Every filament brand has a sweet spot. A temperature tower tells you exactly what it is — in one 30-minute test print.
A temperature tower is a calibration print that changes the nozzle temperature every few layers. By printing one object across a temperature range (e.g. 220°C → 190°C), you can visually compare how the filament behaves at each temperature — and pick the best one.
Download a temperature tower model
Find one on Printables or Thingiverse. "Smart Temp Tower" by Kickstarter is popular. Some have text labels burned into each section.
Import into your slicer
Open in Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio. Don't change any settings yet.
Add temperature change script
Use your slicer's post-processing scripts to change temperature at specific layer heights. Or use a pre-configured file for your material.
Set your temperature range
PLA: 220→190°C (5°C steps). PETG: 250→220°C. ABS: 250→220°C. Start 5°C above your normal setting, end 5°C below.
Print and evaluate
Print on your normal settings otherwise (speed, cooling, layer height). After printing, examine each section visually.
Pick the best section
Find the lowest temperature where stringing is minimal, overhangs look good, bridging holds. That's your optimal temp.
Minimal to no stringing between towers
Clean overhang edges (no drooping)
Bridging holds without sagging
Smooth surface finish
Consistent layer bonding (no delamination)
Heavy stringing (temp too high)
Drooping overhangs (temp too high)
Rough, crumbly texture (temp too low)
Layers separating (temp too low)
Blobs and zits (retraction issue, not temp)
| Material | Tower Range | Typical Sweet Spot | Step Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 225→190°C | 200–210°C | 5°C |
| PLA+ | 230→200°C | 210–220°C | 5°C |
| PETG | 255→220°C | 230–240°C | 5°C |
| ABS | 255→220°C | 235–245°C | 5°C |
| ASA | 260→230°C | 240–255°C | 5°C |
| TPU 95A | 240 →215°C | 225–235°C | 5°C |
| Nylon PA12 | 265→240°C | 250–260°C | 5°C |