--- title: Choosing the Layer Height - BCN3D Stratos --- [Skip to content](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/layer-height#main-content) - [English](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/layer-height) - [Español](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/layer-height) English Show submenu for translations [Contact support](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Customer portal](https://support.bcn3d.com/repair-service?hsLang=en) ![knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png\]](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Header/knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png?height=40&name=knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) - - [English](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/layer-height) - [Español](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/layer-height) English Show submenu for translations - [Contact support](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Customer portal](https://support.bcn3d.com/repair-service) - [BCN3D forum](https://www.bcn3d.com/community/) [BCN3D forum](https://www.bcn3d.com/community/) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge base - BCN3D](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [BCN3D Stratos](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-stratos?hsLang=en) # Choosing the Layer Height - BCN3D Stratos   | ![warning-1](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Contact%20form/warning-1.png?width=27&name=warning-1.png) | Remember that BCN3D Cura will not receive new software updates. Please download [BCN3D Stratos](https://www.bcn3d.com/bcn3d-stratos/) our new slicer for improved performance. | | --- | --- |   --- |                                                            | [EN](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/layer-height) | [**ES**](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/layer-height?hsLang=en) | | --- | --- | --- | ---   ![configuring layer height](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/layer_height_landing.jpg?width=688&name=layer_height_landing.jpg)   In every manufacturing process, there is a parameter that determines the quality of the product. In 3D printing this parameter is the layer height. In this article, you will learn all about layer height and how to set it correctly.     **Table of contents:** [What is and how does layer height affect the model](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/layer-height#affect) [Correctly set the layer height](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/layer-height#set)   --- ### **What is layer height and how does it affect the model** **![layer height](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/layer-height-button%20Cropped.png?width=251&name=layer-height-button%20Cropped.png)** The layer height defines how thick the layers of the printed model will be.   ![initial layer height](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/initial-layer-height.png?width=251&name=initial-layer-height.png) The initial layer height parameter allows you to modify the thickness of the first layer. A thicker first layer improves adhesion to the print surface.  **Note: **Layer height values are automatically shared between extruders so it is only necessary to indicate it in one of the heads.   The thickness of the layers affect different physical aspects of the part and the printing process:  #### **Surface quality** **![surface quality example](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/layer-height-quality.jpg?width=688&name=layer-height-quality.jpg)** Reducing the layer height makes the part surface smooth and continuous. It also allows you to obtain a greater level of detail along the Z-axis, which has a significant influence on curved surfaces, on-ramps, and overhangs.   | ![curved surface quality example](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/surface-layer-height.png?width=335&name=surface-layer-height.png) | ![overhang surface quality example](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/overhang_layer-height%20Cropped.png?width=335&name=overhang_layer-height%20Cropped.png) | | --- | --- | #### **Printing time** **![print time comparison for different layer heights](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/layer-height-comparison.png?width=688&name=layer-height-comparison.png)** However, lowering the layer height also makes the printing time longer. Time increases inversely proportional to layer height. #### **Mechanical properties** the thicker the layers, the greater the mechanical resistance of the piece, this is due to the reduction of weld points, which are the weak areas between layers. The following graph shows how the mechanical resistance varies depending on the diameter of the hotend and the height of the layer: ![mechanical properties of the pieces vs used hotend](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/mechanical-properties%20Cropped.png?width=602&name=mechanical-properties%20Cropped.png)   --- ### Post-processing. **![3d printed piece post-processing](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/postprocess_landing.jpg?width=688&name=postprocess_landing.jpg)** For post-processing tasks such as sanding and painting, it is preferable that the layer height is extremely small to save time. If you want to know more about how to sand or paint your model, visit the following article: [Post-Processing](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/postprocess?hsLang=en)    --- ### Correctly set the layer height ![setting the correct layer height for the hotend](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/Hotend-06-layer-height.png?width=688&name=Hotend-06-layer-height.png)   | ![info-icon](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/info-icon.png?width=30&name=info-icon.png) | BCN3D Stratos contains recommended profiles with standard parameters for different layer heights, for each BCN3D printer and hotend. | | --- | --- |   When selecting a layer height, it is necessary to know the physical limitations that must be taken into account: #### **The diameter of the hotend** |   |   | | --- | --- | | ![hotend X 0.6 mm](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/hotend-06-x.jpg?width=688&name=hotend-06-x.jpg) | To ensure the maximum dimensional quality of the piece, it is not recommended to use layer heights greater than 50% of the diameter of the hotend. | #### **The minimum layer height** |   |   |   | | --- | --- | --- | | ![layer height tower piece](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/layer-height-tower-1.png?width=688&name=layer-height-tower-1.png) | Although printers can ensure steps in the Z-axis of 0.05mm, it is recommended not to lower the layer height less than 0.1mm. |   | #### Material flow |   |   | | --- | --- | | ![layer height affecting filament flow](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/filament%20Cropped.png?width=688&name=filament%20Cropped.png) | The layer height's effect on the flow of the material depends on the diameter of the hotend, the speed, and the printing temperature. Modifying the following parameters along with the layer height helps preserve the dimensional quality and physical properties of the part. |   **Print speed** **![print speed](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/print-speed-button%20Cropped.png?width=251&name=print-speed-button%20Cropped.png)** | ![print-speed-2 Cropped](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/print-speed-2%20Cropped.png?width=400&name=print-speed-2%20Cropped.png) | To keep the extrusion flow constant as the layer height decreases is recommended to slightly increase the printing speed in order  to avoid excess material on the part.  It is important to note that by increasing speed, the dimensional and surface quality may be affected.    | | --- | --- | To avoid problems, vary the speed in steps of 5mm / s and do not exceed the threshold of print speeds of the material.   **Printing temperature** **![printing temperature](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/printing-temperature.png?width=251&name=printing-temperature.png)** | ![configuring printing temperature](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20draft/temperatura-1%20Cropped.png?width=368&name=temperatura-1%20Cropped.png) | Modifying the temperature helps control the amount of filament that is extruded. By decreasing the printing temperature, the material becomes less fluid, so the amount of extruded material is reduced and it is not as necessary to increase the speed to control the flow. | | --- | --- | To modify the temperature it is advisable to do it in 5ºC intervals and control the height and section of the piece. You can find more information on how to find the ideal printing temperature in this article: [BCN3D Stratos temperature](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/temperature?hsLang=en)     #### **[Forum community](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-forum-community?hsLang=en) ** Need more tips? Check out our **[forum community](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-forum-community?hsLang=en) **for help.   It's important to keep your printer in good shape to make the most out of it. In this chart, you can find a list of the extruder maintenance procedures and how frequently these should be done.  [Maintenance Plan (Epsilon Series)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/maintenance-guide-bcn3d-epsilon-series?hsLang=en) [Maintenance Plan (Sigma Series)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/maintenance-plan-bcn3d-sigma-series?hsLang=en) [Maintenance Plan (BCN3D Sigmax)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/maintenance-plan-bcn3d-sigmax?hsLang=en) [Maintenance Plan (BCN3D Sigma)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/maintenance-plan-bcn3d-sigma?hsLang=en)   ![bcn3d-recycle](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Tools/bcn3d-recycle.png?width=27&name=bcn3d-recycle.png)  Take your e-waste to a certified recycler. [Check how we do it in BCN3D.](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/environment-bcn3d?hsLang=en)     | --- #### RELATED ARTICLES | | --- | | [![slicing-stratos-en](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20related%20articles/slicing-stratos-en.png?width=335&name=slicing-stratos-en.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/slice-bcn3d-stratos?hsLang=en) | [![stratos-introduction-en](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Avocado/avocado%20related%20articles/stratos-introduction-en.png?width=334&name=stratos-introduction-en.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-stratos?hsLang=en) | | --- | --- |   | **You can help improve the BCN3D Knowledge Base.** If you feel there are guides that we are missing or you found any error, please use this form to report it. **[Report form](https://share.hsforms.com/1F7t1sBuOQyWlAeRwwFSjgQ3fec5) **:) | | --- |   - [Omega](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/omega?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manuals & Downloads](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/omega?hsLang=en#manuals-downloads) - [First steps](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/omega?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Maintenance](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/omega?hsLang=en#maintenance) - [Tips](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/omega?hsLang=en#tips) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/omega?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Epsilon Series](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/epsilon-series?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manuals & Downloads](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/epsilon-series?hsLang=en#manuals-downloads) - [First steps](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/epsilon-series?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Maintenance](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/epsilon-series?hsLang=en#maintenance) - [Tips](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/epsilon-series?hsLang=en#tips) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/epsilon-series?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Sigma Series](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-series?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manuals & downloads](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-series?hsLang=en#manuals-downloads) - [First steps](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-series?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Maintenance](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-series?hsLang=en#maintenance) - [Tips](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-series?hsLang=en#tips) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-series?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Smart Cabinet](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/smart-cabinet?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manuals & Downloads](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/smart-cabinet?hsLang=en#manuals-downloads) - [First steps](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/smart-cabinet?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Maintenance](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/smart-cabinet?hsLang=en#maintenance) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/smart-cabinet?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Filaments](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Tips](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#tips) - [PLA](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#pla) - [Tough PLA](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#tough-pla) - [TPU](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#tpu) - [PET-G](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#pet-g) - [BVOH](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#bvoh) - [PVA](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#pva) - [ABS](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#abs) - [PP](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#pp) - [PA](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#pa) - [PAHT CF15](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#paht-cf15) - [PP GF30](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#pp-gf30) - [PET CF15](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#pet-cf15) - [Metal Pack](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#metal-pack) - [BCN3D Stratos](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-stratos?hsLang=en) - [BCN3D Cloud](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-cloud?hsLang=en#main-content) - [BCN3D Cloud Teams](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-cloud?hsLang=en#bcn3d-cloud-teams) - [Sigma + Sigmax](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-sigmax?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manuals & Downloads](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-sigmax?hsLang=en#manuals-downloads) - [First steps](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-sigmax?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Maintenance](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-sigmax?hsLang=en#maintenance) - [Tips](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-sigmax?hsLang=en#tips) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/sigma-sigmax?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [Tips](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/tips?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Design 3D](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/tips?hsLang=en#design-3d) - [3D printer](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/tips?hsLang=en#3d-printer) - [Previous models](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/previous-models?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manuals & downloads](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/previous-models?hsLang=en#manuals-downloads) - [Maintenance](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/previous-models?hsLang=en#maintenance) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_200px_horizontal_negro.png?width=100&height=40&name=Logo_200px_horizontal_negro.png "Chill listening crop-3")](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) Knowledge base Copyright © 2026, BCN3D Headquarters