Supports and Layer Height for Your STL - Answers From Mesh Analysis
Two of the most common pre-slice questions are simple to ask and hard to answer from a screenshot:
Do I need supports? and What layer height should I use? SliceFoundry
analyzes the STL mesh for downward overhangs above the bed and for thin-wall thickness, then turns
those measurements into support and layer-height guidance you can trust as a starting point.
If only a tiny fraction of the surface is steep overhang, you may print without supports. If thin
regions dominate, finer layers keep more solid passes through weak walls. The
Print Settings Detector also covers walls, infill, nozzle, and
bed adhesion in the same pass.
What the Mesh Tells You
- Overhang area fraction - how much of the surface faces steeply downward above the bed
- Thickness percentiles - whether hairline walls need finer layers and more perimeters
- Part size - small detailed models vs. large bulky prints
- Tip-over risk - tall, narrow bases that benefit from a brim
Quick Workflow
- Open the detector and upload your STL.
- Read the Supports and Layer height rows first.
- Enter those values in your slicer and check the preview.
- Only then tune temperatures and cooling for your filament.
Related
Check Supports and Layer Height
Analyze your STL for supports and layer height