i have been using Simplify3D for couple of years now for my FDM machine, the variable layer thickness within an object is available along with assigning different layer thickness for different objects ( it even has a wizard tool).
i am showing an example of 2 spheres where the one in front is using .1 mm at the poles and .2 mm in the middle and the second one behind is using a .3 mm along the entire height.
i find this feature very useful especially when i print large fixtures where critical areas a very limited
regarding FredB comment “layer artifact” caused by relatively long stops between layers, it seems like an aesthetic issue, i wasn’t aware of it
regarding fantasy2, i would love to have an automatic layer adjustment as mentioned, the closest example i can see often is the mesh creation in FEA analysis, typically you set a general parameter and the software will automatically reduce the element size to accommodate for smaller features.
to be honest my new Formlab 2 blew my mind when it comes to small feature creation and surface finish, i hate to see it limited or lagging behind due to some relatively easy software modification.
again it just happened that i decided to use the machine for low production runs alongside prototyping as the first reason for purchase, these features are useful to me and maybe not for a typical user, in my opinion adding an advanced tab for what i suggested earlier is nice to have without sacrificing the simplicity of the current software.
thanks