How to Calibrate Extruder Steps for Accurate 3D Printing

To calibrate extruder steps, measure how much filament your extruder actually pushes versus how much it should push, then adjust the steps/mm value in your printer's firmware or control software accordingly. This ensures the extruder feeds the correct amount of filament for accurate printing.

Syntax

The main command to adjust extruder steps is M92 E<steps_per_mm>, where E stands for the extruder axis and steps_per_mm is the new calibrated value. After setting this, use M500 to save the setting to your printer's memory.

Example commands:

• M92 E95 sets extruder steps to 95 steps per millimeter.
• M500 saves the current settings.

gcode

M92 E<steps_per_mm>
M500

Example

This example shows how to measure and calculate the correct extruder steps per millimeter and update your printer settings.

plaintext

1. Mark 100mm of filament from the extruder entry point.
2. Use the command to extrude 100mm of filament: G1 E100 F100 (extrude 100mm at speed 100).
3. Measure the remaining filament from the mark to the extruder entry.
4. Calculate actual extruded length = 100mm - measured length.
5. Calculate new steps/mm: (current steps/mm) * (100 / actual extruded length).
6. Set new steps/mm with M92 E[new_value].
7. Save with M500.

Common Pitfalls

• Not measuring filament accurately: Use a precise ruler and mark filament carefully to avoid errors.
• Skipping saving settings: Forgetting M500 means changes are lost after reboot.
• Extruding too fast: Extrude slowly to avoid skipping steps or filament slipping.
• Ignoring temperature effects: Calibrate at your usual printing temperature for best results.

gcode

;; Wrong way (not saving):
M92 E95
;; Right way (save settings):
M92 E95
M500

Quick Reference

Steps to calibrate extruder steps:

• Mark 100mm filament from extruder entry.
• Extrude 100mm filament slowly.
• Measure actual filament used.
• Calculate new steps/mm = current steps/mm * (100 / actual extruded).
• Set new steps/mm with M92 E[value].
• Save settings with M500.

Key Takeaways

Measure filament extrusion precisely to find the correct extruder steps per millimeter.

Use the M92 E command to set new extruder steps and M500 to save them.

Extrude filament slowly during calibration to avoid errors.

Calibrate at your normal printing temperature for accurate results.

Always save your settings to prevent losing calibration after reboot.