The criteria below are our proposed scoring method. The Copymaster setup print keeps its original measurements and is not retrospectively assigned stars. The six-product guides do not carry performance ratings.
Dimensional accuracy
We compare the named dimensions with the model. The bands below use the largest absolute error, not an average that could hide a badly sized feature.
| Score | Observable anchor |
|---|---|
| 5 / 5 | Worst measured error ≤0.10 mm. |
| 4 / 5 | Worst error >0.10 to 0.20 mm. |
| 3 / 5 | Worst error >0.20 to 0.30 mm. |
| 2 / 5 | Worst error >0.30 to 0.50 mm. |
| 1 / 5 | Worst error >0.50 mm, or the required feature is unusable. |
Flat & curved finish
We inspect the same areas at the same layer height and under the same lighting. Normal layer texture is different from missing material or repeated blobs.
| Score | Observable anchor |
|---|---|
| 5 / 5 | Consistent intended surfaces; normal layer texture only; no corrective finishing. |
| 4 / 5 | Isolated cosmetic blemishes or seam marks, no corrective work required. |
| 3 / 5 | Visible cosmetic defects; usable but light finishing would improve appearance. |
| 2 / 5 | Extensive roughness, blobs or local deformation impair the intended surface. |
| 1 / 5 | Surface or geometry incomplete/unusable because of severe defects. |
Stringing & cleanliness
Photographs are taken before clean-up. We distinguish a few fine wisps from thick strands, obstructed gaps and damage left by removal.
| Score | Observable anchor |
|---|---|
| 5 / 5 | No visible strings or stray deposits in the specified views. |
| 4 / 5 | A few isolated fine wisps; no obstruction or meaningful surface damage. |
| 3 / 5 | Several visible strings; easy removal, parts remain usable. |
| 2 / 5 | Dense webs/thick strands or repeated cleanup scars. |
| 1 / 5 | Stray material obstructs the test features or makes them unusable. |
Practical fit
The current lid is designed for free removal, with 0.30 mm nominal clearance per side. A loose fit is assessed as a free fit, not as an attempt at a tight friction fit.
| Score | Observable anchor |
|---|---|
| 5 / 5 | Seats and removes freely as intended, without force, modification or damage. |
| 4 / 5 | Seats/removes without modification; minor surface drag is documented. |
| 3 / 5 | Functions only after a small explicitly recorded trim/cleanup. |
| 2 / 5 | Needs force or substantial modification; unreliable intended fit. |
| 1 / 5 | Cannot achieve the intended assembly, or fractures during normal fitting. |
Modest unsupported detail
This covers the short bridge and mild fin in the stated method. Their appearance and usability are assessed separately from supported dimensions.
| Score | Observable anchor |
|---|---|
| 5 / 5 | Complete usable features; no obvious sag or lip in the prescribed view. |
| 4 / 5 | Minor cosmetic underside roughness/lip; features retain their intended function. |
| 3 / 5 | Clear sag or roughness; intact but a meaningful limitation for appearance. |
| 2 / 5 | Major distortion or partial loss of the feature. |
| 1 / 5 | Collapse, severe loose material, or a missing feature. |
Setup & AMS handling
Routine material entry and correct slot mapping are normal setup steps. We record any product-related adapter, respooling or feeding intervention during the job.
| Score | Observable anchor |
|---|---|
| 5 / 5 | Routine setup and feeding; no product-related adapter, repair or interruption. |
| 4 / 5 | One simple compatible adapter or small documented extra handling step. |
| 3 / 5 | Respooling or substantial preparation is needed, then the sample feeds. |
| 2 / 5 | Product-related repeated handling/feed intervention during the observed job. |
| 1 / 5 | Could not use the spool in the declared setup despite a permitted basic setup check. |
No automatic winner
The highest-ranked product in a group does not automatically get five stars. Several products can receive the same score. Adding another competitor does not change the earlier measurements.
The method and test conditions must be settled before a scored comparison begins. Measurement uncertainty matters near a boundary, and a missing result stays missing rather than becoming zero.
Price and strength have their own place
A price is tied to a country, seller, pack and date. It is not built into a physical-performance score. Strength, hardness and heat behaviour also need separate tests; a clean-looking print does not establish them.