How To Start 3d Prints At Certain Heights?

We have witnessed amazing innovation and creative inventions in recent times. From a pen to an airplane, the progress of technology has left us in surprise. And the best part is that the efforts of experts and tech geeks have led us to this wonderful world of machines where we live in comfort. 

As 3D printing is a process that adds layers to create a craft, the speed and position of these layers determine the quality of the print. Therefore, it’s important to understand the concept of layer height and the optimal layer height. 

With that being said, we have covered this essential concept. The outcome will be fruitful as you will be able to create a print that looks aesthetic and get professionalism in your chosen hobby.

Let’s get started:

Layer Height

As clear as crystal from its name, a layer height is a position at which a 3d printer extrudes, cures, or sinters the layers of the printing material like plastic. 

The layer height adjustment of your 3d printer is connected and linked to the slicer – a software responsible for printing a 3D model. 

Even though you can adjust the layer height with the slicer software, understand a certain height. 

For instance, what will happen if you adjust the layer height with the wrong settings? It is where the importance of a layer height pops in.

Why Is it important?

Selecting a suitable layer height for your 3D prints is an essential printing parameter due to a reason. And the reason is the quality and duration of the print. 

Let us explain it a bit – you want a 3D print that is cost-effective and high in resolution. For this purpose, you need to consider an optimal layer height as it is associated with the time, visual appearance, physical aspects, and ultimately, the print cost. 

And it’s a rule of thumb that more time taking prints is high in resolution and vice versa. However, by selecting certain heights – our picks, you can print effectively and economically.

How To Start 3D Prints At Certain Heights?

The main argument is how to start 3D prints at certain heights. The answer to this question depends on the type of printer. Different 3D printers have altered layer heights for maximum resolutions. 

However, if we talk about the standard layer height, a range of layer height between 50 microns to 100 microns or 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm is considered the best height for a high-quality print. Once the exact height is adjusted from where you'll start printing, click the option shown in Simplify 3D " Start printing from height.". Select "Go to" option followed by " Edit Process" Settings. After that, opt for the "Advanced settings and finally select " Layer modification " and select the height accordingly. Get the 3D print.

Moreover, the quality of a printer also affects the printing parameters, including layer heights. For example, laser-based and resin printers have a typically smaller minimum layer height than FDM printers. 

The main point is how to set a certain layer height for the print? The slicing software provides you with the option to choose a layer that will determine the resolution and time estimated for the process. 

In view of our previous discussion, it is clear that lower the layer height; you will need to wait for more for the print because the higher resolution necessitates higher time and lower layer height.

But that is not it – we have listed more standard layer heights based on a variety of 3D printers. This list will help you with the minimum layer height checklist when you buy a printer to ensure enhanced quality prints. 

• FDM Printer: 50 - 40 microns
• SLA/DLP Printer: 250 - 100 microns
• SLS Printer: 80 - 120 microns
• Material Jetting Printer: 16 - 30 microns
• Binder Jetting Printer: 100 microns
• DMLS/SLM Printer: 30 - 50 microns

Important Factors Of Choosing Layer Heights

When it comes to a perfect layer height, you need to consider a few questions. These questions will pave the path of expertly printing a fine and stunning print with surprising resolutions and overall results. 

They are:

• Do your 3D model need part geometry like curved surfaces or holes?
• Do you crave the visual appearance or functionality of the design?
• Does your design have parts that need to be finished after the 3D printing process?

The above three questions highlight three primary design considerations. Let’s elaborate them briefly:

1. Part Geometry

The first question demonstrates parts geometry, specifically curves and angles. 

From the recent discussion, you will have a clear concept of the impact of layer height on the smoothness and physical appearance of the 3D model. The main idea is that of layers. 

Conclusively, straight vertical lines have less prominent layer heights while curves and angular parts are prominent on the other sides. 

As an example, a print with a hole needs the slicer software to slice multiple layers for the hole and then stack them together to create a staircase-like shape. This process is the Stepping Effect that takes the printing to the next level. 

Indeed, with a design with many curvatures and larger angles, lower layer height will do wonders. It will result in a more accurate and precise 3D model.

2. Vertical Resolution and Functionality

The next question focus on two critical parameters – vertical resolution and the functional part of the design. For instance, if you need a design with high smoothness of the print, the vertical resolution needs to be higher. Consequently, a higher layer height is optimal for you.

On the contrary, lower layer height is suitable if you want to print a functional part of the design. The reason is time and cost-effectiveness, along with improved mechanical performance.

3. Post Processing

As the third question highlights post-processing, it is crucial to understand the situation accordingly. For example, you may encounter a moment when you need to print a model, and after the completion, some parts of the design needs modification. We refer to it as post-processing. 

So, you need to set a higher layer height as it is a better choice for post-processing. Such as, some parts may need to be sanded, smoothed with acetone, or even painting may be necessary. 

With that being said, a change of layer height is vital in this place.