3D Printing — Slicer Settings Quick Reference

Jul 14, 2026 11:55am · 3 views
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3D Printing — Slicer Settings Quick Reference

What each slicer setting does and when to change it. Applies to OrcaSlicer, Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, and Cura with minor naming differences.

Layer and Quality

SettingEffectWhen to change
Layer heightPrint resolution and speed0.1mm = fine, 0.2mm = standard, 0.3mm = fast
First layer heightAdhesion and squishUsually 0.2–0.3mm regardless of layer height
Line widthExtrusion widthTypically 100–120% of nozzle diameter
Seam positionWhere layer transitions appearRear = hidden, Random = scattered, Aligned = visible line

Speed Settings

SettingTypical rangeNotes
Outer wall30–60mm/sSlower = better surface quality
Inner wall100–200mm/sNot visible — can be fast
Infill150–300mm/sNot visible — go fast
Top surface30–50mm/sSlower = smoother top
First layer20–30mm/sAlways slow for adhesion
Travel200–300mm/sNo filament — go fast

Infill

SettingNotes
Density10–15% for visual prints, 30–40% for functional, 100% for maximum strength
GyroidBest strength-to-material ratio for functional prints
Grid / LinesFastest, good for non-structural parts
LightningMinimum material for display models
Adaptive cubicMore infill near surfaces automatically

Walls and Top/Bottom

SettingNotes
Wall count2–3 for visual prints, 4–6 for functional — adds strength more than infill
Top/bottom layers3–5 layers — more = better top surface with low infill
Top surface patternMonotonic or Archimedean = smoothest top

Support

SettingNotes
Support typeNormal (tree recommended for most prints)
Overhang threshold30–45° typical — steeper angles need support
Interface layers2–3 layers at 0.2mm gap — easier removal
Z distance0.15–0.25mm — closer = stronger but harder to remove
Support materialPVA for dual-material, use same material for single

Temperature

MaterialNozzleBedNotes
PLA190–220°C60°CMost forgiving
PETG230–250°C70–85°CHotter than PLA, stringing risk
ABS230–250°C90–110°CNeeds enclosure
ASA240–260°C90–110°CSimilar to ABS
TPU220–240°C30–60°CPrint slow, no retraction or minimal
PA (Nylon)250–280°C70–90°CDry filament critical
PC260–300°C100–120°CNeeds all-metal hotend

Retraction

SettingNotes
DistanceDirect drive: 0.5–1.5mm. Bowden: 4–7mm
Speed25–60mm/s — too fast = grinding
Enable combingKeeps travel inside the model — reduces stringing without retraction

Pressure Advance (Klipper) / Linear Advance (Marlin)

Reduces corner bulge and start/stop artifacts. Tune with a tuning tower:

  • PLA: typically 0.02–0.08
  • PETG: typically 0.05–0.1
  • TPU: typically 0.1–0.2

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