Gyroid: an infill that holds in every direction

What a gyroid is

The gyroid is a mathematical surface discovered by Alan Schoen in 1970. It belongs to the triply periodic minimal surfaces, which divide space into two interconnected parts and never intersect themselves. Because of that it has no sharp corners or straight lines. The slicer cuts a layer out of it, which produces a wavy line that changes from layer to layer.

Why people use it

• Similar strength in all directions. A grid is strong in two directions and weaker in the third, while a gyroid is more balanced.
• It prints well. The nozzle changes direction smoothly, without sharp turns or passing over the same point.
• An even interior. The structure is continuous and connected, so force is spread across the whole part.
• Good damping. The waviness dissipates force and impacts.

Disadvantages

A gyroid takes longer to prepare for printing and makes bigger G-code files, because the shape is more complex. At very low density the material is spread thinly, and the top layer above it needs enough thickness so it does not sag.

Gyroid and your order

You do not choose a specific pattern in the calculator, you choose a strength: light 10%, standard 15% or strong 40% infill. Even that can make a difference under load. You can find more about the options in the infill pattern entry. If you need a specific pattern, write to jakub.novak@boostello.com, but we do not promise it will be possible.

Where a gyroid is used outside printing

The gyroid occurs in nature in the structure of the wings of some butterflies, and it is used in engineering too, for example in lightweight load-bearing structures and heat exchangers. In metal 3D printing and in filters it is used mainly because it lets fluids through well while being strong. For ordinary printing in PLA and PETG it is interesting mainly as a sensible standard infill.

So if someone asks why the inside of their part has waves, the answer is simple: they are strong enough in all directions and do not cause needless sharp transitions.