All About Wood 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition
3D printing with wood filament is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the maker community. As a renewable, biodegradable material, it offers a great alternative to traditional plastics for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. In this article, we’ll look at what wood filament is, the different types available, their properties and uses, and how to get the best results when printing with wood.
What is Wood Filament?
Wood filament is a type of 3D printing filament made from a combination of wood particles and thermoplastic polymers, such as PLA or ABS. This makes it a composite material, similar to other filaments like metal, stone, and carbon fiber. The wood particles give the filament its unique properties, while the plastic helps to bind it together and gives it the necessary flexibility for 3D printing.
The exact composition of wood filament can vary depending on the manufacturer, but it usually consists of small wood particles (typically 20-30 microns in size) combined with a thermoplastic binder. This binder can be either PLA or ABS, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. PLA is usually preferred because it is easier to work with and produces less odor during printing, but ABS may be required for higher-temperature applications.
Types of Wood Filament
There are several different types of wood filament available on the market, each with its own unique properties. The most common types are bamboo, cork, walnut, and oak. All of these materials can be used for 3D printing, though they may require special settings and techniques in order to achieve the best results.
The bamboo filament is made from ground-up bamboo particles and has a light, natural color. It has a relatively low melting point, so it is best used for low-temperature applications such as home décor or jewelry. It also has a smooth finish that can produce interesting effects in 3D prints.
Cork filament is made from shredded cork particles and has a dark, almost black color. It is slightly more difficult to work with than bamboo, but it has a higher melting point and is stronger and more durable. It is ideal for applications where strength and durability are required.
The walnut filament is made from ground walnut shells and has a dark brown color. It has a higher melting point than bamboo or cork, so it is well-suited for applications such as functional parts or tools. It also has a more textured finish, which can be used to create interesting effects in 3D prints.
The oak filament is made from ground oak particles and has a light brown color. It has a higher melting point than the other woods, so it is well-suited for high-temperature applications such as heat shields or engine components. It also has a very smooth finish, making it ideal for producing detailed 3D prints.
Properties of Wood Filament
Wood filament has several unique properties that make it an attractive material for 3D printing. It is strong and durable, yet lightweight, making it ideal for applications where strength and weight are important. It is also renewable and biodegradable, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Wood filament also has excellent thermal properties, making it suitable for applications where heat resistance is important. Additionally, it has a higher glass transition temperature than many other filaments, meaning it is less likely to warp during printing. Finally, wood filament has good adhesion properties, meaning it sticks well to the print bed and other materials.
Uses for Wood Filament
Wood filament can be used for a wide variety of applications, from home decor to functional parts. It is strong and durable, yet lightweight, making it a great choice for parts that need to be both strong and lightweight. Additionally, its high thermal properties make it suitable for applications where heat resistance is important, such as heat shields or engine components.
Wood filament is also great for creating decorative items, such as jewelry or home decor. Its unique properties and interesting finish can be used to create unique and beautiful pieces. Finally, wood filament is also a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact, as it is renewable and biodegradable.
Printing With Wood Filament
Printing with wood filament is not as straightforward as printing with traditional plastics. Special settings and techniques are required in order to achieve the best results, and some trial and error may be necessary in order to find the right settings for your printer. Here are some tips to help you get the best results when printing with wood filament:
- Set your nozzle temperature between 215-225°C
- Set your bed temperature between 55-65°C
- Use a low flow rate (around 50%)
- Use a slow speed (around 20-30mm/s)
- Use a cooling fan to cool the part during printing
- Increase the retraction distance and speed to reduce stringing
Following these tips will help you achieve the best results when printing with wood filament. However, it is still important to experiment and adjust the settings as necessary in order to get the best results for your particular printer and filament.
Conclusion
Wood filament is a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. It is strong and durable, yet lightweight, and has excellent thermal properties. It is also renewable and biodegradable, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. While it may require some trial and error to find the best settings for your printer, the end results are sure to be worth the effort.