6 Exotic 3D Printing Materials
These days you can see FDM 3D printers in workshops, apartments, schools and colleges.
Heat-sensitive ABS and PLA have basically become the standard materials used for 3D printing. However, did you know that you can also print with exotic filaments such as wood, glow-in-the-dark or color changing materials?
This is a guest contribution by Egor Driagin, Chief Marketing Officer at Top 3D Shop
So, here are the 6 exotic filaments definitely worth trying on your 3d printer.
- Wood Filament
Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsmrBeD_YMQ (3DMN)
Have you ever thought about printing something that would look and feel like wood? Obviously, it’s not real wood but a composite material that consists of PLA plastic and grinded wood particles. There is a wide selection of various PLA wood materials on the market. You can get filament with “standard” kinds of wood like birch, pine and cedar, or try something unusual and exotic like olive, coconut or even bamboo.
2. Metal Composite Filament
Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=770cSWbmBRg (Chris DePrisco)
Just like wood filament, this is not real metal, but PLA/ABS infused with metallic powder. However, you will find that the printed models look and feel just as if they are made of genuine metal. Copper, aluminum, bronze and stainless steel are among the numerous types of metals you can print with. If you want your final model to look as realistic as possible, you will have to devote some time to post processing. Most of the metal filaments are around 50% metal powder and 50% PLA or ABS plastic.
3. Color Changing Filament
Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YGJzIppdK4 (Inventor)
The color of this thermochromic filament changes depending on the changes in the temperature. This filament can change between two colors. For example, green to blue, black to brown.
This type of material also features PLA/ABS plastic. This kind of filament doesn’t have any functional difference from the regular ones, so it is best used if you need to add a peculiar visual effect to your model.
4. Glow-in-the-Dark Filament
Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE449ySLZFI (3D Printing Nerd)
There isn’t much to explain here. This filament glows in the dark after being exposed to light for a while.
This material can glow with different shades depending on what you choose when buying.
The filament consists of ABS/PLA plastic mixed with phosphorescent materials. They absorb tiny particles of light and emit them later in the dark.
Considering the glow, the filament can be used to create figurines, toys for kids or Halloween decorations.
5. Magnetic filament
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/BnTJJy6gKsl/ (mpf3d)
If metal and wood materials are not enough for you, try printing with magnetic filament. Just like other materials, this filament features ABS/PLA materials infused with powdered iron. As a result, this material sticks to magnets.
Although the filament is called “magnetic” and it is attracted to magnetic fields, the material itself does not have one and will not stick to metallic objects. This filament is best suited for tools and toys that could use some magnetism.
6. Rainbow Multicolor Filament
Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wrSkh8nhYk (Thomas Sanladerer)
Tired of using just one or two colors for your models? Then this filament is just what you need. It comes as a blend of multiple colors in one spool. Apart from color, this filament is no different from your standard PLA and has no outstanding features. The material is perfect for toys and various trinkets.
This concludes our list of the most exotic filaments you can buy today. Would you like to try them out or maybe you already used some of them? Tell us what you think in the comments below.