A complete guide to these 4 exotic 3D printing filaments: The what, where and how of Wood fill, Marble, Glow in the Dark and Glass Colour Filament
With the rise in popularity of FDM 3D printing technology, the world of 3D printer filament is undergoing exciting growth and innovation. While PLA and ABS remain the go-to choices for many, there’s a buzz around something called exotic filaments. But what exactly are they?
Exotic 3D printing filaments are blends of thermoplastics like PLA or ABS with materials such as wood fibres, marble, glass, or metals. Picture a wood-fill filament, for instance, which might consist of 70% PLA and 30% wooden fibres. The beauty of these blends lies in their versatility; there’s no strict formula, as manufacturers tailor them to their processes and desired outcomes.
Let’s delve into four intriguing types of exotic 3D printing filaments, exploring what they are, where they shine, and how to work with them. Get ready for some fascinating insights and handy tips!
- Wood Fill
- What: This filament combines PLA with wooden fibres, offering a range of options from coconut to cedar.
- Where: Ideal for creating items with a wooden aesthetic, like artifacts, trays, or architectural models.
- How: Careful temperature control is crucial to prevent burning the wood particles. While wood fill can be brittle, the final product can be polished and stained for an artisanal finish.
- Marble
- What: Marble PLA blends marble particles with PLA, delivering an aesthetic reminiscent of marble.
- Where: Perfect for intricate statues, figurines, or monuments requiring fine details.
- How: Unlike wood fill, temperature control isn’t a major concern. Sanding and polishing enhance the final look, bringing out the elegance of the marble-like finish.
- Glow in the Dark
- What: This filament, based on PLA or ABS, incorporates luminescent materials, offering a glow effect in the dark.
- Where: Great for creating glow-in-the-dark lamps, toys, or creative signage.
- How: Working with it is similar to standard PLA or ABS, but it may require a larger nozzle due to its abrasiveness.
- Glass Colour
- What: This filament, made with a PETT or PETG base, boasts transparent or translucent properties, making it suitable for light transmission.
- Where: Ideal for torch beams, lampshades, or artifacts requiring light transmission.
- How: Handling is akin to PETG or PETT filaments, but compatibility with your 3D printer should be checked beforehand.
Intrigued? At Tesseract, we offer competitive prices on high-quality exotic filaments like Marble and Glow in the Dark. Learn more about why we are India’s top choice for 3D printing filament solutions [here](hyperlink to blog 9). With precision manufacturing and superior quality, your finished prints are bound to impress. Get ready to unleash your creativity with exotic filaments!
