I know the minimum layer height will effect how detailed of an item you can print and the amount of time it takes to print something, but is it necessary to have an extremely low minimum layer height if you plan to print only larger objects?
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1$\begingroup$ I think it would be a good idea to specify what type of 3D printer you are talking about. Layer sizes can very a lot between different technologies and printing materials. On top of that, the application plays an important role. There's no general answer to the question how small a layer should be. I suggest changing this question to ask how to know what layer thickness to use and what influences that decision. That would be a canonical question an much more useful. $\endgroup$– the third dimensionJan 12, 2016 at 19:01
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1$\begingroup$ There's a "in order to accomplish <goal>" missing from your question. In my case, I print miniatures which are 20-80mm long. A print resolution in the microns is what I need to produce detail. So the question would be better asked if you included what the intended use of the print is. $\endgroup$– Nicholas CaldwellJan 12, 2016 at 20:19
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$\begingroup$ Question edited, hopefully that fixes it. $\endgroup$– CJKJan 12, 2016 at 21:10
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$\begingroup$ Please define the type of resolution you are talking about. There are positioning resolutions for the x, y, and z axis on the printer, there is also the nozzle diameter, and the minimum layer height. Each would be slightly different in your question. $\endgroup$– Eric JohnsonJan 12, 2016 at 21:53
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$\begingroup$ After editing, you changed the question entirely. Instead of the importance of the "first layer height", you now ask for the importance of "layer height for larger objects". Was this intented? Do you mean "first layer" when you say "minimum layer"? $\endgroup$– Tormod HaugeneJan 16, 2016 at 10:13
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3 Answers
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I believe the Slic3r Manual summarizes this quite nicely:
A thicker layer height will provide more flow, and consequently more heat, making the extrusion adhere to the bed more. It also gives the benefit of giving more tolerance for the levelness of the bed. It is recommended to raise the first layer height to match the diameter of the nozzle, e.g. a first layer height of 0.35mm for a 0.35mm nozzle.
In other words, larger layer heights for the first layer typically gives better adhesion, and makes inaccurate bed leveling (and auto leveling) still work.
answered Jan 13, 2016 at 6:39
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As with any manufacturing process, you'll need to learn to "use the right tool for the job". It depends on the requirements of the part. To answer your question, I would suggest using a larger layer height for the sheer fact of reducing print time on larger objects.
However, it depends on the part and how small the details are on the part. If your part has sharp edges that are required for the proper functionality of the part, then you'll want to use a smaller layer height. Or if your part fits into another part, you'll probably want to use a smaller layer height.
Another variable might be whether or not post-processing is necessary. Is this part going to be purposefully printed larger/rougher with the idea to use a Dremel later to smooth everything out? If yes, then use a larger layer height.
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In short: no.
Smaller layers will make your prints look nicer. That said, in my experience, most printers can handle roughly the same layer heights, no matter what the manufacturer says it can do. With a little tinkering, you can get any printer to do what you tell it to do.
That said, for larger prints, you really won't want to lower the layer height too much. Typically, the quality difference you see in a print that's, say, .2 mm layer height (typical) vs .1mm layer height (typically high quality) is not that much different.
Note that lowering your layer height increases the number of layers in your object, so it'll take longer to print and have more opportunities to fail along the way. For anything of significant size (150 mm + or so) it's really not worth the extra risk, I'd say.
