Autodesk and Kickstarter have teamed up to create a downloadable test model that owners of 3D printers can download and print to make sure their 3D printer is in proper working order.

From Core77:

Autodesk research scientist Andreas Bastian has developed a test procedure designed to help creators better calibrate their machines and showcase their printers' capabilities to backers on Kickstarter. He developed a single, consolidated STL file that tests a printer's dimensional accuracy, resolution, and alignment. For example, poor execution of the "bridging" feature shown [above] will lead to a saggy and stringy print. A well-calibrated printer will make the horizontal feature with fewer of those issues.

…As Braydon Moreno of Robo explains, with the new procedure "customers know exactly what to expect with the product. This also holds manufacturers accountable for the quality of the machines they are producing and gives them a benchmark to strive for… Other torture tests cover a variety of things, but this print seemed all-encompassing."