Layer height

When the slicer is cutting up your file into small cross-sections for 3D printing, the height of those cross sections is called the layer height. This can not only vary from printer to printer, but it can also vary from print to print. A smaller layer height would cut your model up into more cross sections. It would be a longer printing process, but at the same time would give your object a greater level of detail and resolution. In my prints, the layer heights tend to be between 0.10mm-0.25mm layers.

The following image shows the same piece with three different layer heights. As the layer height increases, the level of detail decreases:

As layer height increases, you will have faster printing times, but less detail.

Thinking ahead about layer height is a worthwhile venture when embarking on a 3D modeling project, particularly if you are planning small detailing. Consider the house figurine that will be highlighted later in the book. If the window panes are shorter than the planned layer height, the slicer (and therefore the printer) will skip that detailing, as shown in the following image:

In this example, a window pane is smaller than the layer height and is skipped by the slicer and printer.