An Overview of Specialized 3D-Printing Filaments

2022-07-27 | By Maker.io Staff

Besides being fun, 3D printing is an invaluable technique for creating prototypes and decorative items in both the maker scene and professional settings. You can also employ a 3D printer to create functional and valuable household items and decorative pieces using specialized filaments, such as food-safe ones. In addition, some filaments contain tiny particles that give them exceptional strength or unique aesthetic properties - for example, filaments that mimic the look of wood. This article explores a few unique 3D printing filament options for makers.

Reinforced Materials for Exceptional Stiffness and Strength

During the dawn of home 3D printing, makers could essentially choose between PLA and ABS as materials, and ABS was the material of choice for printing rigid, functional parts. However, the material had a few downsides that made it difficult to process. Then, PETG quickly became the new favorite of many hobbyists due to how easy it was to handle. Nowadays, you can buy various unique materials that can help achieve specific effects.

Such materials are typically reinforced with certain particles (most commonly metal flakes or high-strength carbon fibers). However, the base material is still often pure ABS or PETG, as these are easy to work with and strong even when not reinforced. Usually, you can also get reinforced PLA-based filament for achieving specific effects when printing decorative pieces, such as a polished or rusted metal look when printing small figurines.

An Overview of Specialized 3D-Printing Filaments Metal flakes in the filament give the material a glossy shine and sometimes improve the printed part’s strength. Learn more here!

These reinforced filaments often cost more than their standard counterparts, depending on particle size and count. They are sometimes also more challenging to work with. Large particles can clog smaller printer nozzles, and you will have to experiment with your printer's speed and temperature settings. In addition, some materials, like carbon fiber, do not increase the strength of the finished part. Instead, they change the part’s rigidity. So, while standard plastics are more flexible, parts reinforced with carbon fibers will not bend as much and snap more easily.

Wooden Filaments for Decorative Items

Similar to filaments reinforced with metal flakes or carbon fiber, you can also choose from a range of 3D printing filaments that incorporate wood fibers in the plastic. However, these fibers do not typically increase the finished parts' strength or rigidity. Instead, they are purely cosmetic, and the finished piece looks and feels similar to wood.

When working with wood-filled filaments, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging or burning the wooden flakes in the material. In addition, it’s advisable that you employ a larger-diameter nozzle to ensure good flow and that the wooden fibers don’t clog the nozzle. If, for example, the intended layer height is around 0.2mm, the nozzle should be about 0.4mm.

Bamboo-Filled PLA

Color-Changing Filaments for Creative Applications

Finally, thermochromic filaments can change their color when exposed to heat or cold. While these materials exist, they are rare and sometimes expensive. The typical thermochromic ABS or PLA filament can take two to three colors, depending on the ambient temperature. You can employ these materials for building thermometers, indicators, or fantastic decorative items that change color depending on the temperature in a room.

There’s typically nothing special you have to take care of when printing these materials. However, it’s still advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommended settings when trying out new materials.

Food-Safe Filaments

You can sometimes find food-safe filaments. These are most commonly based on modified versions of PETG or PLA. Make sure never to put any 3D-printed parts through a dishwasher. Moisture and pressure will damage almost any 3D printed components, and the heat of high-temperature cycles will likely warp the print.

Using these materials is typically extremely easy and convenient, as they usually do not emit odor while printing and do not need special handling. However, always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for print temperatures and speeds.

Summary

Today, we can not only choose from a wide range of filament materials and colors, but we also get the choice of select varieties with added metal flakes, carbon or wood fibers, or specialty types such as filaments that change color when exposed to heat. It’s important to use larger nozzles and slower speeds when using filaments containing fibers or flakes to prevent the printer from clogging. In addition, always pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve optimal print quality, regardless of the filament you use.