What is one of the important parameters to set on an AM machine before building a part?

Layer thickness is a crucial parameter to set on an additive manufacturing (AM) machine before building a part because it significantly influences the quality, detail, and strength of the final product. The layer thickness determines how thick each individual layer of material will be during the build process. Thinner layers typically yield higher resolution and better surface finish since they can allow for finer detail reproduction. However, they also require more layers to complete the part, which can lead to longer build times. Conversely, thicker layers can speed up the production process but may result in a rougher surface finish and less intricate detail.

Understanding and adjusting the layer thickness is essential for achieving the desired properties in the final part, making it one of the key parameters for successful AM operation.