PLA Temperature Tower: How to Print and Read One

Every PLA spool is slightly different. The manufacturer says "190–230 °C," but what's your ideal temperature? The temperature tower answers that question in 3 hours.

What is a temperature tower? It's a tall test print that changes nozzle temperature every 5 or 10 layers. By the end, you have one model showing quality at every temperature in your range. Pick the best section and lock it in.

How to set it up

  1. Download a temperature tower STL from Printables or Thingiverse
  2. In your slicer, set "change nozzle temp at layer"
  3. Start at 190 °C, increase by 5 °C every 25 layers
  4. End at 230 °C (Arkforge PLA's full range)
  5. Print at 0.2 mm layer height, 50 mm/s, 10% infill

What to look for on each level

  • Stringing: Thin webs between pillars. Less is better.
  • Top surface quality: Should be smooth, not bumpy or pitted.
  • Overhangs: Look for drooping or layer sag.
  • Perimeters: Clean, straight walls. No blobbing.
  • Layer adhesion: No visible gaps between layers.

How to read results Most PLA towers show a clear winner:

  • Lower temperatures (190–200 °C): Minimal stringing, but possible weak adhesion
  • Middle temperatures (200–215 °C): Best balance—clean walls, few strings, strong layers
  • Higher temperatures (220–230 °C): More stringing, better overhangs, faster flow

Pick the section with the cleanest walls and least stringing. That's your temperature.

Pro tips

  • Print it on a clean bed at 50–60 °C
  • Use 100% cooling fan for accurate comparison
  • Do this test once per spool brand, not every print
  • Keep the tower as a reference—compare new spools against it

A temperature tower takes 2–3 hours but saves you dozens of hours of trial and error. It's the single most useful calibration print you can do.

Every Arkforge PLA spool prints consistently across the 190–230 °C range, so once you find your sweet spot, it stays there.

Find your temperature. Shop Arkforge PLA.

Happy printing!

– Arkforge Team

Back to blog