Adaptive layers: layer height that follows the shape

How adaptive layers work

The steps between layers are most visible on sloped and curved surfaces. Straight vertical walls do not have them. So the slicer uses finer layers where the steps would show and thicker layers where they would not. The surface ends up smooth where it matters, and the whole print takes less time than with evenly fine layers. The setting is described on the OrcaSlicer wiki.

Pros and cons

• Smoother curves without printing the whole part in thin layers.
• A shorter print than with a uniformly fine layer, but a longer one than with a thick layer.
• Varying strength. Thicker layers bond to each other more strongly, but thick layers on details give a rougher surface.
• Hard-to-predict time. You can only estimate it once the print is prepared in the slicer.

How this relates to layer height

The basis is layer height. A smaller layer gives a finer surface but a longer print. Adaptive layers are a compromise between the two. Model orientation matters here too: sloped surfaces are the most demanding when it comes to stepping.

When they make sense. Adaptive layers are worth it mainly for figurines, busts, heads and other organic shapes with large curved surfaces. On a cube, a box or a holder with straight walls they add nothing, because there are no steps to smooth out. For ordinary technical printing you do not need them, and an even layer is enough.

Adaptive layers on your order

When calculating the price we assume a layer height of 0.2 mm and we do not offer adaptive layers as an option. What you see in the calculator is based on a real print preparation. If the surface of sloped faces is critical for you, rotate the model, and have a look at sanding as something you can do yourself.