Z-hop is an adjustment to the offset setting that allows the nozzle to be lifted off the build surface to avoid collisions with parts that are printing or have already been printed on the build bed.
When the nozzle moves from one position to another, it can drag filament and bump into printed parts, which can dislodge or damage them.
With this setting on, the nozzle is raised a small distance before moving to the next position, reducing the chance of collisions.
How to activate Z hop
To activate the jump in Z you must enter the cutting software, for example in treatment You must look for the configuration in the section of «Displacement» and activate the option «Z jump on retraction«.
height can be set in millimeters that the nozzle should lift and (from speed tab) the speed at which you should do it.
Settings may also vary depending on the slicing software you use. For example, to activate the jump in Z in PrusaSlicer you must go to «Printer settings» and in the option «extruder 1» search and modify the parameter «lift Z«
When to Z-Jump
The use depends on the type of printing and the geometry of the part. For example, if the part has many small details with supports, It is recommended to avoid collisions. If the piece is large and has few details, it is not necessary because can increase print times.
can also be used as a technique to print multiple colors on the first layer with a single extruder. With this technique, the different colors of a model are printed in parts and the Z jump is used so that the parts already printed in other colors do not collide.
Later I will make a publication talking about this technique, for now I will leave you a video below.
Youtube video: blito 3D
What effect does it have on 3D printing
The effect of the Z jump in 3D printing is a reduction in collisions and damage to the printed parts.
However, it can also have a negative effect on print quality, as the nozzle can lose precision when lifting and moving back to the print surface. Besides, its use can increase the total printing time.
Another unwanted effect is that can generate threads in prints if you do not have absolute control of the retractions.
If you want to know more about the threads in 3D printing and how to avoid them, here I leave you a post that may interest you.
Set Z break
The Z jump setting depends on the type of 3D printer and the slicing software used. In general, it is recommended to set a lifting distance between 0.1 and 0.3 mm and a lifting speed between 10 and 30 mm/s
What precautions should be taken
It's important to put attention on jumping in Z can increase print time and, in some cases, it can affect print quality.
It is necessary to make sure that the nozzle does not rise too high and that the speed of elevation is suitable for printing.
It is also important perform tests retraction before the final print to find the optimal configuration for each part.
Conclusion
Z-skipping is a feature that helps prevent collisions and damage to printed parts. Its use depends on the type of printing and the geometry of the part.
When setting it up it is important to take into account the lift distance and lift speed, and perform tests before final printing for best results.
I would not recommend using it all the time, only on the occasions that are really necessary, since it can lengthen printing times (considerably) and also, if you do not have a good management of retractions, the Z jump can generate threads during printing.
Frequent questions
- Can I activate the Z jump on any 3D printer? Most modern printers have this feature in the cutting software.
- Can I activate Z jump on any type of printed part? It depends on the type of printing and the geometry of the part. In some large pieces with few details it may not be necessary.
- What effect does jumping in Z have on print time? Its use can increase print time due to the elevation of the nozzle before moving to the next position.
- How can I find the optimal settings on my 3D printer? It is important to test before final printing to find the optimal settings for each part. You can adjust the lifting distance to get the best results.
