In this Video Tech Tip, we go over some easy ways to add strength to your FDM parts in GrabCAD Print. GrabCAD allows users to effectively add strength to certain areas without using excess materials.

For this example, we will be using this sample geometry. This hole has some reinforcement on one of its ends so it is important that we give it as much strength as possible. Typically, to get the highest strength part, a user would just print this as a solid part. But printing a fully solid part will use the highest amount of material possible, which will take the longest to print and cost the most money.

As you can see in this picture, there are three different ways to print the same part. The center (and most common) is the standard solid infill. And like I previously said, this will be super strong but takes the longest time to print and costs the most money in material. On the right, you see the same part but with a sparse infill. Sparse infill will provide slightly less overall strength versus a solid infill, but will print faster and use less material. To add back some more strength, you can see the outer walls (also called contours) that are thickened to add more rigidity. On the left, you see a solid center inside of a normal sparse fill. In GrabCAD print you are able to assign different infill parameters to different bodies on the same part. This can be done by using the Group function. Once the two bodies are grouped, it is as simple as selecting each body and applying the desired infill. Using these tools can help make your parts not only strong, but efficient as well.

Watch the full video to learn more!

If you’re interested in learning more about GrabCAD features and updates, check out our related content and explore some of the amazing things you can do with the software.