The short answer is yes, the Ender 5 Plus can print metal filament, but it requires some modifications and precautions. In this article, we will explain what metal filament is, how to print it with the Ender 5 Plus, and what are the benefits and challenges of using it.
Metal filament is a type of 3D printing material that contains a high percentage of metal particles mixed with a plastic binder. The most common types of metal filament are bronze, copper, stainless steel, iron, and aluminum. Metal filament can create prints that look and feel like metal, with realistic weight, texture, and color.
Metal filament is usually printed with a standard FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer, such as the Ender 5 Plus. However, unlike regular PLA or ABS filament, metal filament requires higher temperatures, slower speeds, and more careful post-processing.
How to print metal filament with the Ender 5 Plus?
The Ender 5 Plus is a popular and versatile 3D printer that can handle a variety of materials, including metal filament. However, to print metal filament with the Ender 5 Plus, you will need to make some modifications and adjustments to the printer and the slicer settings.
Printer modifications
The first modification you will need to make is to replace the stock nozzle with a hardened steel or ruby nozzle. This is because metal filament is very abrasive and can wear out the standard brass nozzle quickly. A hardened steel or ruby nozzle will last longer and prevent clogging and extrusion issues.
The second modification you will need to make is to upgrade the extruder to a direct drive or a geared extruder. This is because metal filament is stiffer and heavier than regular filament and requires more torque and pressure to feed through the hotend. A direct drive or a geared extruder will provide more control and accuracy over the filament flow and prevent under-extrusion and filament grinding.
Slicer settings
The slicer settings for metal filament will vary depending on the type and brand of the filament, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
Temperature: Metal filament requires higher temperatures than regular filament, usually between 190°C and 230°C. You may need to experiment with different temperatures to find the optimal one for your filament and printer.
Speed: Metal filament requires slower speeds than regular filament, usually between 20 mm/s and 40 mm/s. This is to ensure proper adhesion, layer bonding, and surface quality. You may also need to lower the acceleration and jerk settings to reduce vibrations and artifacts.
Retraction: Metal filament requires less retraction than regular filament, usually between 1 mm and 3 mm. This is to prevent oozing, stringing, and nozzle clogging. You may also need to increase the retraction speed to avoid filament breakage.
Infill: Metal filament requires higher infill than regular filament, usually between 50% and 100%. This is to provide more strength and stability to the print and to prevent warping and cracking. You may also need to increase the number of perimeters and top/bottom layers to ensure a solid and smooth surface.
Cooling: Metal filament requires less cooling than regular filament, usually between 0% and 50%. This is to improve layer adhesion and prevent warping and cracking. You may also need to disable the cooling fan for the first few layers to ensure a good bed adhesion.
What are the benefits and challenges of printing metal filament with the Ender 5 Plus?
Printing metal filament with the Ender 5 Plus can offer some benefits and challenges, depending on your goals and expectations. Here are some of the pros and cons of using metal filament:
Pros
Metal filament can create prints that look and feel like metal, with realistic weight, texture, and color. You can also polish, sand, or paint the prints to enhance their appearance and properties.
Metal filament can create prints that are stronger and more durable than regular filament, especially after post-processing. You can also use metal filament for functional parts that require high resistance to heat, wear, and corrosion.
Metal filament can create prints that are more unique and artistic than regular filament, especially with the variety of metal types and finishes available. You can also use metal filament for jewelry, sculptures, or decorations that showcase the beauty and elegance of metal.
Cons
Metal filament is more expensive and harder to find than regular filament, especially for some rare or exotic metals. You may also need to buy larger spools of metal filament to avoid running out of material during long prints.
Metal filament is more difficult and demanding to print than regular filament, requiring more modifications, adjustments, and maintenance. You may also encounter more printing problems and failures with metal filament, such as warping, cracking, clogging, or under-extrusion.
Metal filament is more hazardous and messy to print than regular filament, requiring more safety precautions and post-processing. You may also need to wear protective gear, use a well-ventilated area, and dispose of the waste properly when printing and handling metal filament.
The Ender 5 Plus can print metal filament, but it requires some modifications and precautions. Metal filament is a type of 3D printing material that contains a high percentage of metal particles mixed with a plastic binder. Metal filament can create prints that look and feel like metal, with realistic weight, texture, and color. However, metal filament is also more expensive, difficult, and hazardous to print than regular filament, requiring more modifications, adjustments, and maintenance. Metal filament can offer some benefits and challenges, depending on your goals and expectations. If you are interested in printing metal filament with the Ender 5 Plus, you will need to follow some guidelines and tips to ensure a successful and satisfying result.
