What are infill patterns in FDM, and why are they significant?

Infill patterns in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) refer to the internal structure of a 3D printed object, which is not visible from the outside. These patterns dictate how the internal volume of the print is filled, and they play a crucial role in the overall performance of the printed object.

The significance of infill patterns lies in their direct impact on several important characteristics of the final print. They influence the strength of the printed part by determining how well the internal structure can withstand forces and stresses during use. A denser and strategically designed infill pattern will generally enhance strength, making the part more durable.

Additionally, infill patterns affect the weight of the printed object. Lighter infill means less material is used, resulting in a lighter final product, which can be important in applications where weight savings are critical. Conversely, a more solid fill might be necessary for parts that need to bear loads.

The print time is also influenced by the infill pattern. More complex and dense infill patterns will take longer to print due to the increased material deposition time and travel movements of the print head. Conversely, simpler patterns can reduce print time while still providing sufficient strength for specific applications.

Infill patterns do not directly influence the color of