{"id":129211,"date":"2022-05-11T12:07:48","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T12:07:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/update.3dbgprint.com\/filling-in-3d-printing-what-do-we-need-to-know\/"},"modified":"2026-05-02T15:03:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T15:03:14","slug":"filling-in-3d-printing-what-do-we-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/3dbgprint.com\/en\/filling-in-3d-printing-what-do-we-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Filling in 3D printing: what do we need to know?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Filling in 3D printing: what do we need to know?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Do you know what sets 3D printing<\/strong> apart from most other manufacturing techniques? That while you’re printing with 3D printer<\/strong><\/a>you have control over the simultaneous construction of both the outer walls of an object and what fills it. In this case, the walls form the outermost layers of the part you’re building. The material between these walls is called the infill<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

In 3D printing<\/strong>, the filler plays a key role in the strength, structure and weight of the part you are making. What’s interesting here is that you have the ability to define a number of parameters that govern the type of this filler. The two most important of these are fill density and fill pattern. These are what we’re going to look at today. <\/span><\/p>\n

But first, let’s see why filling is so important for building 3D models<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

3D printing<\/a> vs traditional manufacturing<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"3D<\/p>\n

Filling in 3D printing<\/strong> is different from other, more traditional manufacturing methods. To explain the difference, we will use injection molding and subtractive manufacturing as examples. <\/span><\/p>\n

Injection moulding is done by inserting material into a mould to form parts. The catch here is that it is virtually impossible to control the internal structures. As a result, the parts end up either too rigid or hollow. <\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, subtractive manufacturing, such as CNC milling, involves cutting material from a larger piece. Like injection molding, the fill cannot be adjusted because the interior is too hardened. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is what makes 3D printing so effective<\/strong>. Because it involves selectively extruding material, you don’t have to face similar difficulties. <\/span><\/p>\n

Now that we’ve understood why fill is less important in 3D printing, it’s time to look at the different types of fill densities and patterns. <\/span><\/p>\n

Density<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Density<\/span><\/p>\n

The fill density is the “fullness” of the inside of the part. In slicers this is usually defined as a percentage between 0 and 100, with 0% making a part hollow and 100% completely solid<\/strong>. By way of logic, this has a big impact on the weight<\/strong> of the part: the fuller the inside of the part, the heavier it is. In addition to weight, density also affects printing time<\/strong>, material consumption, and buoyancy<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Some slicers allow different fill densities within the same part. This is known as variable fill density, and specific settings in the slider program allow you to set different density changes for different areas of the pattern you are printing. <\/span><\/p>\n

What density to choose?<\/b><\/h3>\n

For most “standard” 3D printed models<\/strong> that don’t need to be super strong, a fill density of 15% to 50%<\/strong> would do a great job. With this density percentage, the print time is not too long, material is saved and good strength is provided. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you are making more serious items, it would be better to increase the density above 50%. This will increase the 3D printing time, but you will end up with a solid and heavier part. <\/span><\/p>\n

But if you’re building smaller figures and don’t want them to be heavy or too rigid, a density below 15% will work just as well. Plus, your 3D model will print much faster and consume much less material. <\/span><\/p>\n

As you can see, different densities work well for the type of items you are printing. Keep in mind, however, that the lower the density, the more flexible your shapes will be. <\/span><\/p>\n

Recommended density percentages<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n