Tech Breakdown: A Detailed Account of ColorFabb SteelFill Filament

With ground-up metallic powder as their distinctive ingredient, metal-filled PLAs are usually not solely heavier than their PLA-only counterparts, but in addition 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 selections available on the market at this time.

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 will even work for SteelFill. Utilizing MatterControl, you possibly can simply begin with an ordinary PLA preset on 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 a bit extra warmth than common PLA to realize soften and circulate.

Extruder Temperature: 200-220°C

Relying on the printer the extrusion temperature could differ. The vary above ought to cowl most printers. Begin with 205 and modify if needed.

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 certain 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 Pace: 50-70 mm/s

Like PLA, SteelFill can print at greater speeds. Simply regulate the extrusion for the primary few full-speed layers to verify your scorching finish can help 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 could cause warmth creep. Make sure that to regulate the print in the course of the first few layers which use retraction extra closely for strikes between islands (if relevant) and decrease if needed as a caught or gradual filament circulate will definitely be a supply of frustration if left unmonitored.

Layer cooling

Followers are really helpful, particularly for overhangs. Remember that because the materials is extra dense it’s heavier and can droop extra simply than common PLA.

Put up-processing

SteelFill 3D filament presents many prospects for bettering the outside after printing. We’ve had success of various varieties utilizing sandpaper, a wire brush, a rock tumbler, and mixtures of the three. Use XTC if you would like a shiny end.

For extra in-depth PLA ending methods, take a look at our article “How To: Clean and End Your PLA Prints – Half 1.”

The decrease proper facet was coated 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 when it comes to weight and really feel post-print, and has the identical primary traits moreover the apparent look.

As a PLA-based filament, SteelFill embodies many of the identical traits as PLA, so it’ll warp when uncovered to warmth (like sunshine) and no matter having precise steel in it, shouldn’t be used for any type of mechanical utility.

To measure SteelFill in opposition to 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 unending prospects of 3D printing.

Right here’s a couple of footage 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 minimize off

Simply displaying the contours of the pinnacle – 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 help materials wouldn’t come off.