The internal structure of a 3D print — its infill pattern — determines strength, weight, material usage, and print time. Understanding infill options helps you choose the right settings for any project.
What Is Infill
Infill is the internal lattice structure inside a 3D print. Rather than printing solid objects, most prints use a percentage fill (typically 15-30%) with a specific geometric pattern. This saves material and time while providing adequate strength.
Common Patterns
Grid: simple crossed lines, fast to print. Gyroid: organic flowing curves, excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Honeycomb: hexagonal cells, great compression strength. Lightning: minimal material, adequate for decorative pieces.
Choosing the Right Percentage
Decorative figurines: 10-15% infill is plenty. Functional items: 20-30%. Items that take impacts: 40-60%. Truly structural parts: 80-100%. Higher infill means more material, longer print time, and heavier final product.
Impact on Figurines
For collectible figurines, 15% gyroid infill provides the ideal balance. The piece feels substantial without being unnecessarily heavy. Articulated joints may use higher local infill for durability in high-stress areas.
Production Settings
At 3DCentral, every design has optimized infill settings tested across thousands of prints. We balance structural integrity, print time, and material cost to deliver the best value at each price point.
Shop 3DCentral — Browse our full collection of 3D printed collectibles, all made in Quebec, Canada. Visit the Shop | Commercial License
