Calibration questions

Bambu Lab X1 Series Bambu Lab X1C
1

So I’ve had to do some manual and auto filament calibration to address a print quality issues. I’ve not needed to look at it before but the array of options is a bit confusing so I have some questions…

1 - on a print if I select the calibration option along with e.g. bed levelling this only calibrates pressure advance right? (not flow rate…??)

2 - If I run a flow dynamics calibration (from calibration menu in Bambu Studio), write the value to a new filament pre-set, use that for a print and then click ‘flow dynamics calibration’ which value does it use?

3 - If I have not done any flow dynamics calibration (via Bambu Studio calibration section) , run a print with this option enabled via the pop-up, then print something else but do not tick this option does it use the last calibrated value?

4 - If I print something, select the ‘flow dynamics’ option is there any way to see the value it used?

5 - Is there a way when loading a filament to select a previously calibrated K value and flow rate quickly/easily?

Any tips on getting/keeping the calibration right. I think it’s probably prudent to run a flow dynamics and flow tests for every new filament (or at least brand + Type) and store these via the profile (and on the printer). I have an AMS so a lot of the time if printing 4 filaments even if I click the flow dynamics option each print at best it calibrates dynamics for only 1 filament…

2

I’ve never bothered with bambu calibration. Install Orca slicer, it sort of has Bambu studio inside but has comprehensive calibration settings and a good tutorial on how to use them.

3

Thanks - it would still be good to understand what bambu studio does though. I find the auto-calibration process good, it’s just not obvious how bambu manages the calibration.

4

Filament calibration is a chore I typically put off as it takes up so much time. I have had mixed results with the auto option on my X1 so have decided to go full manual rather than persist with the fails. “k/PA”, the pre-print selection overrides the stored but I’m not sure it stores for the next print like the bed level does.

I think calibration is both seasonal and wear reactive, it does drift as the months pass. Calibrating on a fresh system in a climate controlled room will give you a reasonable base to work from, don’t be afraid to check a few months down the track to confirm they’re in spec (I spreadsheet my figures).

Waiting for Bambu’s next big thing, they’ll take my money if it includes an intuitive filament setting system (person opinion- the current one fails).

5

I only calibrate the printers after step issues and that normally solves them. Most of the time I use the filament settings for the make that I buy and that tends to work in most cases.