Using dual extrusion, is there any way to have the layer height different for

3D Printing
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1

Using dual extrusion, is there any way to have the layer height different for each extruder? In simplyfy3d there seems to be a setting for it but when I change for one extruder it changes for both.

2

I would not expect that one can change layer heights for two extruders. Picture that you have one extruder height set to 0.250 for a couple of millimeters. The other extruder height is set to 0.300. The first extruder reaches 2 mm after 8 passes. The other extruder now after the same number of passes is at 2.400 mm. That would generate collisions between extruders, unless great effort was made to prevent crossing paths.

With specialized programming, perhaps it could be done. You’d be constructing two models, not one model of two colors, I believe.

3

I believe Slic3r can do this if you’re using the second extruder for infill, and infill only X layers.

4

@Chapman_Baetzel I was thinking the same thing. Though in Slic3r’s case, the infill is a multiplier of the perimeter height. So I can also see @Fred_U point as well.

5

@Fred_U Wasn’t thinking of printing two layers on the same level. Was thinking of building upwards like first 5 layers one color and second another. I hear you

6

That clears things up a bit. Simplify3d will also perform as you describe. I’ve not played around enough with Slic3r, so I’ll defer to others’ wisdom for that program.

Also, here’s a link to the pertinent information in Slic3r manual:
http://manual.slic3r.org/expert-mode/variable-layer-height

7

You need a separate process for each

8

I keep waiting and waiting for the next generation of slicers that can do fancy tricks like this…

9

Even though the Cube 3rd gen is losing credibility, the printer is a decent bit of kit and has dual extruders. The head travel is enough that if two colors are printed on the bed, color one head can cross over color two part. It happens frequently for single model, two color construction.

There’s a Cube 3rd gen owner who has fine-tuned his nozzle height for both extruders to be exactly the same to within 0.001 inches, to prevent collision with previously placed layers.

My incorrect understanding of the question led to the answer regarding layer heights and nozzle collision. That answer still holds true, but I doubt that anyone is likely to require such a print configuration.