Best 3D Printer Test Prints to Download and 3D Print
When it comes to calibrating 3D printers, there are what are called "torture" tests. Now, don't worry; it's not about hurting anyone. These tests are like a buddy to makers, helping them figure out how well their 3D printer works.
These tests are designed to check the different skills of your 3D printer. For instance, one test might show if your printer can make bridges or overhangs well. Some tests check how accurate the dimensions are or how smooth the surface is. Others look at settings like speed, temperature, or how layers are put down. And for resin printers, there are tests just for them too. Below are the 8 test prints to 3D print.
1. All-in-One
All-in-One 3D Printer Test: Image Source: thingverse.com
Dive into the world of 3D printing with this all-in-one test for your printer—it's straightforward and does exactly what it promises. This model covers overhangs, bridges, stringing, extrusion, temperature, and belt tension and puts your 3D printer through its paces. If you're up for a layered challenge (no pun intended), give this torture test a shot! Who's the mastermind behind this test? It's the brainchild of Majda107, bringing their expertise to the world of 3D printing challenges.
Are you curious about its popularity and usability? Well, over 220 Thingiverse users have showcased their attempts at this model. Explore a diverse range of both amusing failures and astonishing successes. With a bit of tweaking on your machine, you might just join the ranks of successful prints.
Download Link: Thingiverse.com.
2. 3DBenchy
Let's kick things off with a classic- 3DBenchy, the ultimate challenge for 3D printers. This little boat-shaped model checks everything, from how well the printer handles tricky angles to how smoothly it lays down layers.
If you're curious about your printer's skills, Benchy is your go-to guide. Printing a Benchy helps you figure out which settings need a tweak for flawless prints. Plus, having a few Benches near your printer is a clear sign that you're an experienced maker!
Who's the mastermind behind this design? It's the folks at CreativeTools. Over 4,000 makes of this model shared on various platforms. People all over the place have printed Benchy using tons of different machines and materials, resulting in a rainbow of colors.
Download link: Printables.com.
3. Octagon
Octagon 3D Printer Test: Image Source:thingverse.com
The calibration test has eight sides, and its center is empty. Each side focuses on specific challenges related to 3D printing. There are 21 different elements tested in total. These elements include negative space, dimensional accuracy, overhangs, warping, and spikes. The designer seems to have been very concerned about making sure each feature is the right size. The project's description mentions the specific lengths or sizes of each feature. Over 300 people have completed this calibration test. Many users find it useful for testing different aspects of print quality. The designer is referred to as "Ctrl-V," but their identity isn't explicitly mentioned.
Download Link: Thingiverse.com.
4. Spider's Web
Spider's Web: Image Source:printables.com
A special stress test for Halloween has been created to check how well your machine can build structures. The goal is to make sure that there are no loose strands or strings of material when the test is done.
The design features a thin, wide web sitting on a base, with a cute spider resting on it. The web is challenging to print because it's made of single lines of filament. It's recommended to print without any additional supports and using thin layers of 0.2 mm or smaller. This design was made by E3D. It's quite popular, with over 15,000 downloads and nearly 800 successful prints shared.
Download Link: Printables.com.
5. XYZ Cube
XYZ Cube 3D Printer Test: Image Source:thingverse.com
This stress test for Halloween is designed to see if your machine can handle tough jobs. You shouldn't notice any extra bits of material hanging or loose threads if everything works as it should.
The model includes a delicate web held up by a base and a cute little spider sitting on it. The web is wide and made of thin lines of material, which makes it a bit tricky but also fun to print. You don't need any extra support while printing, and it's best to use thin layers of material, preferably 0.2 mm or smaller.
The person who made this model is called E3D_. Many people have downloaded this model over 15,000 times, and almost 800 have successfully printed it, so it's doable.
Download Link: Thingiverse.com.
6. The Torture Toaster
The Torture Toaster: Image Source: thingverse.com
Introducing a new kind of toaster- this toaster doesn't just make toast; it's a special kind that tests how well your 3D printer works. It has two doors that swing open and a lever you push down, just like a regular toaster. It's made to see if your printer can make things that fit together right and stick to the printing surface.
If your printer is good, the lever will push the toast up like it should. But if your printer isn't working right, the toast will be stuck. The person who made it suggests using 20% infill and making each layer 0.2 millimeters thick to start. You don't need to add extra stuff around the edges or underneath.
Who made it? A person named Clockspring came up with the idea. A lot of people like this toaster idea! More than 43,000 people have downloaded the plans, and over 350 people have made one and shared it online.
Download Link: Printables.com.
7. Cali Cat
Cali Cat: Image Source: thingverse.com
Meet Cali Cat, also known as Calibration Cat! It's a cute and simple model used to check how well your printer works. Within an hour, Cali Cat tests your printer's accuracy, details, and other important features like overhangs and bridging. It's made to help you set up your printer perfectly from the start so your prints come out just right.
Here's a cool tip: If you print one Cali Cat twice as big as another, the smaller one will sit nicely on top of the bigger one. Who came up with this clever cat? It was designed by someone named Dezign. Lots of people love Cali Cat! More than 600 users on Thingiverse have shared their prints of it, and there are over 110 variations of the original design. People have printed Cali Cat using all sorts of printers and materials, showing how versatile and popular it is.
Download Link: Thingiverse.com.
8. Benchmark Bot
Meet this flexible robot that you can move and print all in one go. It has 17 joints that work differently. The joints can turn in different directions and connect in various ways.
They also have different levels of space allowance, from very small to a bit bigger. You can use these allowances to see how well your printer can make tiny spaces while still letting the robot move.
The person who made this robot says it's meant to help you find the best settings for your printer. They found that these settings work well: use a nozzle that's 0.4 millimeters wide, make each layer 0.2 millimeters thick, and use a material called PLA.
Also, make the walls of the robot three layers thick, the roof and floor four layers thick, and fill the inside with material so it's 10% full. It only takes 20 grams of material to print one of these cute robots. It was made by Kazi Toad and over 4,000 people have downloaded, and 63 people have shared their versions of it online.
Download Link: Cults3d.com
Having looked at the 3D printer test prints, it’s also important to have a look at best 3D printing software. There are many that are available, but we recommend using SelfCAD. SelfCAD is one of the easiest 3D design software available useful both beginners and professionals.
In addition to having various 3D modeling tools, it also comes with 3D printing tools like magic fix for fixing any non-manifold issues in your designs. There is also an in-built online slicer that you can use to slice your designs and generate the G-code to send to your 3D printer. Learn how SelfCAD slicer works in the video below.
Trying Out 3D Printer Test Prints to Validate Your Machine's Performance
Checking out different 3D printer test prints can be a fun and useful way to improve your printing skills. With various designs available for download, you can experiment with settings and materials. Happy printing and discovering the best results for your 3D printer.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.
