Wall / Perimeter

Theory

Walls (perimeters) are the outermost layers of a print and define its surface quality and much of its structural strength. The outer wall is the visible surface layer; inner walls provide thickness and strength between the outer surface and infill. A typical print uses 2-4 perimeters. Adding walls increases strength more efficiently than increasing infill: doubling perimeters from 2 to 4 can increase tensile strength by 40-60% while adding only 10-15% print time.

Application

Use 2 perimeters for decorative prints, 3 for standard functional parts, 4-6 for high-load structural parts. Set outer wall print speed lower (40-60 mm/s) than inner walls for better surface quality. Enable wall order: inner wall before outer wall for improved dimensional accuracy. Add perimeters before increasing infill for strength: they are more efficient.

Common mistakes

Too few perimeters with high infill creates a strong core but weak surface that delaminates under lateral loads. Too many perimeters without adequate infill can cause internal voids as perimeter paths crowd out infill. Thin-wall features below 2x extrusion width may not slice correctly: adjust model design or extrusion width accordingly.

Related terms: Infill, Top and Bottom Layers, Extrusion Width