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Layer Height

Definition

The 3D printers in build IT create 3D objects by depositing layers of material incrementally to build a 3D object.

The thickness of each layer of deposited material is called the ‘layer height’.

For Fused Deposition Modeling, or FDM, printers like the ones in build IT, one variable that affects the final quality of a 3D print is the layer height. Typical layer heights are between 0.1 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters. The surface quality of the finished part is proportional to how small the layer height is; smaller layer heights result in smother surface finishes.

Different layer heights affect the time it takes a 3D print to finish.

For FDM printers, the number of layers is one indicator of how much time a 3D print will take. Choosing a smaller layer height will divide a 3D model into more layers, increasing the print time. For example, an object printed at 0.4mm layer height would take half as much time as an object printed at 0.2mm layer height, because there are half as many layers. Due to machine limitations, the minimum layer height for all prints done in build IT is 0.2mm.

Different layer heights are appropriate for different 3D models.

Objects without fine surface details do not benefit from smaller layer heights, so printing them at a larger layer height (closer to 0.4 mm) reduces print time without sacrificing strength or quality. Smaller layer heights (closer to 0.2mm) are only recommended for prints which require better surface finishes, but this limits their overall size because the increased number of layers will take longer.

Example

This object was printed at four different layer heights, indicated by the text on the object. You can see how the quality differs between each section.

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Software

Changing the layer height setting in the model slicing software

cura layer height

Cura

The layer height settings can be found on the first tab under the 'Quality' heading on the left side. Cura will indicate if an improper value is entered in this field.

makerbot layer height

Makerbot Desktop

The layer height settings can be accessed via the 'Settings' window, on the left side. Selecting either Low, Standard, and High quality using the dropdown menu selects different default layer heights.

all benchys

Coloring 3D Printed Objects

Adding Color

A comparison of coloring 3D printed objects

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Natural PLA

natural pla benchy

Red PLA

red pla benchy

White PLA

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How to color what's 3D printed in build IT

photo of all the paint used

Acrylic Paint

Painted with Sax True Flow acrylic paint in Fire Red

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Acrylic

Pro:

  • Easy to apply
  • Con:

  • Paint coverage

  • How many coats is applied?

    Two coats of acrylic paint.

    Acrylic Paint with Spray Paint

    Painted with Sax True Flow acrylic paint in Fire Red and sprayed with Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear

    photo of paint
    Acrylic Crystal Clear

    Pro:

  • Little shine
  • Fix the paint coverage from the acrylic
  • Con:

  • Long process
  • How many coats is applied?

    Two coats of acrylic paint and one coat with acrylic crystal clear.

    Spray Paint

    Painted with Rust-Oleum Gloss Apple Red

    photo of paint
    Spray Paint

    Pro:

  • Fast Process
  • Con:

  • Glossy
  • Does not paint small inside areas
  • Dull
  • How many coats is applied?

    One coat of spray paint.

    Sharpie

    Colored with Red Sharpie

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    Sharpie

    Pro:

  • Less materials
  • Fast process
  • Con:

  • Can not reach small inside areas
  • How many coats is applied?

    One coat of sharpie.

    Nail Polish

    Painted with Zoya LC Red

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    Nail Polish

    Pro:

  • Easy to apply
  • Glossy
  • Con:

  • Heavy smell
  • How many coats is applied?

    One coat of nail polish.

    Skateboard rack

    Skateboard Rack

    by Doug Brantley, 2015

    Materials

    Wood

    Processes

    Design Goals

    Challenges

     

    Plastic Google Cardboard

    Plastic Google Cardboard

    by Joey Casabar, 2014

    Materials

    Plastic

    Processes

    3D modeling, 3D printing

    Design Goals

    To design a more sanitary and sturdy Google Cardboard

    Challenges

    The original Google Cardboard design changed. Finding suppliers of the lens.