Cube Spy

It is difficult to compare layer stacking print quality between machines if you don't light the prints at exactly the same angle.

The Cube Spy provides a standard for top edge light of the front face of a 30mm test cube.

This lighting will reveal every minute flaw in the flat front face. Compare the first and last photos to see two views of the same face of the same cube.

Print both the test cube and the light box from black filament. You should use a layer height that evenly divides 2.0 mm to get the light baffles to evenly protrude: 0.1, 0.125, 0.2, or 0.25 would work, but thinner layers will make the baffles perform better at absorbing light. Two walls is enough, since strength is unimportant.

Break off the designed supports and use the insertion tool to slide the cube in, and place a bright flashlight (do not use a focused spot beam) on the slot above. For reference, I use a Nitecore Tini2.

Then take a photo of the cube from the front.

For a plain 30mm cube like the one included here, ideally you will see the illumination reflect off of the entire extrusion line on every layer.

On a Voron or Orca cube, you can use the shadows cast to visualize how much the cube surface is distorted by ringing and pressure advance artifacts near the features.

Brag about your print quality to your friends! Or just hide them in shame.

Post your cube images in the makes!

For objective comparison, use 200 mm/s max speed, 5000 mm/s^2 acceleration, and 5 SCV/jerk.

The last image is from my new Core One, which is a very good result.