# 3D Cube Print: Why Do You Need to 3D print a calibration cube?
A calibrated 3D cube is a 3D-printed object designed to have accurate measurements and angles. It is typically used to calibrate 3D printers. They ensure that the printers are printing accurate and precise parts. The cube typically has several features, such as square faces, sharp edges, and 90-degree angles, making it ideal for measuring and testing the accuracy of a 3D printer. Manufacturers use these cubes to check for issues, such as - layer alignment, dimensional accuracy, and extrusion consistency.


Calibrated 3D cubes can be printed using different materials, such as plastic, metal, or ceramic depending on the printer and its capabilities. They can also come in different sizes and dimensions, such as 20mm, 30mm, or 50mm, depending on the requirements of the printer and the application. When using a calibrated 3D cube, it is crucial to ensure that it is printed at the correct temperature and speed to guarantee the most accurate results.

Calibrated 3D cubes are valuable for ensuring that 3D printers print accurate and precise parts. Their use is critical to properly calibrate the printer before printing a complex or intricate design. Calibrated 3D cubes can be used as a reference point for other 3D models, as a quality control tool, and to check if the printer is running correctly and producing consistent parts. They can also test and compare different printing materials and slicing settings. They are a simple yet effective way to check and maintain the accuracy of a 3D printer. They help save time and materials by identifying any issue before printing complex designs.
## When should you use a calibration cube?
A calibration cube can reveal the accuracy of the printer's axes and the presence or absence of common 3D printing issues like ghosting, elephant's foot, bed leveling, or extrusion problems. A calibration cube is typically 20mm x 20mm x 20mm and printed with geometric shapes. It tests the accuracy of the printer's layer height, dimensional accuracy, and overall print quality. For a recently bought 3D printer that has not yet been calibrated, it is a good idea to print and use a calibration cube. Make sure your bed is level before printing one; it could be the first print for your printer. If you observe that prints aren't the same size as their digital files in one or more directions, it could also be time to print a calibration cube.

A calibration cube is typically used at the beginning of a 3D printing project when the printer has been moved or has not been used for a while. It is also used when switching to a different type of filament or when experiencing issues such as warping, stringing, or poor layer adhesion. Regularly printing a calibration cube ensures that your printer is calibrated correctly and that your prints will come out as expected. Calibration is an essential step in the 3D printing process, and it can help improve the quality and accuracy of printed products. Additionally, using [3D modeling](https://www.selfcad.com) software like SelfCAD, which offers a built-in slicer, you can easily adjust and optimize the printing settings to achieve the best results.


Calibration cubes demonstrate the accuracy of the X, Y, and Z axes of a 3D printer by taking exact measurements of their length, width, and height. You can use a calibration cube to troubleshoot your 3D printer each time you are unsure of how accurately your stepper motors are moving. Additionally, printing a calibration cube is beneficial if you adjust your 3D printer. It ensures that the changes do not impair print quality. Sometimes, though, the issue may not even be with the 3D printer. It's a good idea to print a calibration cube if you're about to print an object that needs tight tolerances and a high level of precision or if it's the first product the printer has printed in a while. It ensures that the 3D printer can currently create the item with the appropriate level of accuracy.
## Why should you print the 3D calibration cube?
### It is crucial to 3D print a calibration cube for several reasons:
#### Printer calibration
A calibration cube ensures that a 3D printer is appropriately calibrated and produces accurate and precise parts. By comparing the dimensions and angles of the cube to the design specifications, errors or deviations are identified and corrected. Thus, 3D printing the cube is itself a test for the printer.
#### Quality control
A calibration cube acts as a quality control tool to ensure that the printer produces consistent parts. By printing the cube multiple times, any variations in the print quality can be identified and addressed.
#### Material testing

A calibration cube can help test different printing materials and slicing settings. By printing the cube with various materials and settings, the optimal settings for a specific material can be identified, which can help improve the overall print quality.
#### Reference point
A calibration cube can be used as a reference point for other 3D models and as a comparison tool to check if the printer is running correctly and producing invariant parts.
#### Time-saving
By identifying any issues before printing complex or intricate mechanical parts, the calibration cube can save time and materials by reducing the need to reprint defective parts.
## Interpreting the Calibration Cube's Measurements


Interpreting the calibration cube measurements involves measuring the dimensions of the printed cube and comparing them to the expected proportions. The calibration cube typically has several geometric shapes, such as squares, rectangles, and circles, that can test the accuracy of the printer's layer height, dimensional accuracy, and overall print quality.

The most common measurement to check is the length of the boundaries of the cube. You should measure the length of the edges with a caliper or a ruler and compare them to the expected dimensions. The cube should have edges of 20mm. If the measurement is off, it indicates a problem with the printer's calibration or the filament in use. There are occasions when one or more of the measures are off. For a side that should be 20 mm, you could receive a measurement of 19.9 mm. It might be worse: For a side that should measure 20 mm, you receive a measurement of 24.4 mm. If that is your case, the calibration cube has shown that the 3D printer requires some arithmetic and G-code tweaking to be calibrated.

Another important measurement is layer height. You can check the layer height by measuring the height of the top surface of the cube and the height of the bottom surface. The difference between these two measurements should be equal to the layer height. A consistent layer height will ensure that the print has a smooth finish. The dimensional accuracy can also be checked by measuring the angles, diagonals, and circles. The angles should be 90 degrees, the diagonals should be equal, and the circles should be round and have the correct diameter.

In addition, the overall print quality can be checked by looking at the surface finish of the cube. The surface should be smooth and free of visible layer lines, warping, or stringing. If there are any issues with the print quality, it may indicate a problem with the printer's settings or the filament being used.

## Best Software for 3D Modeling
There are a lot of 3D modeling software available that one can use to create 3D models, but we recommend using SelfCAD as it’s easier to use and powerful at the same time. The user-interface and the tools are arranged well on the workspace making it easier for one to locate each tool easily. There are interesting tools like freehand drawing and sketching that are useful in creating 3D models from scratch. The image to 3D tool is handy in turning any 2D image into a 3D model.

In addition to 3D modeling tools, the software also comes with a powerful 3D rendering software that you can use to generate realistic renders of your designs that are helpful in marketing. If you would like to prepare your designs for 3D printing, you can use the online slicer of the software to do the job. The slicer of SelfCAD is compatible with most of the commonly available FDM 3D Printers and you can get started easily.

## Conclusion
In conclusion, 3D printing a calibration cube is a crucial step in the 3D printing process, as it helps ensure that the printer produces accurate and consistent parts. Calibration cubes are designed to have precise measurements and angles, which makes them ideal for measuring and testing the accuracy of a [3D printer](https://3dprintingkenya.com/top-10-best-3d-printers/). They can be used to check for issues such as layer alignment, dimensional accuracy, and extrusion consistency. They also act as a quality control tool to ensure that the printer is accurately calibrated.