The advantage of the process parameter Balance, at 120µm layer thickness, lies in its ability to balance different factors at the same time, e.g., production costs, mechanical properties, surface quality and accuracy. Therefore it is suitable for parts with varying geometries, dimensions and requirements.

Performance is the parameter set of choice for parts with high demands on mechanical properties and fracture behaviour, especially when the part is going to be subjected to multiaxial loading in all three directions. Performance parts are characterized by the highest degree of isotropic strength and rigidity. The choice of 100 µm layer thickness results in fine resolution and also very high surface quality and detail resolution.

The Speed parameter set applies the classic 150 µm layer thickness which is popular and widespread on the market due to its allround qualities. This parameter set offers slightly higher surface quality than TopSpeed.

The parameter set Top Quality is used for very small to medium-sized parts with extremely fine, fragile geometries and geometric elements and the strictest requirements in surface quality are best served by this parameter set. It applies a layer thickness of 60 µm, which is approximately the thickness of a grain of the plastic powder normally used today. The typical stair-step effect on upward and downward-pointing geometry elements can practically no longer be seen on TopQuality parts. The mechanical attributes of TopQuality parts are satisfyingly close to the levels of Performance parts.

The advantage of the process parameter Top Speed, with 180µm layer thickness, lies in its ability to build parts with medium to high requirements of quality and mechanical load combined with high cost pressure. Particularly large and relatively thick-walled parts can usually profit from this layer thickness, mostly without any noticeable impairment from the fast build-up rates.