Why is it important to calibrate an FDM printer regularly?

Calibrating an FDM printer regularly is essential to ensure accuracy in dimensions and consistent print quality. This process involves adjusting various settings and components of the printer, such as the extruder, bed leveling, and stepper motor alignment. When a printer is well-calibrated, it can produce parts that match the intended design specifications closely, which is crucial for applications where precision is key, such as in engineering and prototyping.

Consistent print quality is also directly tied to calibration. When a printer is out of calibration, issues like warping, layer misalignment, or poor adhesion can occur, leading to defective prints. By maintaining proper calibration, users can achieve reliable and repeatable results, reducing the likelihood of failed prints and material waste.

While speed, filament usage, and ease of file uploads are important considerations for an FDM printer, they do not directly relate to the core purpose of calibration, which is fundamentally about achieving and maintaining high print fidelity and dimensional accuracy.