Visual Guide to 3D Printing

should already be done

XYZ steps/mm set to calculated values "calculator":http://prusaprinters.org/calculator/

if that doesn't work "config axes":http://reprap.org/wiki/Builders/Config/Config_Axes

and http://reprap.org/wiki/Triffid_Hunter's_Calibration_Guide#Prerequisites

things to keep in mind

plastic shrinks as it cools down. this should be compensated for by the model, not by the printer

belts and fasteners loosen over time. make sure they're tight and check again if backlash appears later

stepper motors can miss steps if they are commanded to move faster than the power supplied to them allows. when you start printing at faster speeds watch out for missed steps

the shape of the infill can show through on thin perimeters. just increase the number of perimeters to hide it

before printing

motor current (correct stepper motor current)

axes (all axes parallel/perpendicular)

bed surface (ensure proper plastic adhesion)

bed level (extruder the same height at all points on bed)

Z home http://reprap.org/wiki/Triffid_Hunter's_Calibration_Guide#Z_height

gross extruder temperature

gross E steps/mm "commissioning":http://reprap.org/wiki/Commissioning http://reprap.org/wiki/Triffid_Hunter's_Calibration_Guide#E_steps

now you can print

? 3 known values of height/width ?

layer height (adjust by .01 till beautiful)

extrusion width 

precise extruder temperature http://reprap.org/wiki/Triffid_Hunter's_Calibration_Guide#Nozzle_Temperature

precise bed temperature http://reprap.org/wiki/Triffid_Hunter's_Calibration_Guide#Bed_Temperature

precise E steps/mm http://reprap.org/wiki/Triffid_Hunter's_Calibration_Guide#E_Steps_Fine_Tuning

infill (1.0 solid cube)

perimeter width (nesting blocks)

ooze control

bridging

overhang

references

* http://reprap.org/wiki/Calibration