An in-depth assessment of SteelFill 3D filament, the subsequent nice metallic PLA from ColorFabb that delights customers with its metallic traits and comparatively straightforward printing.
With ground-up metallic powder as their distinctive ingredient, metal-filled PLAs will not be solely heavier than their PLA-only counterparts, but additionally usually have traits which lend themselves generously to post-processing prospects – which might actually make them pop. Made shiny or left uninteresting, they are often distinguished simply when in comparison with the standard filament decisions in the marketplace right this moment.
Let’s take a better have a look at the most recent in ColorFabb’s line of those fun-to-print filaments: SteelFill.
Iron Man is aware of metal is superior.
Ideas & Settings for SteelFill
Like its predecessors, SteelFill is a PLA-based filament so most settings that work for PLA filament may also work for SteelFill. Utilizing MatterControl, you possibly can simply begin with a typical PLA preset in your printer and tweak particular person settings from there.
Within the experiences I’ve had with SteelFill and the opposite metal-filled PLAs from ColorFabb, I’ve discovered that they have an inclination to want somewhat extra warmth than common PLA to attain an excellent soften and circulation.
Extruder Temperature: 200-220°C
Relying on the printer the extrusion temperature could range. The vary above ought to cowl most printers. Begin with 205 and regulate if mandatory.
Mattress Adhesion: Heated glass with glue or no heated mattress with painter’s tape
In case your printer has a heated mattress you possibly can print straight on the glass. Set it to 60°C and if wanted, apply glue stick.
In case your printer doesn’t have a heated mattress lay down some blue painter’s tape with or with out glue. Simply be sure that to account for the additional thickness of the tape in your Z Offset (often up 0.1 mm) in order that first layer is ideal.
Printed straight on glass, heated mattress at 60°
Print Velocity: 50-70 mm/s
Like PLA, SteelFill can print at increased speeds. Simply keep watch over the extrusion for the primary few full-speed layers to ensure your sizzling finish can assist the highest velocity you’ve chosen.
Nozzle
SteelFill is abrasive, so a metal nozzle is a should. Hardened metal or chrome steel nozzles can be found within the MatterHackers retailer.
Retraction
As with all PLAs, an excessive amount of retraction may cause warmth creep. Make certain to keep watch over the print through the first few layers which use retraction extra closely for strikes between islands (if relevant) and decrease if mandatory as a caught or gradual filament circulation will definitely be a supply of frustration if left unmonitored.
Layer cooling
Followers are really useful, particularly for overhangs. Remember that for the reason that materials is extra dense it’s heavier and can droop extra simply than common PLA.
Publish-processing
SteelFill 3D filament presents many prospects for enhancing the outside after printing. We’ve had success of various sorts utilizing sandpaper, a wire brush, a rock tumbler, and mixtures of the three. Use XTC in order for you a shiny end.
For extra in-depth PLA ending strategies, take a look at our article “How To: Easy and End Your PLA Prints – Half 1.”
The decrease proper aspect was lined with tape whereas the opposite was sanded – the gloss is from printing on glass
SteelFill vs. Different 3D Supplies
SteelFill is similar to the opposite ColorFabb metal-filled PLAs by way of weight and really feel post-print, and has the identical primary traits in addition to the plain look.
As a PLA-based filament, SteelFill embodies many of the similar traits as PLA, so it should warp when uncovered to warmth (like sunshine) and no matter having precise metallic in it, shouldn’t be used for any form of mechanical software.
To measure SteelFill towards different 3D filament, take a look at our Filament Comparability Information.
Conclusion
With a silver metallic aesthetic and a few hefty weight to it, SteelFill has proved to be one more nice specialty filament choice from ColorFabb. Artists, hobbyists, and professionals alike will discover a use for it as they proceed to discover the endless prospects of 3D printing.
Right here’s a number of photos of a Lincoln Bust that I printed and completed. Have enjoyable with SteelFill!
The uncooked print on a SeeMeCNC Orion – loads of flaws and a few very barely shifted layers
The chin didn’t maintain up and a few extrusions fell. These should be lower off
Simply displaying the contours of the top – these will quickly be smoothed
This layer shift on the again of the print will quickly be sanded away
No extra layer shift line!
After a half hour of sanding and wire brush, the mannequin may be very shiny! The print behind is from a earlier try however the assist materials wouldn’t come off.
