YouTuber shows reinforced wall structures for more robust 3D-printed parts

A common challenge in 3D printing is components that break along the layer lines. Although the strength along the print direction is generally lower, this can be avoided with clever design. Instead of relying on slicer settings, the YouTube channel Slant 3D recommends modifying the 3D model.

The solution is very fine, circumferential structures on the outside of the components. Many small holes or grooves are inserted all around. The slicer interprets these as solid material and thus creates a significantly reinforced wall structure. It is crucial that these pattern elements are only around 0.2 mm wide. Contour lines this narrow can merge seamlessly with each other instead of creating separate walls, which would be counterproductive.

In tests, circumferential grooves, so-called “ribs”, proved to be particularly effective. A cylinder with such microstructures was up to a third more resilient than a version with standard settings. Although the amount of material required increases, the components are noticeably more robust – without being dependent on slicer parameters.

The method is particularly suitable for slender, bar-shaped objects that are subject to increased tensile forces. Thanks to the targeted wall reinforcement, they benefit from better load-bearing capacity with a low additional weight. In this way, 3D printing disadvantages such as layer adhesion problems can be effectively avoided.