Should I include fillets on my 3d printed parts?
A fillet is like a rounded corner but on the inside of the corner.
Does it make a difference (structurally) to use fillets on a 3d printed part?
If your part needs structural support, then the word is: absolutely. Fillets provide the added support when you need it. If your part has a meeting line which is sharp - 90° (or perpendicular), there is a natural stress riser in your design. This is a weak spot where a crack can form. If strength is needed and the fillet won't interfere with the design, it's definitely something you should include with your part.
Chamfers (flat corner cuts) are a better option for printability, unless the corner is in the XY plane.
@Trish - chamfers are not really any more printable than a fillet In my (admittedly limited) experiance, and they still leave two stress points.
Please check out Makers Muse on fillets & chamfers.
@SiHa Fillets are less printable than chamfers (depending on the printing plane), please read this answer.
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Content dated before 7/24/2021 11:53 AM
Trish 3 years ago
Chamfers (flat corner cuts) are a better option for printability, unless the corner is in the XY plane.