What Is Infill? The Setting That Controls Your Part's Strength and Price

A secret most people outside 3D printing don't know: printed parts are rarely solid inside. Cut a printed piece in half and you'll find a regular geometric lattice within - that's "infill," and understanding it explains why two identical-looking parts can differ in price.

What is infill percentage?

The percentage of the part's interior filled with material. 10% infill means the inside is mostly empty space crossed by a light supporting lattice - a light, cheap, fast-printing part. 100% means completely solid - heavier, stronger, pricier, slower. Between them is a full spectrum chosen by the part's job. The lattice pattern itself varies too (hexagonal, grid, gyroid), each with different strength characteristics.

Which percentage fits your part?

Display models and decor: 10–15% is plenty - the piece bears no load, and the stiffness difference is imperceptible by hand. Light functional parts (stands, organizers, covers): 20–30% is an excellent strength-to-cost balance. Spare parts and mechanical pieces under stress: 40–60% with thicker walls. Parts that get drilled, screwed, or heavily loaded: 80–100%. The rule: higher isn't automatically better - excess infill costs money and weight with no practical gain.

Why does this matter to you as a customer?

Because it explains pricing and helps you order right: when we ask "what's the part for?", we're selecting the right infill - not being nosy. Tell us whether it's for display or use, and whether it bears weight or pressure, and we'll pick the percentage that delivers the needed strength at the lowest cost. That's what real printing expertise is: not running the machine, but knowing the right settings for each case.

Unsure what your part needs? Describe it on WhatsApp - we'll tell you the infill, material, and price.