This 3D Printer infill is the strongest (3D Printer Academy Tested - Episode 2)

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In the world of 3D printing, there are many different options for 3D printer infills, but determining which one is the strongest can be a challenge. This article, titled “This 3D Printer infill is the strongest (3D Printer Academy Tested – Episode 2)”, aims to explore the strength-to-weight ratio of various infill types and examine the impact of infill percentage and number of walls on the strength of 3D prints. The author, Steven, conducted a series of meticulous experiments using a dedicated testing rig and consistent temperature conditions to gather valuable data. By analyzing the results, including the strength-to-weight ratio and the performance of different infills, the article provides insights that can help users make informed decisions in their 3D printing projects.

These experiments show that increasing the number of walls linearly increases the strength of 3D prints, while the strength-to-weight ratio follows a logarithmic graph, indicating diminishing returns. Additionally, the article delves into the influence of infill percentage on part strength, revealing that while increasing infill makes the parts stronger, the results can be inconsistent. By combining the data from tests on both wall count and infill percentage, the article identifies an optimal solution with a 20% infill percentage and around three walls for maximizing the strength-to-weight ratio. Furthermore, the article explores different types of infills, such as concentric, rectilinear, grid, and honeycomb, among others, to determine which is the strongest. In conclusion, the article presents valuable findings that contribute to understanding the world of 3D printing and help users optimize the strength of their prints.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

When it comes to 3D printing, the choice of infill type and number of walls can greatly impact the strength and weight ratio of the printed object. In this article, we will explore the different types of 3D printer infills available and discuss their importance in producing strong and durable prints.

Types of 3D Printer Infills

There are numerous types of infills that can be used in 3D printing, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common infill types include concentric, rectilinear, grid, line, cubic, triangles, trihexagonal, rectal linear, 3D honeycomb, Hilbert curve, Archimedian cords, octogram spiral, and support cubic.

Importance of Infill and Wall Count

Infill and wall count play a crucial role in determining the strength of a 3D print. Infill refers to the internal structure of a print, which provides support and strength to the object. The wall count, on the other hand, refers to the number of exterior walls that enclose the print. Both factors contribute to the overall strength-to-weight ratio of the print.

Testing Methodology

To scientifically evaluate the impact of infill and wall count on the strength of 3D prints, a testing rig was built. All tests were conducted in a controlled environment with consistent temperature conditions. The same type of 3D printer filament was used for each test to eliminate any confounding variables.

Testing the Number of Walls

For the first set of tests, a specific geometry of a 10mm x 10mm beam was used. The beam was set up as a simply supported beam with a downward force applied to the center. The test was repeated multiple times with different infill percentages, ranging from 2 to 8 walls.

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Results of Number of Walls Testing

The results showed a linear increase in strength with an increasing number of walls. The more walls that were added, the stronger the 3D prints became. However, the strength-to-weight ratio displayed a logarithmic graph, indicating diminishing returns with each additional wall. It was also observed that the bamboo lab PLA parts were slightly weaker compared to the sunlu PLA plus. The bamboo lab PLA parts also did not snap completely, suggesting a degree of brittleness.

Analysis of Number of Walls Results

The data collected from the tests demonstrates that adding more walls to a 3D print increases its overall strength. However, the strength-to-weight ratio does not increase proportionately. The comparison between bamboo lab PLA and sunlu PLA plus highlights the different properties of these filaments, with the sunlu PLA plus appearing to be more brittle.

Testing Infill Percentage

In addition to testing the number of walls, the infill percentage was also tested to determine its impact on print strength. Increasing the infill percentage was expected to result in stronger prints.

Results of Infill Percentage Testing

Contrary to expectations, the results showed that as the infill percentage increased, the strength-to-weight ratio decreased. This means that increasing the infill percentage does not necessarily lead to stronger prints. However, it must be noted that the results were inconsistent, suggesting the need for further testing.

Analysis of Infill Percentage Results

The findings indicate that it is less economical to increase the infill percentage to strengthen prints. The optimal infill percentage, based on the intersecting graphs from both the number of walls and infill percentage tests, was around 20%. Additionally, the optimal number of walls was around three, considering the goal of maximizing the strength-to-weight ratio. These tests were conducted using grid infill, raising the question of the strength of other infill types.

Testing Different Types of Infill

To determine the strongest infill type, various infill types, including concentric, rectilinear, grid, line, cubic, triangles, trihexagonal, rectal linear, 3D honeycomb, Hilbert curve, Archimedian cords, octogram spiral, and support cubic, were tested.

Results of Different Types of Infill Testing

After conducting the tests, the infill types were ranked based on their strength-to-weight ratio. The results showed that octogram spiral and Archimedian cords ranked the lowest. Trihexagonal, Hilbert curve, aligned rectilinear, and support cubic fell within the range of a strength-to-weight ratio between three and 3.5. Triangles, honeycomb, line, concentric rectilinear, grid, cubic, adaptive cubic, and 3D honeycomb fell within the range of a strength-to-weight ratio between 3.5 and four. Lightning infill and gyroid were ranked first and second, respectively, with lightning infill revealing surprising strength despite being usually perceived as weak.

Conclusion

The experimentation and analysis presented in this article provide valuable insights into the impact of infill and wall count on the strength of 3D prints. The findings suggest that increasing the number of walls enhances strength but may exhibit diminishing returns in terms of the strength-to-weight ratio. Increasing the infill percentage may not necessarily lead to stronger prints and may be less economical. The optimal infill percentage and number of walls were determined to be around 20% and three, respectively, for maximizing the strength-to-weight ratio. However, more research and experimentation are needed to gain a better understanding of different infill types and their strengths. These findings have practical implications for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals, aiding them in making informed decisions when choosing infill types and wall counts for their prints.

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