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OrcaSlicerBot edited this page Jun 3, 2026 · 21 revisions

Patterns

Patterns determine how material is distributed within a print. Different patterns can affect strength, flexibility and print speed using the same density setting.
The infill pattern also impacts the uniformity of the layer times, since the patterns may be constant, or present significant variations between adjacent layers.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as the best pattern depends on the specific print and its requirements.

Many patterns may look similar and have similar overall specifications, but they can behave very differently in practice.
As most settings in 3D printing, experience is the best way to determine which pattern works best for your specific needs.

Tip

Quickly compare patterns with the Patterns Quick Reference Table.

Analysis parameters

Strength

  • X-Y Direction: The strength of the print in the "Horizontal" X-Y plane. Affected by the pattern's connections between walls, contact between layers, and path.
  • Z Direction: The strength of the print in the "Vertical" Z direction. Affected by contact between layers.

Material Usage

Not all patterns use the same amount of material due to their Density Calculations and adjustments to the paths.
This leads to patterns that do not use the specified percentage but rather variations of it.

Print Time

Print time can vary significantly between patterns due to differences in their pathing and infill strategies.
Some patterns may complete faster due to more efficient use of the print head's movement, while others may take longer due to more complex paths.

Note

OrcaSlicer Time estimations are not always accurate, especially with complex patterns.
This analysis was estimated with Klipper Estimator.

Layer Time Variability

Layer time variability refers to the differences in time it takes to print each layer of a pattern. Some patterns may have consistent layer times, while others may experience significant fluctuations. These variations can potentially impact the outer appearance of the print due to differences in cooling and material flow between layers.

fill-layer-time-variability

Monotonic

Rectilinear in a uniform direction for a smoother visual surface.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal level-to-better-4
    • Vertical (Z): Normal level-to-better-4
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: None
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-monotonic

Monotonic line

Monotonic but avoids overlapping with the perimeter, reducing excess material at joints. May introduce visible seams and increase print time.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal level-to-better-4
    • Vertical (Z): Normal level-to-better-4
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: None
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-monotonic-line

Rectilinear

Parallel lines spaced according to infill density. Each layer is printed perpendicular to the previous, resulting in low vertical bonding. Consider using new Zig Zag infill instead.

infill-top-rectilinear

Aligned Rectilinear

Parallel lines spaced by the infill spacing, each layer printed in the same direction as the previous layer. Good horizontal strength perpendicular to the lines, but terrible in parallel direction. Recommended with layer anchoring to improve not perpendicular strength.

infill-top-aligned-rectilinear

Zig Zag

Similar to rectilinear with consistent pattern between layers.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal-Low level-to-better-3
    • Vertical (Z): Low level-to-better-2
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: Unnoticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-zig-zag

Cross Zag

Similar to Zig Zag but displacing each layer with Infill shift step parameter.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal level-to-better-4
    • Vertical (Z): Low level-to-better-2
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: Unnoticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-cross-zag

Locked Zag

Mode: Advanced.
Variables: skin_infill_density, skeleton_infill_density, infill_lock_depth, skin_infill_depth, skin_infill_line_width, skeleton_infill_line_width.
Version of Zig Zag that adds extra skin. When using this fill, you can individually modify the density of the skeleton and skin, as well as the size of the skin and how much interconnection there is between the skin and the skeleton (a lock depth of 50% of the skin depth is recommended).

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal-Low level-to-better-3
    • Vertical (Z): Normal-Low level-to-better-3
  • Density Calculation: Similar to Zig Zag. Skin density * ( Infill Area - Skin Area + lock depth area) + ( Skin density * Skin area).
    • Material Usage: Normal-High level-to-worse-5
    • Print Time: Normal-High level-to-worse-5
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal level-to-better-4
      • Layer time Variability: None
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-locked-zag

Line

Similar to rectilinear, but each line is slightly rotated to improve print speed.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Low level-to-better-2
    • Vertical (Z): Low level-to-better-2
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: None
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-line

Grid

Two-layer pattern of perpendicular lines, forming a grid. Overlapping points may cause noise or artifacts.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): High level-to-better-6
    • Vertical (Z): High level-to-better-6
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Low level-to-worse-2
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: None
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-grid

Triangles

Triangle-based grid, offering strong X-Y strength but with triple overlaps at intersections.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): High level-to-better-6
    • Vertical (Z): Normal level-to-better-4
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: None
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-triangles

Tri-hexagon

Similar to the triangles pattern but offset to prevent triple overlaps at intersections. This design combines triangles and hexagons, providing excellent X-Y strength.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): High level-to-better-6
    • Vertical (Z): Normal-High level-to-better-5
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: None
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-tri-hexagon

Cubic

3D cube pattern with corners facing down, distributing force in all directions. Triangles in the horizontal plane provide good X-Y strength.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): High level-to-better-6
    • Vertical (Z): High level-to-better-6
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: Unnoticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-cubic

Adaptive Cubic

Cubic pattern with adaptive density: denser near walls, sparser in the center. Saves material and time while maintaining strength, ideal for large prints.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal-High level-to-better-5
    • Vertical (Z): Normal-High level-to-better-5
  • Density Calculation: Same as Cubic but reduced in the center
    • Material Usage: Low level-to-worse-2
    • Print Time: Low level-to-worse-2
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal level-to-better-4
      • Layer time Variability: Unnoticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-adaptive-cubic

Quarter Cubic

Cubic pattern with extra internal divisions, improving X-Y strength.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): High level-to-better-6
    • Vertical (Z): High level-to-better-6
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: Unnoticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-quarter-cubic

Support Cubic

Support |Cubic is a variation of the Cubic infill pattern that is specifically designed for support top layers. Will use more material than Lightning infill but will provide better strength. Nevertheless, it is still a low-density infill pattern.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Low level-to-better-2
    • Vertical (Z): Low level-to-better-2
  • Density Calculation: % of layer before top shell layers
    • Material Usage: Extra-Low level-to-worse-1
    • Print Time: Extra-Low level-to-worse-1
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Low level-to-better-2
      • Layer time Variability: Likely Noticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-support-cubic

Lightning

Mode: Expert.
Variables: lightning_overhang_angle, lightning_prune_angle, lightning_straightening_angle.
Ultra-fast, ultra-low material infill. Designed for speed and efficiency, ideal for quick prints or non-structural prototypes.

Important

NEW FEATURE: Lightning Angles
Available in: Nightly builds or Releases greater than 2.3.2.

Overhang Angle

Similar to the overhang angle used for support generation, but specifically for Lightning infill.
It determines how far the infill can extend from walls before needing support.

Prune Angle

Controls how aggressively short/unsupported branches of the Lightning infill are pruned.
A lower angle will result in more pruning, while a higher angle will allow for more unsupported branches.

Straightening Angle

Limits how far junctions in the Lightning infill can be moved to straighten lines.
Using a low value will result in a low lateral distortion between layers, but may cause more pruning.
A higher value will allow for more straightening, improving strength but increasing lateral distortion.

infill-top-lightning-straightening
infill-top-front-lightning-straightening
infill-front-lightning-straightening

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Low level-to-better-2
    • Vertical (Z): Low level-to-better-2
  • Density Calculation: % of layer before top shell layers
    • Material Usage: Ultra-Low level-to-worse-0
    • Print Time: Ultra-Low level-to-worse-0
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-Low level-to-better-3
      • Layer time Variability: Likely Noticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-lightning

Honeycomb

Hexagonal pattern balancing strength and material use. Double walls in each hexagon increase material consumption.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): High level-to-better-6
    • Vertical (Z): High level-to-better-6
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: High level-to-worse-6
    • Print Time: Ultra-High level-to-worse-8
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Low level-to-better-2
      • Layer time Variability: None
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-honeycomb

3D Honeycomb

This infill tries to generate a printable honeycomb structure by printing squares and octagons maintaining a vertical angle high enough to maintain contact with the previous layer.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal-High level-to-better-5
    • Vertical (Z): Normal-High level-to-better-5
  • Density Calculation: Unknown
    • Material Usage: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
    • Print Time: Extra-High level-to-worse-7
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Low level-to-better-2
      • Layer time Variability: Possibly Noticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-3d-honeycomb

Lateral Honeycomb

Mode: Advanced.
Variable: infill_overhang_angle.
Vertical Honeycomb pattern. Acceptable torsional stiffness. Developed for low densities structures like wings. Improve over Lateral Lattice offers same performance with lower densities.This infill includes a Overhang angle parameter to improve the point of contact between layers and reduce the risk of delamination.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal-Low level-to-better-3
    • Vertical (Z): Normal-Low level-to-better-3
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: Possibly Noticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-lateral-honeycomb

Lateral Lattice

Mode: Advanced.
Variables: lateral_lattice_angle_1, lateral_lattice_angle_2.
Low-strength pattern with good flexibility. You can adjust Angle 1 and Angle 2 to optimize the infill for your specific model. Each angle adjusts the plane of each layer generated by the pattern. 0° is vertical.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal-Low level-to-better-3
    • Vertical (Z): Low level-to-better-2
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Normal-Low level-to-worse-3
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Normal-High level-to-better-5
      • Layer time Variability: Unnoticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-lateral-lattice

Cross Hatch

Mode: Advanced.
Variable: infill_shift_step.
Similar to Gyroid but with linear patterns, creating weak points at internal corners. Easier to slice but consider using TPMS-D or Gyroid for better strength and flexibility.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal-High level-to-better-5
    • Vertical (Z): Normal-High level-to-better-5
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: High level-to-worse-6
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Low level-to-better-2
      • Layer time Variability: Likely Noticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-cross-hatch

TPMS-D

Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (Schwarz Diamond). Hybrid between Cross Hatch and Gyroid, combining rigidity and smooth transitions. Isotropic and strong in all directions. This geometry is faster to slice than Gyroid, but slower than Cross Hatch.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): High level-to-better-6
    • Vertical (Z): High level-to-better-6
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: High level-to-worse-6
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Low level-to-better-2
      • Layer time Variability: Possibly Noticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-tpms-d

TPMS-FK

Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (Fischer–Koch S) pattern. Its smooth, continuous geometry resembles trabecular bone microstructure, offering a balance between rigidity and energy absorption. Compared to TPMS-D, it has more complex curvature, which can improve load distribution and shock absorption in functional parts.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): Normal-High level-to-better-5
    • Vertical (Z): Normal-High level-to-better-5
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Ultra-High level-to-worse-8
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Low level-to-better-2
      • Layer time Variability: Possibly Noticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-tpms-fk

Gyroid

Mathematical, isotropic surface providing equal strength in all directions. Excellent for strong, flexible prints and resin filling due to its interconnected structure. Since it does not contain straight lines over long stretches, it helps reduce warping, as the material's contraction is distributed along its curved lines. This pattern may require more time to slice because of all the points needed to generate each curve. If your model has complex geometry, consider using a simpler infill pattern like TPMS-D or Cross Hatch.

Gyroid Optimized

Variable: gyroid_optimized.

Important

NEW FEATURE: Z-buckling bias optimization (experimental)
Available in: Nightly builds or Releases greater than 2.3.2.

Tightens the gyroid wave along the Z (vertical) axis at low infill density to shorten the effective vertical column length and improve Z-axis compression buckling resistance. Filament use is preserved. No effect at ~30% sparse infill density and above. Only applies when Sparse infill pattern is set to Gyroid.

  • Strength
    • Horizontal (X-Y): High level-to-better-6
    • Vertical (Z): High level-to-better-6
  • Density Calculation: % of total infill volume
    • Material Usage: Normal level-to-worse-4
    • Print Time: Ultra-High level-to-worse-8
      • Material/Time (Higher better): Low level-to-better-2
      • Layer time Variability: Unnoticeable
  • Extra:
  • Applies to:

infill-top-gyroid

Concentric

Fills the area with progressively smaller versions of the outer contour, creating a concentric pattern. Ideal for 100% infill or flexible prints.

infill-top-concentric

Hilbert Curve

Hilbert Curve is a space-filling curve that can be used to create a continuous infill pattern. It is known for its aesthetic appeal and ability to fill space efficiently. Print speed is very low due to the complexity of the path, which can lead to longer print times. It is not recommended for structural parts but can be used for aesthetic purposes.

infill-top-hilbert-curve

Archimedean Chords

Spiral pattern that fills the area with concentric arcs, creating a smooth and continuous infill. Can be filled with resin thanks to its interconnected hollow structure, which allows the resin to flow through it and cure properly.

infill-top-archimedean-chords

Octagram Spiral

Aesthetic pattern with low strength and high print time.

infill-top-octagram-spiral

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