XYZ Calibration Cube - print quality check

This easy-to-read calibration cube helps you quickly check whether your printer is printing the correct size, in the correct direction, and with good quality — all in one short print.

The model includes clear X, Y, and Z letters in two thicknesses (regular and bold) so you can easily see problems, not just measure them.

See also:

Model details

• Overall size: 20 × 20 × 20 mm

• Letter height: 10 mm

• Letter depth (embossed): 1 mm

• Letters: X, Y, Z

• Each letter appears twice:

  • Regular style

  • Bold style on the opposite face

Recommended print settings

• Nozzle: 0.4 mm

• Layer height: 0.2 mm

• Infill: 15–20%

• Supports: Not needed

• Brim: Optional (helps beginners avoid first-layer issues)

Ideal for

• Beginners learning printer calibration

• First print on a new printer

• After printer maintenance or upgrades

• Quick quality comparison between printers or filaments

Why should you download and print this?

• To make sure your printer is accurate in all directions

• To spot common issues like:

  • incorrect scaling

  • elephant foot

  • uneven extrusion

  • poor detail quality

  • ringing or vibration

• To compare thin vs thick features without changing models

• To quickly check a printer after assembly, transport, or upgrades

This cube prints fast, uses little filament, and gives clear visual feedback even if you don’t own calipers.

How to evaluate the print

1. Check overall size (dimensions)

What to look for:

• Measure the cube with calipers (if available)

• Each side should be close to 20.00 mm

What a photo/diagram would show:

• Calipers measuring one edge of the cube

• Highlighted 20 mm dimension

What problems mean:

• Too large or too small → axis steps/mm or flow need adjustment

2. Inspect letter quality (regular vs bold)

What to look for:

• Regular letters should be sharp and readable

• Bold letters should be solid and evenly filled

What a photo/diagram would show:

• Side-by-side comparison of regular and bold letters

What problems mean:

• Regular letters messy → under-extrusion or low resolution

• Bold letters blobby → over-extrusion or too much flow

3. Look for ringing or ghosting

What to look for:

• Wavy lines or shadows around letters, especially on X or Y faces

What a photo/diagram would show:

• Close-up of repeated ripples near embossed letters

What problems mean:

• Printer vibrations

• Acceleration or speed too high

4. Check layer consistency (Z axis)

What to look for:

• Smooth, even layers

• No visible gaps or squishing

What a photo/diagram would show:

• Side view of Z face with evenly spaced layers

What problems mean:

• Z binding

• Incorrect layer height

• First-layer issues