Using adaptive layer heights in PrusaSlicer for fine vertical detail¶

Todo

Finish documenting adaptive layer heights

The Prusa development team unexpectedly added an automatic adaptive layer height feature to a recent Alpha PrusaSlicer release. This is one feature that kept me using Ultimaker Cura for some prints. Preliminary tests have been excellent and there’s now one less reason to slice with anything but PrusaSlicer.

Note

These notes are based on my experiences with the Prusa i3 Mk3 and Artiller/Evnovo Sidewinder X1 printers. If you are using a different printer, please verify the hardware details are same. These pages may be a bit rough as I revise them and add new material. Please check back regularly for updates.

Adaptive or variable layer heights allow different layers within a single model to be printed at different layer heights. We can use a high setting for simple vertical surfaces to maximize speed, then switch to a finer height for rounded or curved surfaces to get a smoother but slower printing surface.

PrusaSlicer allows us to enable this feature on a per-part basis.

Configuring adaptive layer heights in |PS|

Fig. 87 Configuring adaptive layer heights in PrusaSlicer¶

Adaptive layer heights are certainly not new. Cura and KISSlicer have implemented them for over a year now. KISSlicer was particulularly impressive with its ability to use different layer heights for different parts on the build plate, optimizing heights where needed without slowing down the entire print. Much to my surprise (and delight), Prusa has incorporated this ability into their first release.

Automatic adaptive layer heights in |PS|

Fig. 88 Automatic adaptive layer heights in PrusaSlicer¶