select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

Layer thickness for FDM and SLA

0
R
3

Hi everyone, I’m a bit new to 3D printing and was wondering about the layer height for FDM and SLA printers. How does this affect the detail of the design? Looking for some insights!

Solved by Manon Bouriaud

Welcome to the forum! The layer height is the thickness of each layer that the printer lays down. For FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), layer heights are typically between 0.1 to 0.3 mm, although they can go finer. Lower layer heights give you finer detail but at the cost of longer print times and potentially more failures.

As for SLA, the printers typically have finer layer heights compared to FDM, often ranging from 0.025 to 0.1 mm. SLA works by curing resin with a laser or light source, so it can achieve very fine details.

    • R

      Hi everyone, I’m a bit new to 3D printing and was wondering about the layer height for FDM and SLA printers. How does this affect the detail of the design? Looking for some insights!

      0
    • Senior Content Manager

      Welcome to the forum! The layer height is the thickness of each layer that the printer lays down. For FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), layer heights are typically between 0.1 to 0.3 mm, although they can go finer. Lower layer heights give you finer detail but at the cost of longer print times and potentially more failures.

      As for SLA, the printers typically have finer layer heights compared to FDM, often ranging from 0.025 to 0.1 mm. SLA works by curing resin with a laser or light source, so it can achieve very fine details.

      0
      Reply
      • R
        Manon Bouriaud

        Thanks for the info! Since I’m working on a prototype that doesn’t require the accuracy SLA offers, I think I’ll go with FDM. Could you provide more detailed guidance on how to choose the right layer thickness for FDM based on different needs?

        0
        Reply
    • Senior Content Manager
      Robert400

      Absolutely, happy to help! Choosing the right layer thickness for FDM really depends on your specific goals for the prototype:

      • 0.1 mm or 100 µm (Fine) –for high-detail prints with more intricate details and superior finish quality, but with longer print times
      • 0.2 or 200 µm (Standard) – it is a quite balanced option between speed and detail, and it’s suitable for a large variety of prints
      • 0.3 or 300 µm (Economy) – this is the fastest option, where speed is clearly prioritized, but the layer lines will be much more visible. But it is suitable for rough prototypes


      Hope this helps!

      0
      Reply
Layer thickness for FDM and SLA
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
stainless steel bolts with brass inserts for a plastic intake manifold
hello, I’m redesigning an intake manifold joint on an IC engine where the upper and lower manifolds are plastic, and the factory setup uses M6 class 8.8 screws threading directly into plastic bosses. The... read more
L
0
4
Feb 20
Selecting the Molding Process for a GSXR 1000 Half-handlebar
Hello, I am currently working on the design/manufacture of a half-handlebar for a sports motorcycle (GSXR 1000). What is the best type of process that I could establish for the manufacture of the handlebar... read more
1
29
Feb 19
Laser cutting pc panels for machine safety enclosures
Hi, I’m producing clear polycarbonate panels for a machine safety enclosure, cut from 4 mm sheet with small mounting holes and tight internal radii. Optical clarity and edge integrity matter more than cosmetics. From... read more
L
J
R
2
71
Feb 20
Printing a 3D Model Purchased from a Third Party
Hello, I was wondering if there would be any issues in requesting the production of a print from a model purchased from a third party.Thank you and keep up the good work! read more
s
4
338
Jan 23
Manufacturing Wheels for Fingerboards
Hello,I am writing because I am developing fingerboard wheels as a new product within my own brand. I professionally manufacture fingerboard decks and concrete obstacles, and now I am expanding my catalogue with cast... read more
j
2
315
Jan 20