How to Do a Temperature Tower Test in 3D Printing

A temperature tower test in 3D printing involves printing a single model divided into sections, each printed at a different temperature to observe quality differences. You adjust the printer's temperature at set heights during the print to identify the optimal temperature for your filament.

Syntax

A temperature tower test requires a 3D model designed with multiple segments, each representing a temperature step. You set the printer to change the nozzle temperature at specific layer heights during printing.

• Model: A tower split into sections for different temperatures.
• Temperature steps: The range of temperatures you want to test (e.g., 190°C to 230°C).
• Layer height triggers: The layer numbers or heights where the temperature changes.
• G-code commands: Use M104 or M109 to set temperatures at specific layers.

gcode

; 
; Example G-code snippet to change temperature at layer 50
; Layer 0-49 at 210°C
; Layer 50+ at 220°C

; Layer change command
G1 Z10.0 F3000 ; move to layer 50 height
M104 S220 ; set temperature to 220°C
M109 S220 ; wait for temperature to stabilize

Example

This example shows how to set up a temperature tower test by changing the nozzle temperature every 10 mm of height during printing. The tower is divided into four sections with temperatures 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, and 230°C.

gcode

; 
; Temperature Tower Test G-code Example
; Start printing at 200°C
M104 S200 ; set initial temperature
M109 S200 ; wait for temperature

; Print first 10mm
G1 Z10.0 F3000

; Change to 210°C
M104 S210
M109 S210

; Print next 10mm
G1 Z20.0 F3000

; Change to 220°C
M104 S220
M109 S220

; Print next 10mm
G1 Z30.0 F3000

; Change to 230°C
M104 S230
M109 S230

; Continue printing rest of tower

Output

Printer nozzle temperature changes at 10mm, 20mm, and 30mm heights, producing four tower sections each printed at a different temperature.

Common Pitfalls

• Not waiting for temperature stabilization: Skipping M109 causes printing before the nozzle reaches the new temperature, leading to poor layer quality.
• Incorrect layer height triggers: Setting temperature changes at wrong heights can mix temperature zones.
• Using too large temperature steps: Large jumps make it hard to find the best temperature.
• Ignoring filament type: Different filaments need different temperature ranges.

gcode

; Wrong way: Changing temperature without waiting
M104 S220 ; set temperature
; printing continues immediately, nozzle not hot yet

; Right way: Wait for temperature
M104 S220
M109 S220 ; wait until nozzle reaches 220°C

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Details
1	Prepare model	Use a tower model split into sections for temperature changes
2	Choose temperature range	Select start and end temperatures based on filament specs
3	Set layer heights	Decide at which layers to change temperature
4	Edit G-code	Insert M104 and M109 commands at layer changes
5	Print and observe	Look for best surface finish and layer bonding at each section

Key Takeaways

Print a tower model with sections at different temperatures to test filament behavior.

Use G-code commands M104 and M109 to change and wait for nozzle temperature at specific layers.

Wait for temperature stabilization before continuing to print each section.

Choose temperature steps small enough to notice quality differences but wide enough to cover the range.

Observe the printed tower to find the temperature with the best surface quality and layer adhesion.