Calibrating Flow Rate and First Layer on a New Filament Spool

Calibrating Flow Rate and First Layer on a New Filament Spool Every new spool — even same brand, same color — can vary slightly. Running a quick calibration takes 20 minutes and ensures consistent results. Step 1 — Measure the Filament Diameter Use digital calipers. Measure at 5 points along 50 cm of filament, rotate 90° at each point. Average your measurements. Enter in Orca Slicer → Filament → Filament diameter. Typical range: 1.70–1.75 mm. Cheap filament varies more. Step 2 — Flow Rate Calibration (Orca Slicer) 1. Calibration → Flow Rate 2. Print the flow rate test (two passes: coarse then fine) 3. Coarse: look for the number where the top surface looks smoothest — no gaps, no ridges 4. Enter that value, run fine calibration 5. Fine: same evaluation — pick smoothest result 6. Save as Flow ratio in the filament profile Step 3 — First Layer Calibration The first layer needs to be squished slightly into the bed: 1. Print a single-layer 100×100 mm square 2. Watch live — adjust Z offset (baby step Z) in real time: - Gaps between lines = too high, go more negative - Lines merging together flatly = too low, go less negative - Slight squish, lines just touching = correct Step 4 — Save and Note In Orca Slicer filament notes, write down: Flow ratio found Best Z offset for this spool Date purchased Any observations (stringing level, color accuracy, etc.) Quick Re-Check for Subsequent Spools Same brand, different batch? Just measure diameter and run a quick flow rate check — skip full Z offset re-calibration unless something changed mechanically.

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