Yes, layer height significantly matters in 3D printing, affecting both print quality and strength.
How Layer Height Affects 3D Prints
Layer height is the thickness of each layer of material deposited during the printing process. This setting profoundly influences several aspects of the final print. According to the provided reference:
- Higher layer heights result in more rounded extrusions (less squish) and poorer adhesion between layers. Though, taller layer heights can sometimes result in stronger prints due to fewer layers, as long as the extrusion width is proportionally increased.
- Lower layer heights generally produce better results because they increase the amount of "squish" (the flattening of the extruded plastic against the previous layer), which improves layer adhesion. Therefore lower layer heights are usually a safer choice.
Here’s a breakdown:
Impact on Print Quality
| Feature | Higher Layer Height | Lower Layer Height |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Finish | More visible layer lines, rougher surface | Smoother surface, less visible layer lines |
| Detail | Reduced detail, loss of fine features | Greater detail, sharper features |
| Accuracy | Lower dimensional accuracy | Higher dimensional accuracy |
| Print Time | Faster print times | Slower print times |
Impact on Print Strength
- Layer Adhesion: Lower layer heights generally provide better layer adhesion due to increased squish, leading to stronger parts. Higher layer heights can cause weaker bonding between layers if not adjusted correctly.
- Structural Integrity: While a part with fewer, thicker layers might seem stronger initially, if layer adhesion is poor, it may delaminate under stress.
- Solution: Increase extrusion width proportionally to the height, if using a higher layer height.
Practical Considerations
- Choosing Layer Heights: When choosing a layer height consider both speed and detail. Use lower layer heights for prints needing intricate details or smooth surfaces. Higher layer heights are good for prototypes or less critical parts where speed is prioritized.
- Temperature Adjustments: Temperature is a crucial factor in layer adhesion, and you need to adjust temperature to work well with your chosen layer height.
- Extrusion Width: Remember to adjust the extrusion width to the layer height to get the right layer adhesion and strength.
Conclusion
Layer height is a critical parameter that impacts print quality, strength, and printing time. Optimizing layer height according to project requirements is vital for successful 3D printing.
