Choosing the right infill pattern that uses less filament can greatly reduce material
costs and print time in 3D printing. Whether you’re making prototypes, display pieces, or light-use parts,
these infill strategies keep filament usage low without sacrificing basic quality.
Why Infill Matters in 3D Printing
Infill is the internal structure inside a 3D printed part, providing support for top layers
and influence on strength and weight. Picking a filament-efficient infill pattern helps you
save filament and speed up prints.
Keep Infill Density Low
One of the simplest ways to cut filament usage is to set a low infill density (e.g., 5%–10%). For models
where strength isn’t critical, very low densities are often enough.
Lightning & Minimal Support Infill
Many slicers offer advanced patterns like lightning infill, which places material only
where needed to support overhangs. The result is ultra-lightweight prints that use minimal filament.
Gyroid at Low Density
Gyroid infill is continuous and can distribute load well even at low density,
making it an efficient choice when you want balance between weight savings and interior strength.
Simple Linear & Cubic Patterns
Classic patterns like rectilinear, zig-zag, or cubic infill also perform well with
low density. They are fast for slicers to compute and quick to print, which helps reduce
filament usage overall.
Comparison table: Best Infill Pattern Choices for Minimal Filament
| Goal | Best Infill Pattern | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Max filament savings | Lightning / minimal support | Material only where necessary to support tops |
| Lightweight with some strength | Low-density gyroid | Efficient distribution of load |
| Fast simple prints | Rectilinear / zig-zag | Simple paths save material and time |
| Balanced strength & light weight | Cubic infill | Good internal structure with low density |
Final Tips for Saving Filament
- Lower infill density to cut material use.
- Increase the number of walls for surface strength without heavy infill.
- Match pattern choice to your part’s purpose and strength requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing an infill pattern that uses less filament — combined with smart slicer settings —
helps you print more efficiently and economically, while still achieving clean, usable parts.