Why the first layer looks smaller during preview?
Hi, I was doing a preview of a square cube after slice. As I moved from the first layer to the top, I noticed that the first layer is smaller. How come? Also, is it a bad idea to set the first layer to be of the same height as the other layers? For example, if I want to print at layer 0.15 or 0.2mm, is it a bad idea to respectively set the first layer height to be 0.15 and 0.2mm? Is it better to always set the first layer height to be 0.1mm?
RE: Why the first layer looks smaller during preview?
The first layer will be smaller due to the elephants foot compensation. The default is 0.2mm which brings it in by that amount. This is done to counteract the first layer squish which makes the first layer larger. You can reduce or remove the elephants foot if you need to.
As for the first layer, don’t set the first layer thinner, leave it at 0.2. It’s set to that for a reason. This helps take slight imperfections in the first layer into account. Unless you are confident that your bed is perfect. You could go thicker.
RE: Why the first layer looks smaller during preview?
@neophyl
Thank you. If I print at layer height 0.2mm or above, shall I leave it at 0.2mm or makes it slightly taller for elephants foot compensation? Or is 0.2mm is sufficient for printing at different layer heights.
RE: Why the first layer looks smaller during preview?
@prusanewuser
Usually 0,2mm is good for most layer heights and nozzle diameters. It is actually more dependant on your bed level calibration than those parameters.
If you squeeze the first layer a lot you may need more if you do not squeeze the first layer you may not even need it.