Layer height is the vertical thickness added by each printed layer. Smaller layers can represent slopes and curves more finely, but usually increase layer count and print time. Useful values depend on nozzle diameter, geometry, material and the desired balance between speed and detail.
How do you recognize it?
- Not a defect itself
- Coarse layers can make curves look visibly stepped
- Extremely small layers increase print time and can make stable extrusion more demanding on some setups
Common causes
- Intentional quality/time choice in the slicer
- Nozzle diameter and required detail
- Variable or adaptive layer height can use different values along Z
What should you check first?
- Match layer height to nozzle and model geometry.
- Do not automatically choose the smallest possible value.
- Consider adaptive layer height when geometry changes along Z.