How do infill patterns affect the surface quality and aesthetics of 3D printed parts?

1 Infill patterns and surface quality

Surface quality refers to how smooth, shiny, and consistent the outer surface of your 3D printed part is. In general, infill patterns can affect surface quality in two ways: by creating bumps or gaps on the top or bottom layers, and by affecting the cooling and warping of the part. Some infill patterns, such as honeycomb or gyroid, can create bumps or gaps on the top or bottom layers, especially if the infill density is low or the layer height is high. This can make the surface look rough or uneven. To avoid this, you can increase the infill density, lower the layer height, or use more top or bottom layers. Other infill patterns, such as rectilinear or triangular, can affect the cooling and warping of the part, especially if the infill density is high or the part is large. This can make the surface look distorted or cracked. To avoid this, you can lower the infill density, use a cooling fan, or add a brim or a raft.

2 Infill patterns and aesthetics

Aesthetics refers to how pleasing, attractive, or interesting the appearance of your 3D printed part is. In general, infill patterns can affect aesthetics in two ways: by creating visual effects or patterns on the surface, and by allowing light to pass through the part. Some infill patterns, such as honeycomb or gyroid, can create visual effects or patterns on the surface, especially if the infill density is low or the part is translucent. This can make the surface look more complex or dynamic. To achieve this, you can use a clear or colored filament, lower the infill density, or use fewer top or bottom layers. Other infill patterns, such as rectilinear or triangular, can allow light to pass through the part, especially if the infill density is low or the part is thin. This can make the part look more transparent or glowing. To achieve this, you can use a clear or light-colored filament, lower the infill density, or use thinner walls.

3 Infill patterns and mechanical performance

Mechanical performance refers to how strong, stiff, or durable your 3D printed part is. In general, infill patterns can affect mechanical performance in two ways: by providing support or reinforcement to the walls and the top and bottom layers, and by distributing stress or strain within the part. Some infill patterns, such as rectilinear or triangular, can provide support or reinforcement to the walls and the top and bottom layers, especially if the infill density is high or the part is under compression. This can make the part more resistant to bending, buckling, or breaking. To achieve this, you can increase the infill density, use thicker walls, or use more top or bottom layers. Other infill patterns, such as honeycomb or gyroid, can distribute stress or strain within the part, especially if the infill density is low or the part is under tension. This can make the part more flexible, resilient, or shock-absorbing. To achieve this, you can lower the infill density, use thinner walls, or use fewer top or bottom layers.

4 How to choose the best infill pattern

Choosing the best infill pattern for your 3D printing project depends on the design goals, material choices, and printer settings. Generally, rectilinear, triangular, or cubic infill patterns are best for optimizing surface quality and material usage. Honeycomb, gyroid, or concentric infill patterns are ideal for optimizing aesthetics. For mechanical performance, rectilinear, triangular, or honeycomb patterns may be advantageous. Additionally, a pattern that uses less filament and prints faster is recommended if you want to optimize material usage.

5 How to change the infill pattern

Changing the infill pattern is easy with most 3D printing software. You can usually find the option to change the infill pattern in the slicing settings, under the infill section. There you can select from a range of infill patterns, such as rectilinear, triangular, honeycomb, gyroid, cubic, concentric, and more. You can also adjust the infill density, which is the percentage of the internal volume that is filled with infill. The higher the infill density, the more filament and time it will take to print, but also the stronger and stiffer the part will be. The lower the infill density, the less filament and time it will take to print, but also the weaker and more flexible the part will be.

6 How to test the infill pattern

Testing the infill pattern of a 3D printed part is essential to guarantee that it meets the requirements and expectations. You can visually inspect the surface quality and aesthetics, measure its weight and dimensions, or perform mechanical tests on the part. Additionally, you can print test samples or models with different infill patterns to compare their surface quality, aesthetics, and mechanical performance. By doing this, you can ensure that your part will be of good quality and have the desired properties.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?