The minimum layer height in 3D printing refers to the thinnest possible slice of material that your printer can extrude in a single layer. While technically, there might not be a hard limit, in practice, the minimum layer height is typically 0.10 mm. Going lower than this, like 0.07 or 0.05 mm, results in only a small improvement in print quality but significantly increases print time.
The minimum layer height can be influenced by factors like:
- Nozzle Size: A larger nozzle generally allows for thicker layers, while a smaller nozzle can handle thinner layers.
- Printer Hardware: Some printers have limitations in the Z-axis stepper motor or thread pitch, which can affect the smallest achievable layer height.
- Software Settings: The slicer software you use often has limitations on the minimum layer height it can handle.
Remember, the layer height impacts the vertical resolution of your print. Lower layer heights create a smoother surface, but at the cost of longer print times.
Example:
For a 0.4 mm nozzle, common layer heights are between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.
