PFL Strut Density: questions and answers
What is the PFL Strut Density?
The PFL Strut Density is the number of lattice struts that cross a 1 cm × 1 cm window at the centre of the heel, seen from above. It is a method defined by PrintFoot Lab to describe how fine or coarse a 3D printed lattice is.
How do you measure it?
Take a sharp top-down photo of the heel with a ruler in frame. Draw a 1 cm square centred on the heel. Count every strut that crosses or touches the square's edges or interior. Repeat on a second photo and average the two counts.
What is a typical value?
As an illustration, a coarse lattice with 5 mm cells might give a count around 8, while a fine lattice with 2 mm cells might give 25 or more. These numbers show the scale of the method; they are not measurements of a specific product.
What does a higher number mean?
A higher PFL Strut Density means a finer lattice: more, thinner struts. Fine lattices usually feel smoother and spread pressure more evenly. Coarse lattices are often springier and drain water faster.
Why only the heel?
The heel carries the most load when standing and is usually the flattest area, so counts there are the easiest to repeat.
How does it differ from the Vent Score?
The PFL Vent Score measures how much of the surface is open. Strut Density measures how finely that surface is divided. Two lattices can have the same Vent Score but very different Strut Density.