What is the purpose of the calibration cube in FDM printing?

The calibration cube serves a critical role in FDM printing by allowing users to assess the dimensional accuracy of their 3D printer along with its various settings. When a calibration cube is printed, the dimensions of its edges and overall shape are measured against the expected dimensions. This helps identify any discrepancies in the printer’s performance that may arise from issues such as improper stepper motor calibration, incorrect slicer settings (such as scale and extrusion multiplier), or even mechanical misalignments.

Testing dimensional accuracy is essential for ensuring that parts will fit together as intended, especially in applications where precise tolerances are necessary, such as in functional prototypes or mechanical assemblies. By printing and measuring these calibration cubes, users can fine-tune their printers for optimal results, adjusting settings as needed to ensure that the output matches the specified dimensions.

While options related to color accuracy, filament flexibility, and layer adhesion are relevant aspects of 3D printing, they do not directly pertain to the primary objective of the calibration cube, which focuses solely on checking and confirming dimensions and printer settings.