Variable height layers

[ivnvlp]

Hi,
do you know the variable temperature tab with the setpoints? Well, I would like something similar to change the layer height depending on the layer.

Where the model grows up straight, high layer height is good but where there are some overhangs I would like to set a lower layer height.

What do you think about that? I'm sure it would be a killer feature, especially if you can set it graphically!

I think you can currently do something like this using "Advanced -> Layer Modifications" but a specific feature would be nicer.

[DBFIU]

You could also have a layer height increment adjust feature. To set how much smaller the layers need to get along a given z distance, so you can control the gradual changes. Even better, upload a table of values with your layer height vs. z height correlation if you really want control.

[MasterFX]

You can already do this. Just add as many processes you want and set for each process a different Layer height and start and stop printing at height

layer_height1.png (6.01 KiB) Viewed 5436 times

layer_height2.png (11.15 KiB) Viewed 5436 times

[dkightley]

Using multiple layers is a good way of achieving this....but it does have its drawbacks - as illustrated in a thread posted in the last few weeks, where extra top and bottom layers are introduced into the model at the point of changing process. This can be partly overcome by specifying zero top/bottom layers for the intermediate processes, but there are issues where there are upward or downward facing parts in the inner sections.

The idea of being able to change layer thickness within a process does sound as if it could have some advantages.....

[bray.christopher]

Similar to this request: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=3624

+1 to both

[Fred B]

Yes, I think this is a duplicate request.

I think the best way to calculate and implement variable layers is based on part angles. The user would specify the vertical layer height and the minimum layer height that would be implemented near horizontal. This could smoothly vary in .01mm increments.

A feature like this could improve print times and quality.

[saramos]

I like this idea, but see one potential issue. I have found that for a given nozzle, there are certain layer thicknesses that print better than others. For example, I have a .25mm nozzle that prints really nicely at .08mm layer height, but not as nice a finish at .09 and even less well at .07mm.

[spineytoad]

Using multiple layers is a good way of achieving this....but it does have its drawbacks - as illustrated in a thread posted in the last few weeks, where extra top and bottom layers are introduced into the model at the point of changing process. This can be partly overcome by specifying zero top/bottom layers for the intermediate processes, but there are issues where there are upward or downward facing parts in the inner sections.

The idea of being able to change layer thickness within a process does sound as if it could have some advantages.....

I have to second this aspect, I need to be able to adjust layers without creating a new process, that bottom and top infill are sticklers. If you have 4 or 5 top layers that is a waste and sometimes changes the texture a bit at that point.