Hubs devient Protolabs Network. En savoir plus

Obtenir un devis instantané

L'impact de l'épaisseur de couche sur une impression 3D

Découvrez l'importance de l'épaisseur des couches et comment cela affecte la qualité, l'apparence et la résistance des pièces imprimées en 3D.

The impact of layer height on a 3D Print

All 3D printing processes build parts layer-by-layer. Due to the additive nature of 3D printing, the thickness of each layer determines the resolution of a print similarly to how the number of pixels determines a television or computer monitor’s resolution.,

Lower layer height typically results in parts with smoother surfaces. The downside is that the lower the layer height the longer it takes to complete a print.

It is important for a designer to determine whether aesthetics (a smoother surface) or time (and cost) savings are more important. In this article, we discuss the benefits and limitations of using different layer heights in 3D printing.

Why is layer height important for 3D-printed parts?

For some printing processes (such as SLS and SLM/DMLS) defining a particular layer height is not very important, as their default resolution is already adequate for most applications. Or, in some cases, the layer height is already pre-set by the manufacturer.

For other processes (such as FDM and SLA), selecting your layer height is an important design parameter that impacts the printing time, cost, visual appearance and physical properties of a printed part.

Often the visual difference between parts printed at 100 μm and 200 μm is very small. However, the part at 100 μm will take twice as long to print (the 3D printer will have to trace twice as many cross sections) and this will have an impact on the cost.

Compare 3 FDM parts printed at 50, 200 and 300 microns (left to right)

What is the typical layer height for different 3D printers?

The table below summarizes the typical—or standard—layer height for each of the most common 3D printing processes:

Typical layer height
FDM 50 - 400 μm (most common: 200 μm)
SLA 25 - 100 μm (most common: 50 μm)
SLS 80 - 120 μm (most common: 100 μm)
MJF 80 μm
DMLS/SLM 30 - 50 μm
A macro view of the FDM prints (50, 200 and 300 microns from left to right) shown at the same scale for comparison.

How do you know the right layer height for your 3D printing application?

Before selecting a layer height, it’s essential to consider the following questions:

  • Does your 3D model have curved surfaces or holes?

  • Is functionality or visual appearance the main design consideration?

  • Will the part be finished after 3D printing and before use? Will it need additional post-processing?

How does layer height impact parts with curves and angles?

The impact of layer height is more noticeable on curves and angles and is less prominent on straight vertical walls, due to the layer-by-layer nature of 3D printing.

For example, in order to print a hole along a horizontal axis, the printer software has to slice the circular hole into multiple layers and then stack them on top of each other, creating a non-smooth edge that looks like a staircase. This is called the stepping effect and becomes more prominent on surfaces with greater curvature.

If a design includes a significant number of curves, angles or holes, using a lower layer height will result in a more accurate part.

The stepping effect becomes more prevalent in areas of larger curvature.

How does layer height impact cosmetic quality and functionality? 

Layer height will have an impact on the vertical resolution of the part, affecting its smoothness. If visual appearance is your main concern, then selecting a lower layer height is ideal, as it will result in a smoother finish.

On the other hand, when 3D printing a functional part, using a higher layer height is preferred, as it will result in time and cost savings and improved mechanical performance. For instance, FDM parts printed in PLA at a 300 μm layer height have approximately 20% higher strength than parts printed at 100 μm.

Schematic of the layer-by-layer construction of a 3D printed part

How does layer height impact post-processing for 3D printing?

When deciding on a layer height it’s also important to consider whether the parts will be post-processed. A higher layer height may be a better choice if the part is going to be sanded, acetone smoothed or painted.

What are Protolabs Network's top tips and tricks for selecting layer heights?

Selecting the right layer height for your 3D-printed parts is not always a make-or-break choice, though it's definitely an important factor to consider. Here are a few handy pieces of practical guidance to follow the next time you're selecting layer height.

  • Select a lower layer height for parts with curved surfaces or when cosmetic quality is important

  • Printing a part with a higher layer height is faster and more cost-effective and will result in parts with improved mechanical properties

  • If the parts will be post-processed, layer height is not nearly as crucial, thanks to the cosmetic and functional benefits of post-processing methods


Curious about the impact of layer height on your custom 3D printed parts?

Explore our 3D printing service Upload a CAD file for a free, instant quote




CNC machining, 3D printing and sheet metal fabrication parts

Frequently asked questions

Is there a standard layer height for 3D printing?

Every 3D printing technology produces parts with a typical or standard layer height. For instance, FDM parts tend to have layer heights ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm, with the most common being 0.2 mm.


Does layer height affect the quality of 3D-printed parts?

While layer height does directly affect the quality of 3D-printed components, there is an interesting tradeoff when it comes to print speed. If your part has thicker layers, a printer will generally be able to produce the part faster. However, these same higher layers will result in your part having lower resolution and overall decreased quality.


Are 3D-printed components with lower layer height stronger?

In most cases, layer height doesn’t impact the strength of 3D-printed parts. If your layer height is quite thin, your part will contain more extrusions of material, however, each strand will have a smaller cross-section. On the flip side, taller layers have thicker material extrusions.


 

Ressources consacrées à l’usinage CNC destinées aux ingénieurs

3D Printing STL files: A step-by-step guide

3D printing STL files: A step-by-step guide

Learn how to avoid low quality 3D prints or unnecessarily large files by exporting your STL file in the correct resolution.

Lire l'article
Dimensional accuracy of 3D printed parts

What is dimensional accuracy in 3D printing and how do you achieve it?

What is dimensional accuracy in 3D printing and how do you know which technology will yield the most accurate results? This article compares the expected dimensional accuracy of various 3D printing technologies to help designers and engineers choose the right solution for their application.

Lire l'article
How does part orientation affect a 3D Print?

Comment l'orientation de la pièce affecte-t-elle une impression 3D ?

Cet article traite de l'impact de l'orientation des pièces sur la précision, la résistance, la vitesse d'impression et l'état de surface des pièces imprimées en 3D.

Lire l'article
The impact of layer height on a 3D Print

L'impact de l'épaisseur de couche sur une impression 3D

Découvrez l'importance de l'épaisseur des couches et comment cela affecte la qualité, l'apparence et la résistance des pièces imprimées en 3D.

Lire l'article
3D Printing geometry restrictions

Restrictions géométriques en impression 3D

Découvrez les limites de taille d'une impression 3D ainsi que la façon dont l'épaisseur des éléments, l'étanchéité et les surfaces courbes affectent la qualité d'une impression.

Lire l'article
Supports in 3D Printing: A technology overview

Supports en impression 3D : un aperçu de la technologie

Découvrez ce qu'est une structure de support pour l'impression 3D, lorsque le support est nécessaire et comment le support peut affecter la qualité et le prix de votre impression.

Lire l'article
Models printed in SLA, FDM and SLS

Comment réduire le coût de l'impression 3D ?

Découvrez ce qui influe sur le prix de d'impression 3D et comment réduire les coûts de l'impression 3D

Lire l'article
3D Printing STL files: A step-by-step guide

3D printing STL files: A step-by-step guide

Learn how to avoid low quality 3D prints or unnecessarily large files by exporting your STL file in the correct resolution.

Lire l'article
Dimensional accuracy of 3D printed parts

What is dimensional accuracy in 3D printing and how do you achieve it?

What is dimensional accuracy in 3D printing and how do you know which technology will yield the most accurate results? This article compares the expected dimensional accuracy of various 3D printing technologies to help designers and engineers choose the right solution for their application.

Lire l'article
How does part orientation affect a 3D Print?

Comment l'orientation de la pièce affecte-t-elle une impression 3D ?

Cet article traite de l'impact de l'orientation des pièces sur la précision, la résistance, la vitesse d'impression et l'état de surface des pièces imprimées en 3D.

Lire l'article
The impact of layer height on a 3D Print

L'impact de l'épaisseur de couche sur une impression 3D

Découvrez l'importance de l'épaisseur des couches et comment cela affecte la qualité, l'apparence et la résistance des pièces imprimées en 3D.

Lire l'article
3D Printing geometry restrictions

Restrictions géométriques en impression 3D

Découvrez les limites de taille d'une impression 3D ainsi que la façon dont l'épaisseur des éléments, l'étanchéité et les surfaces courbes affectent la qualité d'une impression.

Lire l'article
Supports in 3D Printing: A technology overview

Supports en impression 3D : un aperçu de la technologie

Découvrez ce qu'est une structure de support pour l'impression 3D, lorsque le support est nécessaire et comment le support peut affecter la qualité et le prix de votre impression.

Lire l'article
Models printed in SLA, FDM and SLS

Comment réduire le coût de l'impression 3D ?

Découvrez ce qui influe sur le prix de d'impression 3D et comment réduire les coûts de l'impression 3D

Lire l'article

Show more

Show less

Votre design est prêt? Téléchargez vos fichiers pour un devis instantané et gratuit

Obtenir un devis instantané