Retraction Calibration Tool
Generate a retraction test sequence for your printer. Configure your extruder type and material, then follow the step-by-step instructions to find the optimal retraction distance.
How to use this tool
- Configure your extruder and material — direct drive and Bowden use very different distances. TPU disables retraction entirely.
- Print a retraction tower — use OrcaSlicer's built-in retraction tower, PrusaSlicer's calibration wizard, or download a retraction test model from Printables and change retraction in slicer per-layer using height modifiers.
- Read the results — look for the layer where stringing disappears without underextrusion or blobs. That is your starting retraction distance.
- Fine-tune — run a second pass with 0.1 mm steps around your best value. Then test retraction speed: ±5 mm/s increments until stringing is minimal.
- Verify at speed — print a stringing test at your normal print speed to confirm settings hold up.
Direct drive tips
- Keep distance short (0.5–2 mm max) — over-retraction pulls the melt zone down and causes clogs
- PETG: use 0.2–0.6 mm, never more than 1 mm
- TPU: set retraction to 0 mm — flexible filament tangles in the extruder with any retraction
Bowden tips
- Longer tube = more retraction needed to pull filament back through compliance
- Capricorn PTFE tube reduces tube flex — often lets you drop Bowden retraction by 1–2 mm
- High retraction speed (45–60 mm/s) helps Bowden compensate for tube lag
When retraction isn't the problem
- Stringing despite correct retraction → lower nozzle temp by 5°C first
- Blobs at retract points → enable wipe on retract in slicer
- Wet filament produces strings retraction cannot fix → dry the spool