Top Z distance
The gap between the top of the support and the part resting on it. A bigger gap is easier to remove but gives a worse underside; 0 only with support filament.
How it works
If the support touched the part, they'd fuse. The slicer leaves an air gap of about one layer: the part “drops” that distance onto the support, rests on it without welding, and later peels off with your fingers.
The trade-off is that the part's first layer over the support is printed half in the air and comes out rough. With support filament in the interface, no gap is needed (0): the part sits fully on it and still separates.
When to change it
- Part and support in the same filament: the default 0.20 mm (one layer).
- Support or soluble filament in the interface: 0.
- The support tears off chunks of the part when you remove it: 0.25–0.30 mm.
- The underside comes out too ugly (the chin of a bust): 0.10 mm, knowing it'll be harder to separate.
Typical values
| Value | What for |
|---|---|
| 0.20 mm | Default; one layerdefault |
| 0 | Only with support filament |
| 0.10 mm | Better face, harder to separate |
Watch out for
Goes well with
What Bambu Studio saysits help card, quoted
What Bambu Studio says
The z gap between the top support interface and object
Bambu Studio tooltip for this setting · AGPL-3.0
Read more at the official source
In your profile0.20mm Standard @BBL A1 · 0.2 mm · changes with the profile
In Bambu Studio, the profile 0.20mm Standard @BBL A1 sets it to0.2 mm
Helps with
In other slicers
- Orca Slicer
- Top Z distanceSupport › Advanced
- PrusaSlicer
- Top contact Z distanceSupport material › Options for support material and raft
- Cura
- Support Top DistanceSupport
Names taken from each program's code (Orca Slicer 2.4.2, PrusaSlicer 2.9.6, Cura 5.13.0). Credits