Infill vs Solid option ?

[Longtoke 25]

 I'm working on a part and have run into an issue with it's strength. If i print it as a solid item, it does the job perfectly but it's obviously using a lot of material. If I print it with infill (50%), it's great except for one crucial point which breaks on every test. 

 

So the question I have (which I think I already know the answer to) -  is there any way to print a part with 50% infill overall, but have a section(s) where it's solid ? 

 

If this is not possible currently, perhaps this is a feature that can be implemented ?, possibly something similar to the current support blocker. 

Edited September 22, 2020 by Longtoke

[GregValiant 1,246]

I have had some success (depending on part geometry) using support blockers.  Set "Per Model Settings | Modify settings for Overlaps" differently for the blocker.  You can add walls or change the infill density to 100%.

I suppose you could bring in a 2nd custom shaped model and use it as the blocker.  I haven't had to do that yet but off the top of my head it sounds like it should work.

[Longtoke 25]

12 hours ago, GregValiant said:

I have had some success (depending on part geometry) using support blockers.  Set "Per Model Settings | Modify settings for Overlaps" differently for the blocker.  You can add walls or change the infill density to 100%.

I suppose you could bring in a 2nd custom shaped model and use it as the blocker.  I haven't had to do that yet but off the top of my head it sounds like it should work.

 

This sounds like a possible solution, thank you. Even being able to place a cylinder or cube in a section of my part resulting in a different infill would suffice. Going to have a tinker with it now, will update accordingly. 

[nallath 1,120]

19 hours ago, GregValiant said:

I have had some success (depending on part geometry) using support blockers.  Set "Per Model Settings | Modify settings for Overlaps" differently for the blocker.  You can add walls or change the infill density to 100%.

I suppose you could bring in a 2nd custom shaped model and use it as the blocker.  I haven't had to do that yet but off the top of my head it sounds like it should work.

If you use em to change settings, they aren't quite support blockers anymore (but modifier meshes) https://support.ultimaker.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013370140-How-to-adjust-print-settings-of-a-part-of-my-model-in-Ultimaker-Cura

There is also a (paid) plugin that can do all kinds of automatic magic with them: https://www.tetonsim.com/smart-slice-for-cura

[GregValiant 1,246]

Ok.  Semantics is it.  Well I don't like "modifier meshes".  How about something exciting like "Variable Density Augmenters" or "Internal Structure Adjusters" or the ever popular  "Inside Topography Transformer Thingies"?

[Longtoke 25]

Solution found

 

The simple explanation for those interested - 

 

>use the support blocker ( 6th icon on the left side missing a tool tip ) to generate a generic cube model OR add a model of your own for custom shapes 

> select the model you just placed

> select Per Model Settings ( 5th icon down on left side also missing tool tip )

> change the mesh type to "Modify Settings For Overlaps"

> hit the "select settings" button and add the "infill density" option

> set the infill density as required ( in my case I needed 100% infill for a section of my model ) 

> move the model/mesh to where you need it. 

 

The end result is a model with different infill densities as specified by the overlapping of the modified "support blocker" model/mesh.

 

Thanks to GregValiant & Nallath for helping me stumble through this 😉

Edited September 24, 2020 by Longtoke