Which Layer Height Should I Choose for My 3D Print?
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What is layer height?
A 3D printer prints your part one thin layer at a time, stacking them up like sheets of paper. Layer height is how thick each of those layers is, measured in fractions of a millimetre. Thinner layers mean more of them, which gives a smoother surface but a longer print.
What do the options mean?
| Setting | Layer height | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft | About 0.24mm | Visible lines | Quick prototypes, test fits |
| Standard | About 0.20mm | Clean, faint lines | Most parts: trays and big models |
| Fine | About 0.12mm | Smooth | smaller models, figurines |
| Ultra Fine | About 0.08mm | Very smooth | Small, highly detailed items |
Does a finer layer height make my part stronger?
Not really. Strength depends far more on the material, the design and how the part is oriented than on layer height. Standard is plenty strong for working parts. Finer layers are about looks, not toughness.
Why do curves show layers more?
Flat walls look smooth at almost any setting. Gently sloped and curved surfaces, like a car bonnet, a dome or a figure's head, are where layers show up as little steps. We saw this on the Subaru kit card. At 0.16mm, the flat sides came out nicely, but the curved bonnet showed lines. If your model is mostly curves, go finer.
Does layer height change the price?
Finer layers mean more layers, so the print takes longer. Halving the layer height roughly doubles the print time. Drop your file into the quote tool and switch between settings to see the price for each.
Which one should I pick?
Choose Draft if you're testing a fit or a shape and don't care about looks. Choose Standard for almost everything else, since it's the best balance of quality, speed and price. Choose Fine for display models, curved designs and anything people will look at closely. And save Ultra Fine for small, detailed pieces where every line counts.
Still not sure? Pick Standard. You won't go far wrong.
FAQs
What is the best layer height for 3D printing?
For most parts, Standard, around 0.20mm. It gives a clean finish without long print times.
Is 0.12mm better than 0.20mm?
It's smoother, especially on curves, but it takes noticeably longer to print. It's only worth it for parts where looks really matter.
Can I get rid of layer lines completely?
Not straight off the printer, but sanding and filler primer can make them almost invisible, especially on PLA.
Ready to print?
Upload your file at rapid3d.ie, try each layer height, and see the price for every option in seconds.