Settings guide
3D Printing Settings Guide — Layer Height & Infill
This 3D printing settings guide covers the two parameters you configure on every order — layer height and infill density. Both settings directly affect surface quality, strength, print time, and cost. Therefore, choosing the right values before you upload is essential. Use the visual comparisons, the recommended settings for all 18 materials, and the quick-reference tables below to select the correct settings for your application. Furthermore, this guide covers both FDM and SLA manufacturing — use the toggle below to switch between them. To place an order, visit our FDM 3D printing service or SLA resin printing service. For background context, learn more about FDM layer-by-layer manufacturing.
3D Printing Settings Guide — FDM Layer Height (0.05 mm to 0.24 mm)
Layer height controls surface smoothness and print time. In general, smaller layers produce finer finishes but consequently take longer to manufacture. All FDM prints use a 0.4 mm nozzle diameter. Click any image below to enlarge and compare the surface difference.
3D Printing Settings Guide — FDM Infill Density (5% to 100%)
Infill controls the internal structure of FDM parts. All FDM prints use Gyroid infill pattern for the best strength-to-weight ratio. As a result, higher infill delivers more strength — however, it also increases material use and print time.
3D Printing Settings Guide — FDM Quick Reference by Application
Not sure which combination to use? Simply match your application to the recommended settings below. In addition, material links take you directly to each material guide page.
| Application | Layer Height | Infill | Recommended Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display / Decorative Model | 0.05 mm | 15–20% | Hyper PLA / PLA-CF | Best surface finish. PLA-CF's matte finish hides layer lines. Light infill — no mechanical load. |
| Rapid Prototype / Draft | 0.2 mm | 20–40% | ABS / PETG | Fast turnaround. Visible layers acceptable. |
| Functional Enclosure / Housing | 0.15 mm | 40–60% | PETG / ABS | Good surface + sufficient wall strength. Popular |
| Engineering / Load-Bearing Part | 0.1 mm | 50–80% | PA6-CF / Hyper ABS | Max strength. Use 100% for critical connectors. |
| Stiff Structural / CF Look | 0.15 mm | 40–60% | PETG-CF / PLA-CF | Carbon fibre stiffness with a matte finish. No enclosure needed. |
| Flexible Part (Seal / Grip) | 0.2 mm | 20–40% | TPU 95A | Lower infill = more flexibility. Only FDM flexible option. |
| Outdoor / UV-Exposed Part | 0.15–0.2 mm | 40–60% | ASA / PETG-CF | ASA resists UV yellowing where ABS fails. Weatherproof |
| High-Temperature Part | 0.1–0.15 mm | 60–80% | PA12-CF / PA6-CF / PC | PA12-CF at 170°C HDT is our highest. Dense infill improves heat path. |
| Gears / Wear-Resistant Parts | 0.15 mm | 50–70% | PA12 Nylon / PA6 Nylon | Self-lubricating. PA12 stays stable in humid conditions. |
| Jig / Fixture / Tooling | 0.15–0.2 mm | 70–100% | PA6 Nylon / PA6-CF | Maximum structural integrity. Dimensional stability priority. |
3D Printing Settings Guide — SLA Layer Height (0.05 mm and 0.1 mm)
SLA layer heights are all finer than FDM — in fact, even at 0.1 mm, SLA is smoother than FDM at 0.05 mm. Therefore, the difference between SLA quality levels is subtle. Choose based on required detail and delivery speed. Click either image to enlarge and compare.
3D Printing Settings Guide — SLA Infill is Always 100% Solid
Unlike FDM, SLA parts are always printed fully solid. Consequently, there is no infill setting to configure. Resin cures as a monolithic solid, which ensures maximum strength and surface quality on all faces.
SLA Settings by Application
Choose your SLA layer height based on the required detail level and delivery speed.
| Application | Layer Height | Resin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display / Visual Model | 0.05 mm | Standard Resin | Maximum surface quality — near-invisible layer lines. Recommended |
| Functional Prototype | 0.1 mm | Tough Resin | Impact resistant. Handles repeated loading, snap-fits, and assembly. |
| Optical / Clear Part | 0.05 mm | Clear Resin | 92% light transmission. Finest layers for maximum clarity after polishing. |
| Rapid Concept Check | 0.1 mm | Standard Resin | Faster delivery. Still smoother than any FDM layer height. |
| Snap-fit / Mechanical Assembly | 0.05–0.1 mm | Tough Resin | 14–25% elongation — won't snap on assembly. Drillable and tappable. |
Recommended Settings by Material — All 15 FDM Filaments & 3 SLA Resins
Already know your material? Find it below for the layer height and infill we recommend, along with its key properties. Every material links to its full guide. Use the filters to narrow the list.
FDM
FDM
FDM
FDM
FDM
FDM
FDM
FDMFDM
FDM
FDM
FDM
FDM
FDM
FDM
SLA
SLA
SLAWhat Our Team Handles — You Only Choose Settings from This 3D Printing Settings Guide
Every other technical parameter is optimised by our production engineers. Specifically, you do not need to configure temperatures, speeds, or support strategies — we handle all of that for you.
Print Temperature
Nozzle and bed temperatures are optimised per material on every print. As a result, no input is required from you — the correct profile is applied automatically.
Support Structures
Support generation and placement are automatically optimised for the best surface finish and easiest post-print removal.
Print Speed Calibration
Speed is automatically calibrated based on your layer height and material. Consequently, quality is maintained without any manual input from you.
Bed Leveling & Adhesion
LiDAR bed leveling (FDM) and build plate preparation (SLA) are handled on every order. As a result, warping risk is eliminated without any setup from you.