3D Printing For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) by Richard Horne

Author:Richard Horne [Horne, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9781119386322
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2017-05-05T04:00:00+00:00

with metal-filled materials. Unless you plan to polish, rust, or smooth the materials, however, using them may not be worth the extra cost if you’re only looking for a metallic color.

Carbon fiber is another popular composite filament. The short carbon fibers add strength, resulting in a ridged matte finish on the printed part, but the object won’t be nearly as strong as a traditional molded or layered carbon fiber object. Developers are experimenting with other filler materials and even with fragrances, such as coffee, pine, and strawberry.

Filled materials may require a heated build platform. Ask the manufacturer what base material was used for the composite filament you’re using. If the base material is PLA or PHA, a temperature of around 60 degrees C is a good starting point. For polyester-based composites, start at around 85 degrees C.

Most filled composite materials produce a slightly rough finish. Composite materials often can’t reproduce fine features that a non-composite filament can achieve. Composite filaments also have a greater tendency to ooze or string during printing.

Some composite materials are very expensive, so if you’re printing with metal-filled filament that you intend to polish (such as BrassFill), consider printing with no bottom layers and a perimeter outline with low or no infill. After printing, you can fill the object with polyester resin or plaster of Paris to add weight and strength. When the plaster or resin hardens, it takes away any heat generated in the polishing process and limits damage caused by pressure applied to the thin walls of material. Because this hollow print method uses much less material than a solid print, you can print more objects at a lower cost per print. If you really need a metal-looking bottom, you can print that part later and glue it to the base of the object after filling.

Almost all filled materials, including glow-in-the-dark materials, have an abrasive action on your 3D printer’s nozzle. Carbon fiber filament can destroy a brass nozzle after printing just 500 grams. We recommend that you use a specially hardened or stainless steel nozzle for composite materials. Otherwise, be prepared to replace the nozzle after processing a few rolls of filled materials.

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