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December 18, 2024
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that builds objects layer by layer. These layers are thin horizontal sections of material that are placed on top of each other to give shape to the digital design.
The process begins with a 3D model created in computer-aided design (CAD) software. This model is divided into hundreds or thousands of layers through a program known as a slicer. The printer follows these instructions to deposit material, usually molten plastic such as PLA, ABS or PETG, layer by layer, until the object is complete.
The layer height parameter dictates the thickness of each "thread" of material, and small changes in this setting can significantly affect the final result.
Choosing the right layer height is not just a technical detail; it has important implications on quality, print time, print object strength and of course, values.
The finer the layer height, the smoother and more detailed the surface of the printed object. Conversely, a higher layer height may leave visible lines on the surface, which could be unaesthetic if a more refined finish is sought. This is especially noticeable on parts with complex geometries and steep angles. In particular, when part angles exceed 45 degrees, the layers become more evident. For this reason, in these cases it may be advisable to opt for a thinner layer height to minimize the staggered effect and achieve a more uniform finish.
3D prints that have lower layer heights require more passes of the printer to complete the model. For example, a print with a layer height of 0.1 mm can take twice or three times as long to complete as a print with a layer height of 0.3 mm. Therefore, time becomes a key factor when selecting this parameter, and higher layer heights will be prioritized when a large number of parts need to be produced in a short period of time.
Thicker layers are usually stronger due to better interlayer fusion. This can be essential in functional parts that must withstand mechanical stresses. However, this rule does not always apply, since orientation and design also play an important role.
Layer height has a direct influence on the costs of a 3D print. A thinner layer height means a higher number of layers to complete the part, resulting in longer printing times. This can increase costs by consuming more machine time and increasing wear and tear on equipment.
On the other hand, a larger layer height reduces printing time, which can make the process more economical. However, the cost savings must be balanced with the level of detail and quality of finish required for the project, as a larger layer height can compromise the aesthetics and functionality of the part. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between quality and budget according to the specific needs of each print.
The minimum layer height you can use depends on the capabilities of your printer. FDM printers usually work with layer heights between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm, while SLA or resin printers can reach much finer details, up to 0.025 mm. In addition, if we are going to print large parts (e.g. larger than 400x400x400mm) we will opt for higher layer heights for printing time reasons. Printing large parts with fine resolution can sometimes take many days.
Purpose of the printed object :
Some materials, such as PLA, allow working with thin layers without problems. Others, such as carbon fiber composites, may require thicker layers to avoid printing problems.
These layers are ideal for detailed parts, such as figures or components that require a polished finish and with size up to 30x30x30cm. However, the printing time increases considerably.
Most printers use this configuration, as it offers a good balance between quality and time.
For large parts or prototypes that do not require high precision, thick layers allow you to finish the job quickly.
Layer height is an essential aspect of 3D printing that affects the visual quality, production time and strength of objects. Finding the right balance depends on the purpose of your print, the material used and the capabilities of the printer. Experimenting and adjusting this parameter can make a big difference in the success of your projects.
Frequently Asked Questions