E-steps USA - 3D Printing Terms & Glossary

Glossary of 3D Printing Terms [1]

E-steps E-steps, short for “extruder steps,” refer to the number of steps the extruder motor must take to push a specific length of filament through the 3D printer’s system. This parameter is critical for calibrating a 3D printer, ensuring accurate and consistent material flow during the printing process. An incorrectly calibrated E-steps value can lead to problems such as under-extrusion (not enough filament is fed) or over-extrusion (too much filament is fed). To calculate the correct E-steps, users typically perform a test by commanding the printer to extrude a set length of filament and then measuring the actual length extruded. Adjustments are then made in the printer’s firmware or settings to align the E-steps value with the desired extrusion length. Regular calibration of E-steps is essential for maintaining print quality, particularly when changing extruder components or using different filament types.