzle is one of my favorite alternative test print ideas, and it’s really going to test your printer’s accuracy if you want the parts to fit together tightly. There are 4 different pieces and each one has a different, slightly more difficult clearance.

That’s it for this week! What are your favorite benchmark test prints? Let us know in the comments below.

As always, you can email me your feedback and theme suggestions, and I always love to see what 3D printing projects you’ve been working on. You can find me on Twitter @SJGrunewald, so say hi and feel free show off what you printed. Tag it #103DPthings and you’ll get a RT.