Wood filament is worth it if you want to create 3D prints with a natural and realistic wood-like appearance and texture. However, wood filament also has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of before using it. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of wood filament, how to use it effectively, and some of the best brands and products available in the market.
Wood filament is a type of composite filament that combines a thermoplastic base material, usually PLA, with wood particles, dust, or fibers. The wood content can vary from 10% to 40%, depending on the brand and the type of wood used. Some common wood types are birch, cedar, bamboo, cork, ebony, pine, olive, and coconut.
The wood particles give the filament a unique appearance and texture, resembling real wood. The color and grain of the filament can also change depending on the printing temperature, speed, and layer height. Wood filament can be sanded, stained, painted, or varnished after printing, just like real wood.
Why Use Wood Filament?
Wood filament has several advantages that make it worth using for certain applications and projects. Some of the benefits of wood filament are:
Aesthetics: Wood filament can create 3D prints that look and feel like real wood, with natural variations and imperfections. Wood filament is ideal for making decorative items, artistic sculptures, furniture accessories, toys, and gifts.
Ease of use: Wood filament is relatively easy to print with, as it has similar properties and settings to PLA, one of the most popular and beginner-friendly filaments. Wood filament does not require a heated bed, has good adhesion, and has low shrinkage and warping.
Biodegradability: Wood filament is more environmentally friendly than pure plastic filaments, as it contains natural and renewable materials. Wood filament can be composted or recycled, reducing the waste and pollution caused by 3D printing.
Wood filament also has some drawbacks and challenges that you should consider before using it. Some of the disadvantages of wood filament are:
Brittleness: Wood filament is more brittle and fragile than pure PLA, as the wood particles weaken the interlayer bonding and reduce the tensile strength. Wood filament can break or snap easily during handling, storage, or printing.
Clogging: Wood filament can clog or jam the nozzle, as the wood particles can accumulate or burn inside the hot end. Wood filament requires a larger nozzle size, usually 0.5 mm or more, and a lower printing temperature, usually below 220°C, to prevent clogging.
Inconsistency: Wood filament can have inconsistent quality and performance, as the wood content and composition can vary from batch to batch, or even within the same spool. Wood filament can also have different colors and grains depending on the printing parameters, which can be unpredictable or undesirable.
How to Choose the Best Wood Filament?
There are many brands and products of wood filament available in the market, each with different features and prices. To choose the best wood filament for your needs, you should consider the following factors:
Wood type: The type of wood used in the filament affects the color, texture, smell, and density of the filament. You should choose a wood type that matches your preference and project. For example, birch is light and smooth, cedar is reddish and aromatic, bamboo is yellow and flexible, and ebony is dark and dense.
Wood content: The percentage of wood in the filament affects the printability and appearance of the filament. A higher wood content can make the filament more realistic and natural, but also more brittle and prone to clogging. A lower wood content can make the filament easier to print with, but also less authentic and textured.
Reviews and ratings: The quality and reputation of the filament brand and product can influence your satisfaction and results. You should check the reviews and ratings of other users who have used the filament, and look for positive feedback, high ratings, and reliable customer service.
What are the Best Wood Filament Brands and Products?
Based on our research and analysis, here are some of the best wood filament brands and products that you can buy online:
Isanmate Wood Filament: This filament is made of PLA and 30% real wood fiber, and comes in various wood types, such as sandal wood, rose wood, and teak wood. It has a smooth and uniform diameter, and produces prints with a realistic wood-like appearance and texture. It has a high rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon, and costs $28.99 per 1 kg spool.
Protopasta Wood Filament: This filament is made of PLA and 30% wood flour, and comes in different colors, such as daffodil, cherry, and coffee. It has a matte and opaque finish, and produces prints with a natural and organic feel. It has a high rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon, and costs $39.99 per 500 g spool.
Unitak3d Wood Filament: This filament is made of PLA and 20% wood powder, and comes in a light wood color. It has a consistent and smooth flow, and produces prints with a fine and delicate wood grain. It has a high rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon, and costs $16.98 per 1 kg spool.
Conclusion
Wood filament is worth it if you want to create 3D prints with a natural and realistic wood-like appearance and texture. However, wood filament also has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of before using it. You should choose the best wood filament for your needs based on the wood type, wood content, reviews and ratings, and other factors. Some of the best wood filament brands and products are Isanmate, Protopasta, and Unitak3d. We hope this article has helped you learn more about wood filament and how to use it effectively. Happy printing!
