The right layer height for your part
Fine layers look better but take longer and cost more. Coarse layers are faster and for some parts even stronger. We choose layer height based on what the part has to do.
0.10 to 0.30 mm available
Which layer height for what
Rough guidance from practice.
0.10 mm
Visible parts, small details, shallow curves.
0.15 to 0.20 mm
Standard for most technical parts.
0.25 to 0.30 mm
Large, simple parts and fixtures.
Mixed
Fine layers only where details are.
Suitable materials
Carbon-filled materials are usually printed with a larger nozzle and coarser layers. Their matte surface hides layers well anyway.
- PLAFast, affordable prototyping and visual parts.
- PETGTough everyday material with grade-dependent compliance options.
- ASAThe outdoor specialist - ABS mechanics with true UV stability.
- PA12-CFCarbon-filled nylon 12 - the metal replacement workhorse.
What drives the choice
- 01Is the part visible or hidden?
- 02Are there shallow slopes where steps show?
- 03How big is the part and how many are needed?
- 04Does the surface need post-processing?
Finer isn't always better
A fixture on the shop floor doesn't need 0.10 mm layers. It needs accuracy at contact faces and good value. A design model, on the other hand, shows every step.
If you give no requirement, we choose layer height by function and tell you what we chose.
Manufacturing data at a glance
- Location
- Schleswig, Germany
- Part size
- up to approx. 250 x 250 x 250 mm, larger parts split and joined
- Quantities
- 1 to several thousand, no minimum order quantity
- Tolerances
- approx. ±0.2 mm for PLA, PETG and carbon grades, ±0.3 mm for ABS, ASA and PC
- Layer height
- 0.10 to 0.30 mm
- Materials
- 20 engineering filaments from PLA to PA12-CF and PC FR
- File formats
- STEP, STL, 3MF, OBJ, IGES up to 200 MB
- Lead time
- 2 to 4 working days for samples, 4 to 15 working days for series
Upload Your File for Instant Pricing
Receive fast pricing and manufacturing feedback in minutes. STEP, STL, 3MF and OBJ supported.
Layer height FAQ
Are thinner layers stronger?
Not automatically. Medium layer heights often bond well. Very fine layers mainly improve appearance.
How much more does 0.10 mm cost?
Print time rises considerably because more layers are needed. The instant quote shows the difference directly.
Does layer height affect accuracy?
In Z yes, because dimensions round to whole layers. In plane hardly.
How do I get a price?
Upload your STEP or STL file in the instant quote. You see the price immediately, and we check the file for problems before production.
Which information is needed for Layer height?
Send a STEP file where possible, together with quantity, operating temperature, load, environmental conditions and critical dimensions. This lets us define material, orientation, production strategy and inspection effort for the part.
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