Z-Hop

Also known as: Z Lift, Retraction Z Hop

beginner Slicer Settings

Lifting the nozzle slightly during travel moves to avoid hitting the print.

Z-hop raises the nozzle a small amount during travel moves, preventing it from colliding with or dragging across already-printed parts.

When to Use

  • Tall prints with many travel moves
  • Prints with islands/separate sections
  • When nozzle is scraping top surfaces
  • Flexible materials that might catch

Settings

  • Height: 0.2-0.5mm typical
  • Speed: Z movement speed

Trade-offs

Pros

  • Prevents nozzle collisions
  • Reduces surface marks
  • Helps with flexible materials

Cons

  • Slows print (Z movements are slow)
  • Can increase stringing
  • More retractions/priming

Tip

Only enable when needed—adds significant time to prints with many travels.