diff --git a/home.md b/home.md index 9056de8..bd07574 100644 --- a/home.md +++ b/home.md @@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ OrcaSlicer is a powerful open source slicer for FFF (FDM) 3D Printers. This wiki - [param_seam Seam Settings](quality_settings_seam) - [param_precision Precision](quality_settings_precision) - [param_ironing Ironing](quality_settings_ironing) +- [Z Contouring](quality_settings_z_contouring) - [param_wall_generator Wall generator](quality_settings_wall_generator) - [param_wall_surface Walls and surfaces](quality_settings_wall_and_surfaces) - [param_bridge Bridging](quality_settings_bridging) diff --git a/images/z-contouring/z-contouring.jpg b/images/z-contouring/z-contouring.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ca32900 Binary files /dev/null and b/images/z-contouring/z-contouring.jpg differ diff --git a/print_settings/quality/quality_settings_z_contouring.md b/print_settings/quality/quality_settings_z_contouring.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b9115a9 --- /dev/null +++ b/print_settings/quality/quality_settings_z_contouring.md @@ -0,0 +1,46 @@ +# Z Contouring + +Z contouring, also called Z-layer anti-aliasing or ZAA, reduces visible stair-stepping on curved and sloped top surfaces by adjusting the Z height of individual extrusion points so the toolpath follows the original model surface more closely. + +![z-contouring](https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer_WIKI/blob/main/images/z-contouring/z-contouring.jpg?raw=true) + +Instead of keeping every move at a single flat Z for the whole layer, OrcaSlicer processes eligible top-surface toolpaths and emits varying Z values inside the affected layer. +This can noticeably smooth domes, chamfers, shallow slopes, and similar top-facing geometry without changing the nominal layer height of the rest of the print. + +> [!NOTE] +> Current implementation targets top-facing curved or sloped surfaces. +> **Downward-facing or upside-down curves are not handled.** + +> [!IMPORTANT] +> NEW FEATURE: **Z Contouring** +> Available in: [Nightly builds](https://github.com/OrcaSlicer/OrcaSlicer/releases/tag/nightly-builds) or Releases greater than **2.3.2**. + +- [Minimize wall height angle](#minimize-wall-height-angle) +- [Minimum z height](#minimum-z-height) +- [Don't alternate fill direction](#dont-alternate-fill-direction) + +## Minimize wall height angle + +[Mode](option_mode): `Expert`. +[Variable](built_in_placeholders_variables): `zaa_minimize_perimeter_height`. +Reduce the height of top-surface perimeters so they better match the model edge on shallow slopes. +This setting affects both internal and external perimeters. +Set `0` to disable it. + +Although 35 degrees is a reasonable starting point, the current implementation defaults to `0`, so this behavior is off unless you enable it explicitly. + +## Minimum z height + +[Mode](option_mode): `Expert`. +[Variable](built_in_placeholders_variables): `zaa_min_z`. +Minimum local layer height allowed for contoured toolpaths. This setting also controls the slicing plane used for contoured layers. + +- Lower values allow stronger contouring but leave less minimum layer thickness. +- Higher values reduce the amount of contouring and keep the adjusted path closer to the nominal layer height. + +## Don't alternate fill direction + +[Mode](option_mode): `Expert`. +[Variable](built_in_placeholders_variables): `zaa_dont_alternate_fill_direction`. +Keep fill direction consistent from layer to layer on contoured layers instead of alternating it. +This can help produce a more consistent surface pattern on curved top surfaces. It only has an effect when Z contouring is enabled for that region.