Difference between Initial Layer Height and Z-offset?

[mkoic 2]

Is there a difference between what the Initial Layer Height setting does and what the Z-offset plugin can do?  Is there a situation where one should be used vs. the other?

[Carla_Birch 116]

Hi,

 

Yes from my understanding there is a difference between the two. Basically the "initial layer height" setting make for a bigger first layer height but keeps the nozzle gap the same, so for eg if you got a 0.05 gap between the nozzle and build plate that gap will stay that and it will print the first layer.

 

Where the z-offset plugin makes the gap between the build plate and nozzle bigger, what can be handy for filaments like PETG that need a bit of a bigger gap due to how well they stick and like to stick to a nozzle when pushing down the first layer. Can also be handy if your printing onto a fabric over the build plate.

[ahoeben 1,956]

The Initial Layer Height will affect how much material is extruded. If you make a "thicker" layer, more material will be extruded to "fill" that layer. A thinner layer results in less material being used for that first layer. Changing the initial layer height will not "squish" the print more or less into the buildplate.

 

The Z Offset does not affect how much material is extruded, but only how close the first layer is printed to the buildplate. A negative Z Offset will squish the print into the buildplate. A positive Z Offset can make it easier to remove a print from the buildplate, while increasing the risk of the print coming loose during the print.

 

The initial layer height is used to compensate for a buildplate that is not entirely flat or well leveled. The Z Offset is used to increase or decrease buildplate adhesion. They are two different tools for different goals.

Edited July 21, 2020 by ahoeben

[mkoic 2]

7 hours ago, ahoeben said:

The Initial Layer Height will affect how much material is extruded. If you make a "thicker" layer, more material will be extruded to "fill" that layer. A thinner layer results in less material being used for that first layer. Changing the initial layer height will not "squish" the print more or less into the buildplate.

 

The Z Offset does not affect how much material is extruded, but only how close the first layer is printed to the buildplate. A negative Z Offset will squish the print into the buildplate. A positive Z Offset can make it easier to remove a print from the buildplate, while increasing the risk of the print coming loose during the print.

 

The initial layer height is used to compensate for a buildplate that is not entirely flat or well leveled. The Z Offset is used to increase or decrease buildplate adhesion. They are two different tools for different goals.

 

Thank you for that very clear explanation.   Very helpful.

[Johnmgg 1]

YES, The layer height is the Height of the actual extruded plastic. Z offset is where the Z height of the nozzle what the print is started. There is a setting for Layer Height for every layer and the layer height for just the First layer also known as the initial layer.