What is the best / your process for tuning a new filament profile?  

What is the best / your process for tuning a new filament profile?

Is there a generally accepted best practice / process for calibration of a new filament that doesn't already have a profile? I'll share what I have found / do so far (though I'm new to this). Perhaps if there isn't a "duh" pretty much everyone does xyz answer then others can share what they do and we can take the best of those and put it into one reference.

I see a lot of different types of calibration models out there. Some that are specific to one aspect and some that are trying to be a combined all around test. It seems to me like you'd want to calibrate at least some parts of the configuration in some specific order and not try to have an all-in-one because you'd waste a lot of filament with trial and error. I have a Core One+ so  here's the process I found so far and use (not saying its the best):

Filament Calibration for Prusa Core One

The Prusa Core One uses automatic first-layer calibration via its LoadCell sensor, so manual Z-offset adjustments are generally unnecessary after initial setup. However, calibrating new filament involves tuning temperature, flow rate, and retraction settings for optimal print quality. 

 

Step-by-Step Filament Calibration Process

Start with a Generic Profile

  Use the default Prusa filament profile (e.g., PLA, PETG) in PrusaSlicer as a baseline. Most filaments work well out of the box with these settings. 

Print a Temperature Tower

  Use a temperature tower (e.g., from Printables or Thingiverse) to test optimal printing temperature.

  Print at 5°C intervals across the recommended range (e.g., 190–220°C for PLA).

  Evaluate print quality: look for stringing, under-extrusion, or over-extrusion.

  Select the temperature with the best balance of adhesion, layer definition, and minimal defects. 

Calibrate Extrusion Multiplier (Flow Rate)

  Print a single-walled hollow cube in vase mode (e.g., from Prusa’s calibration guide).

  Measure the wall thickness at multiple points and compare to the intended value (e.g., 0.45 mm, 0.8 mm).

  Adjust the extrusion multiplier in the filament profile until measured thickness matches target.

  Reprint to verify; aim for consistent, accurate flow (typically between 0.95–1.02). 

Test Retraction and Stringing

  Print a retraction test tower (e.g., from Thingiverse).

  Look for micro-holes or stringing between towers.

  If stringing occurs, adjust retraction distance (start with 4.5–5.5 mm) and retraction speed (50–60 mm/s).

  For PETG or flexible filaments, reduce retraction slightly or disable "wipe while retracting" to avoid scarring. 

Fine-Tune with Visual Tests

  Print a calibration kitty, flexi raptor, or overhang test to assess:

  Overhang performance (use Atom 80° overhang test).

  Layer adhesion and surface finish.

  Adjust print speed and cooling as needed—especially for high-temp filaments. 

Save Your Custom Profile

  After calibration, save the profile as a new filament preset (e.g., "BrandX-PLA-Red").

  This allows you to reuse settings confidently on future prints. 

✅ Pro Tip: Use PrusaSlicer’s built-in calibration tools or Superslicer (a PrusaSlicer fork) for automated test prints and streamlined workflows. 

 

⚠️ Note: The Core One’s LoadCell automatically handles first-layer height, so Live Adjust Z is not needed unless you’re troubleshooting adhesion issues. If problems persist, check the LoadCell alignment or print surface condition.