Update needed on Infill Patterns

[FalmouthLouis 3]

This issue matters to me as I'm trying to test the impact of assorted print variants. One variation we want to test is on differing infill patters.

 

As far as I can see the most recent details of what the various infill patterns consist of is on https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/20416-infill .

 

These are now outdated, The options in 3.3.1. are more numerous and at least one of the older names (tetrahedral) has disappeared.

 

Where can I find an updated explanation of the various infill patterns? ..... and which of these patterns should give strongest tensile strength?

 

[gavogar 0]

Hi, sorry. Have you been received any updates about this issue? Thanks!

Edited November 13, 2018 by gavogar

[FalmouthLouis 3]

I collaborated with an Exeter University researcher who ran tensile tests on 15 variants of the same design. There was clear evidence that the tetrahedral pattern was seriously stronger than the grid pattern.

 

 

So I remain interested in the extent to which the Ultimaker design team have evidence about the relative performance of the varied infill patterns

[smartavionics 264]

I recommend you use Cura 3.6 onwards as that now provides gyroid infill which is seriously strong and has other nice properties also.

See Gyroid Strength for an example.

[FalmouthLouis 3]

Looks very interesting. It would still be interesting to know the pros and cons of using the other infill options.

 

You mention that Gyroid has "other nice properties" ...... such as? Do any of the other infill options outperform Gyroid in specific areas which might be important for specific purposes?

[smartavionics 264]

Just now, FalmouthLouis said:

You mention that Gyroid has "other nice properties" ...... such as? Do any of the other infill options outperform Gyroid in specific areas which might be important for specific purposes?

 

Sorry, I am not a mechanical or materials engineer so I can't add anything other than I know that the spaces in gyroid infill are all connected so it is amenable to filling. I also think (but don't have absolute proof) that it requires fewer skin layers printed on top to achieve a smooth finish.

[FalmouthLouis 3]

The following article by Benjamin Goldschmidt answers all my questions. It analyses the different infill patterns on offer by what kinds of performance is required. It advises on the patterns for printing fast for hobbyists purposes, for strength and for flexibility. The analysis is very clear. The Cura team could well add the gist of this analysis to the Cura package so that users, when selecting infill designs, can get a sense of the various performance characteristics.

https://all3dp.com/2/cura-infill-patterns-all-you-need-to-know/