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Optimal layer height for your Z axis calculator  

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Ken from Texas
(@ken-from-texas)
New Member
Optimal layer height for your Z axis calculator

I have a Prusa i3 MK3S.  I'd like to determine the optimal layer height using the Prusa calculator.  I would think that Motor step angle, leadscrew pitch, pitch presets and gear ratios would be standard as I've not enhanced this printer.  Any guidance to find theses settings for this printer?  It would be great if Prusa enhanced the calculator for a drop-down for un-modified printers to pre-populate the calculator.  Link to calculator here https://blog.prusaprinters.org/calculator_3416/  

Best Answer by JoanTabb:

If you are thinking of 'Golden Layerheights'   this was largely a concept for early 3D printers with Old design Stepper Drivers. 

It's not a big issue with Prusa Printers. 

the original concept was to force the slicer to create layer heights that were a combination of Lead Screw Pitch, and Stepper motor steps per revolution. and the idea was to choose a layer height that reliably resulted in whole numbers of stepper motor steps, per layer. 

this may be useful if the stepper motors always started on a full step, after Live Z is adjusted. 
however with the Prusa Set up, there is more chance of ending up on a microstep, than a full step, after live Z, 

If you then invoke a 'Golden Layer height' all subsequent layer heights would result in the stepper being on a microstep, not a full step. so you would be entirely missing the point of the original idea. 

there was some discussion on this matter years ago when I got my first Mk1 Prusa Printer.but it never really gathered any momentum in the prusa world. 

No harm in trying... 

I tried it in the early days, and didn't notice a difference. your mileage may differ!

Good luck, and please share your findings. 

regards Joan 

Posted : 17/12/2021 10:39 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Optimal layer height for your Z axis calculator

If you are thinking of 'Golden Layerheights'   this was largely a concept for early 3D printers with Old design Stepper Drivers. 

It's not a big issue with Prusa Printers. 

the original concept was to force the slicer to create layer heights that were a combination of Lead Screw Pitch, and Stepper motor steps per revolution. and the idea was to choose a layer height that reliably resulted in whole numbers of stepper motor steps, per layer. 

this may be useful if the stepper motors always started on a full step, after Live Z is adjusted. 
however with the Prusa Set up, there is more chance of ending up on a microstep, than a full step, after live Z, 

If you then invoke a 'Golden Layer height' all subsequent layer heights would result in the stepper being on a microstep, not a full step. so you would be entirely missing the point of the original idea. 

there was some discussion on this matter years ago when I got my first Mk1 Prusa Printer.but it never really gathered any momentum in the prusa world. 

No harm in trying... 

I tried it in the early days, and didn't notice a difference. your mileage may differ!

Good luck, and please share your findings. 

regards Joan 

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 18/12/2021 12:15 am
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