Filament guide · Slicer setup
Recommended print settings for filament swatches
The best filament swatch settings are repeatable settings: keep geometry, orientation, layer height, speed and cooling unchanged within each material group. The table below is a practical starting point; use the filament manufacturer's temperature range and tune it for your printer.
Why consistent settings matter
A swatch records both the plastic and the process. Changing layer height, cooling or speed can alter gloss, colour density and light transmission. Save a dedicated swatch profile, then record intentional exceptions on the card or in your inventory.
Recommended baseline settings
| Material | Nozzle | Layer height | Bed | Speed | Fan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 50–60 °C | 40–60 mm/s | 80–100% |
| PETG | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 70–85 °C | 30–50 mm/s | 20–50% |
| TPU | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 35–60 °C | 20–35 mm/s | 30–70% |
| PA / nylon | 0.4 mm | 0.20 mm | 70–100 °C | 30–50 mm/s | 0–30% |
Layer height and transparency
A 0.20 mm layer height makes the six thickness values easy to reproduce. Changing layer height can change optical texture and the number of layers forming each window, so compare transparency cards only when their profiles match. For a controlled method, follow the filament transparency test guide.
Wall and top-layer settings
Use the same line width, wall count and top/bottom pattern on every comparable sample. Avoid automatic variable layer height. If a thin feature triggers a slicer's gap-fill or thin-wall behavior, inspect the preview and keep that behavior consistent across the set.
Ironing settings
Ironing changes the top surface, not the underlying pigment. Test it as a separate variable: print one sample with ironing disabled and another with a fixed speed and flow. Label the settings so a smoother card is not mistaken for a different filament finish.
Material-specific adjustments
PLA
Start with strong cooling and the profile you use for ordinary PLA parts. Too much heat can soften small lettering.
PETG
Use moderate cooling and watch for strings crossing labels or windows. A clean, dry nozzle helps prevent marks.
TPU
Slow down, minimize retraction if your setup requires it, and make sure short label movements feed reliably.
PA / nylon
Dry the filament according to its maker's instructions and limit drafts. Moisture can roughen surfaces and undermine comparisons.
How to compare samples fairly
- Use the same printer, nozzle and build surface.
- Keep the card orientation and slicer profile fixed.
- Print dry filament and note unusual conditioning.
- Allow samples to cool before comparing colour or gloss.
- Change one test variable at a time.
For a material-specific workflow, see the PLA swatch card guide.
Generate a custom swatch
Add the spool's brand, colour and material, then generate a labelled STL for your controlled test.
Create a filament swatch STL