If you would like to learn more about all the different 3D printing filaments available, you may be interested in a new video created by maker Zack Freedman which takes you through a wide variety of different 3D printing filaments offering a huge variety of different features and characteristics depending on your application. For timestamps to each one of the 50 filaments featured in the video jump over to the official YouTube channel by following the link below. Freedman has also provided links to online retailers stocking the different 3D printing filaments.
“To celebrate my silver play button, I blew $1,000 out of my hot end! This is the longest and most expensive video on the channel; I bought almost 50 spools of all kinds of filament, and made a boat out of all but one of them. Curse you, glow-in-the-dark PLA! Curse you and your clogging ways!”
Exploring the World of 3D Printing Filaments
3D printing has revolutionized the way we create and manufacture objects, allowing for unprecedented customization and rapid prototyping. One of the key elements that make 3D printing so versatile is the wide range of filaments available. Each type of filament has unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. For instance, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is popular for its ease of use and biodegradability, making it a favorite for beginners and eco-conscious makers. On the other hand, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is known for its strength and durability, often used in automotive parts and household items.
Freedman’s video delves into these differences, providing a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right filament for your project. He covers everything from the basics like PLA and ABS to more specialized filaments like TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), which is flexible and often used for making phone cases and wearables. Another interesting filament discussed is PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), which combines the ease of printing of PLA with the strength and durability of ABS, making it a versatile choice for many applications.
Specialty Filaments and Their Applications
The video also explores some of the more exotic filaments that are available. For example, Freedman talks about carbon fiber-infused filaments, which are incredibly strong and lightweight, making them ideal for high-performance applications like drone parts and sporting equipment. He also discusses metal-infused filaments, which contain fine metal powders and can be polished to give a metallic finish, perfect for decorative items and jewelry.
Another fascinating filament covered in the video is the glow-in-the-dark PLA. While it offers a unique aesthetic, Freedman humorously notes its tendency to clog the printer nozzle, making it a bit challenging to work with. He also touches on wood-infused filaments, which contain real wood fibers and can be sanded and stained like real wood, offering a unique look and feel for artistic projects.
Freedman’s video is not just a showcase of different filaments but also a practical guide. He provides tips on how to print with each type of filament, including the optimal temperature settings and print speeds. This information is invaluable for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts looking to expand their material repertoire.
In addition to the video, Freedman has provided links to online retailers where you can purchase these filaments. This makes it easy for viewers to try out the different materials themselves. Whether you’re looking to create a simple prototype or a complex, high-performance part, understanding the properties of different filaments can significantly impact the success of your 3D printing projects.
Source : Zack Freedman : Adafruit
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