Stronger Parts by hollow sections, continous part feature
Hello All,
I have designed a simple cantilever in Inventor and want to test its strength when 3D-printed. However, I'm facing a dilemma with two possible solutions, neither of which fully meets my design goals.
The first option involves using a hollow section, which serves two purposes: it reinforces the cantilever structure from the first layer, enhancing resistance against bending, and allows multiple walls to be connected throughout its length. However, this design lacks the ability to generate any infill due to the dedicated hollow section.
The second variant does not include a hollow section, allowing infill along the cantilever. However, the cantilever begins only around the first top layer, resulting in less depth at the bottom area compared to the hollow section design.
Are there better solutions to this problem?
Best regards,
Sebastian
Remember that what you are thinking of as hollow is solid to the slicer but only a certain percentage solid - you are probably looking for internal structure to reinforce along anticipated stress vectors.
Your attempted solution is close to one useful method.
Design some slim voids and align them as required - they don't have to be wider than a hair and it is best if they don't reach the surface of the model anywhere - the slicer will generate perimeters around the voids which are anchored in place by the surrounding infill. You now have internal reinforcements wherever you need them.
Cheerio,
RE: Stronger Parts by hollow sections, continous part feature
Hey, thank you for your fast answer.
By slim void I assume you mean not smaller than 0,4 mm, because anything smaller than that is not registered by the Slicer.
Do you maybe have a handy picture at hand? Sorry, but I can't visualize your sollution.
Regards,
Sebastian
RE: Stronger Parts by hollow sections, continous part feature
Another example.
This is the unsliced part, containing a slim void of 0,4 mm width. I want this connector pice (sticking out of the flat surface) to be reinoforced along its lateral axis.
Although there now are additional perimeters because of the edges of the void, strengthening the part, there still is a void, preventing any support structures to be generated in that area. As you said, the to me it is an empty, unfilled volume, but to the slicer this area is to be kept empty. Now how can I achieve an Infill in that area?
Thank you for your patience.
Best regards,
Sebastian