3D Printer Calibration Order: What to Tune First

Practical workflow

1. Check motion, belts, fasteners, build plate condition and nozzle condition first.
2. Confirm the printer's basic leveling or mesh process is functioning.
3. Establish a reliable first layer and Z offset.
4. Tune material temperature using the filament and printer as a system.
5. Verify extrusion behavior and flow using repeatable test geometry.
6. Only then tune retraction, pressure/flow dynamics, speed and dimensional compensation.

Use the guide as a starting point

Machine, material, software and manufacturer requirements vary. Keep a controlled test record and use the current documentation for your exact equipment and process.