Flexi Flow Calibration Tool V4 By CK3D

Flow calibration tool specifically for flexi or articulating 3D prints, like our Spiders. (See below for the Spoods 😅)

If your Flexi models are fusing together, feel too loose, or it seems like small gaps are being fused, you likely need to adjust your Flow Rate (aka flow ratio) for your filament. Every filament is different and this number is usually set between 0.95-1.00 (0.85-1.15 at most). Print this small tester before your first adjustment and reprint for every adjustment after. We usually begin with adjustments of plus or minus 0.03 depending on if it’s too tight or too loose. You can fine tune with smaller increments (+/- 0.01) if you feel it’s needed. If the #1 slider is fused and the other sliders move freely (or after lightly breaking them free) and the test joint bends, your settings should be about perfect. See the photo for more details on how to use it properly. 

NOTE: The plate or file that includes instructions has a very short explanation for the ideal adjustments. These are recommended adjustments, not exact. You may want to fine tune it even more (+/- 0.01)  based on feel. 

Use the same settings as you would for your model, or if no settings, use a default slicer setting at around .2 layers. We've included a couple Flexi-ready profiles that should be similar to what you would use for any articulating model. There are also a couple other profiles listed that are great for general calibration. 

The tool works by stepping down the gaps between the walls and sliders or joints from 0.3mm-0.2mm-0.15mm-0.10mm. Any gap at or above 0.15mm should barely remain free with a properly calibrated 1.75mm filament flow ratio on a .4 nozzle. So sliders 4-3-2 should all move, while slider 1 (0.10mm) should actually be slightly fused by the line extrusion width. Hopefully that makes sense 😬😅. 

If you like this tool you'll probably love the model that inspired us to create it. You can get a commercial license for our Flexi Jumping Spiders (as well as several other models) here: https://www.patreon.com/c/CK3DPRINTS

We are always looking for ways to improve, so let us know if you have any ideas to simplify the design or instructions. We are already working on a less confusion version lol. 

We also included the BETA V5 single test which uses the same rules, but all in one slider. Ultimately, it should save time, filament, and be easier to use, but still isn't quite ready on its own, thus the “BETA” label. 

Don't hesitate to ask for help if you have ANY issues, and we always love to hear your feedback!