Another approach to "brick layers"

[Jody Harris]

This is my approach to "brick layers" for stronger prints. It probably won't have much impact on PLA, but might on other materials.

https://www.printables.com/model/1844725-horizontal-brick-layers-prusaslicer-modifier

I attempted to share this on Reddit but the Redditor rejected it as "self promotion." *shrug*

As always, comments welcome.

-j

Think carefully

[Kurt The 3D Printer GUY!!]

Sounds STUPID that they would Reject your Reddit post - when you're just trying to share something COOL! Dang...

[Kurt A 3d]

I commented over in printables, looks like a cool idea, would be neat to implement it in prusaslicer 3.0 as one of those LUA extension things.  Glancing at the LUA api I think it’s possible to have it generate modifiers. 

Kurt-A

[Jody Harris]

I did some more digging.

As it stands now, the API can't touch objects not created by the plugin. Everything is expected to change as the developers build this out. Generating a modifier through a plugin will be an easy way to implement this hack. That would be awesome.

I'm still hoping that someone who can do AB testing with actual measurements will try this and publish some results. So far, it's been silent. I know I would enjoy a video on testing this even if it showed that my hack actually sucks and compromises part strength. Seems like it's a natural for technical 3D printing videos.

-j

Think carefully

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[Jody Harris]

Since there has been zero interest in this, I finally decided I was going to have to do some sub-standard testing on my own. I do not have the right equipment to do proper testing on this. I was hoping there would be enough interest to get someone who does have equipment, established methodology and comparable tests to look into it, but alas, no. So, I ordered a crane scale that I do not otherwise need (<$50), and figured out a hack that will allow me to get numbers between a standard prints and brick layer prints. The rest of the hardware I have, so it won't take up much space when I through the scale in a drawer, or hang it out of the way.

I'll post something after I have some numbers.

-j

Think carefully

On Monday, September 21st, 2026 at 10:04 PM, Kurt A 3d <kur...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Jody Harris]

I also added "This Way Up" icons to the tops of the modifier STLs because it gets confusing and frustrating in a hurry if you rotate a model for printing.

-j

Think carefully

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/3d-printing-tips--tricks/lMBAgb_eBQWDFSLe7X_tp1XlpHi4Wrgxixf-Fn99-Px-Nl734ZtQKcWvL4a_7SQ4gr0qS9cezI33RtJB3mC8gfpe2GShLpL4KuY6_qr6qks%3D%40harrisdev.com.

[Jody Harris]

Well, I broke some CNC Kitchen test hooks....

Results: 

For my settings, this process sucks. All brick layers parts broke with less force than standard 3-wall prints, all other settings were identical. This was true for both horizontal and vertically printed parts.

😭

The good news is, for <$60 + stuff I already had at hand, I have a compact and convenient test platform! 

-j

Think carefully

Sent from Proton Mail for Android.

-------- Original Message --------

[Kurt Gluck]

Jody

You may have to increase your extrusion multiplier of you are doing this because the plastic will seep into the cracks 

Kurt

On Sep 26, 2026, at 2:12 PM, Jody Harris <jha...@harrisdev.com> wrote:

Well, I broke some CNC Kitchen test hooks....

Results: 

For my settings, this process sucks. All brick layers parts broke with less force than standard 3-wall prints, all other settings were identical. This was true for both horizontal and vertically printed parts.

😭

The good news is, for <$60 + stuff I already had at hand, I have a compact and convenient test platform! 

<10597.jpg>

<10597.jpg>

[Jody Harris]

That would help (maybe a lot), BUT that would also improve the strength of standard walls. It would be a lot more testing. I would have to carefully check external dimensions on both types of prints.... Maybe I'll do that.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to "put this on the mental shelf" for a bit and decide what to do next.

Thanks, again, Kurt.

-j

Think carefully

Sent from Proton Mail for Android.

-------- Original Message --------