The idea of printing offset perimeter layers in FDM 3D printing – i.e. in a “brick” or “staggered” pattern – is becoming increasingly important. With a current test version of the OrcaSlicer slicer, this technology can now be activated automatically using the Stagger Perimeters option. The function can be found in the “Strength” tab of the software and is aimed at users who want to produce mechanically resilient parts.
The method became known primarily through an analysis on the YouTube channel CNC Kitchen. There, the YouTuber compares two identical models in a test: one with conventional perimeter layers and one with an offset structure. Without further adjustment, an unexpected result emerges – the model with staggered layers breaks earlier. He identifies insufficiently filled gaps caused by the layer displacement as the cause.
To counteract this, CNC Kitchen increases the extrusion rate to 110 percent. The result: the strength of the offset version increases significantly and ultimately outperforms the conventionally printed part. This also benefits from a higher material flow, but the advantage remains with the offset version. The conclusion: Offsetting alone does not necessarily lead to more stable components. The desired effect can only be reliably achieved by adjusting printing parameters such as flow rate or layer height.
It is also interesting that the technical implementation is being driven forward despite potential patent disputes. The integration in OrcaSlicer indicates a growing interest in the open source community.
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