Does your printed part fit together too loosely — or not at all? Dimensional accuracy is about more than a good-looking exterior; it decides whether moving parts, inserts and press-fits work. The good news is that most accuracy problems are predictable and fixable with three steps: calibrate the machine, tune the settings, and measure before you trust the print.
Step 1 — Calibrate the Machine
Start with a solid foundation:
- Level and tram the bed to keep the first layer even.
- Calibrate flow rate (E-steps) so the extruder pushes exactly what the slicer expects.
- Check belts and pulleys — loose belts cause ghosting and inaccurate X/Y distances.
Step 2 — Tune Per-Material Settings
Each filament shrinks and behaves differently, so tolerances change with the material.
| Material | Shrinkage | Key accuracy tip |
|---|---|---|
| PLA / PLA+ | Low | Easy fit; great for press-fits with a small clearance |
| PETG | Low–medium | Watch first-layer squish; parts can be slightly larger |
| ABS | Medium–high | Compensate for shrinkage; use a heated chamber |
| TPU | Medium | Flexible parts; require larger clearances to slide |
Compensation Strategy
When a hole prints undersized, increase hole compensation (or XY compensation) in your slicer by 0.1–0.2mm per side. For press-fits, start with a 0.1–0.15mm interference and adjust up until it holds without splitting. For sliding fits, allow 0.2–0.4mm clearance depending on material stiffness.
Step 3 — Measure and Iterate
Print a calibration cube and measure it with digital calipers in all three axes. A dial gauge or simple tolerance gauge helps on critical mating surfaces. Write the deviations down; consistent results mean the fix belongs in your slicer profile, not in the machine.
Eliminate the Variable: Use Consistent Filament
Diameter and flow consistency across a spool are the hidden variables of accuracy. Filament that varies in diameter changes how much plastic actually reaches the nozzle. Using a dependable spool removes that guesswork:
- ANTINSKY PLA+ Filament 1kg — consistent diameter and flow for tight tolerances
- ANTINSKY PETG Filament 1kg — durable functional fits
- ANTINSKY ABS Filament 1kg — higher-temperature parts with known shrinkage
- ANTINSKY TPU 85A Filament 1kg — flexible fits that need extra clearance
With calibration done and settings tuned, your parts will join cleanly on the first try — no sanding, forcing, or reprinting.