Wood filament is a type of 3D printing material that mimics the appearance and texture of natural wood, but it does not feel exactly like wood. Wood filament is usually made of a blend of plastic and wood fibers, which gives it some of the properties of both materials. Wood filament can be sanded, stained, painted, and carved like wood, but it also has the flexibility, durability, and heat resistance of plastic. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of wood filament, and how to use it for your 3D printing projects.
Wood filament is a composite material that consists of a thermoplastic base (such as PLA, ABS, or PETG) and wood particles (such as bamboo, cork, or wood flour). The ratio of plastic to wood varies depending on the brand and type of wood filament, but it is usually around 70% plastic and 30% wood. The wood particles are mixed with the plastic during the extrusion process, creating a filament that can be used in most FDM 3D printers.
Wood filament is available in different colors and shades, depending on the type of wood used. Some common wood types are pine, birch, maple, cherry, walnut, ebony, and mahogany. Some wood filaments also have added scents or flavors, such as vanilla, coffee, or cinnamon, to enhance the sensory experience of 3D printing with wood.
What are the Advantages of Wood Filament?
Wood filament has several advantages over other types of 3D printing materials, such as:
Aesthetic appeal: Wood filament can create realistic-looking wood objects that have the natural grain, color, and texture of wood. Wood filament can also be post-processed to achieve different finishes, such as glossy, matte, or rustic. Wood filament can be used to create decorative items, such as sculptures, ornaments, jewelry, or furniture, that have a unique and natural look.
Easy to print: Wood filament is generally easy to print with, as it has similar printing settings and behavior as PLA, which is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly 3D printing materials. Wood filament does not require a heated bed, has good adhesion, and has low shrinkage and warping. Wood filament can also be printed with a standard 0.4 mm nozzle, although a larger nozzle size (such as 0.6 mm or 0.8 mm) is recommended to prevent clogging and improve the flow of the filament.
Eco-friendly: Wood filament is more environmentally friendly than pure plastic filaments, as it uses less plastic and more renewable and biodegradable materials. Wood filament can also be recycled or composted, as long as it does not contain any harmful additives or coatings. Wood filament can also reduce the waste and carbon footprint of 3D printing, as it allows users to create custom and personalized items that they need or want, rather than buying mass-produced and generic products.
Wood filament also has some drawbacks and challenges that users should be aware of, such as:
Inconsistency: Wood filament can have inconsistent quality and performance, depending on the brand, type, and batch of the filament. Wood filament can also have variations in color, diameter, and density, which can affect the printing results and accuracy. Wood filament can also degrade over time, especially if exposed to moisture, heat, or sunlight, which can cause the filament to become brittle, discolored, or moldy.
Clogging: Wood filament can be prone to clogging the nozzle or the extruder, due to the presence of wood particles that can accumulate or burn inside the hot end. Wood filament can also have higher friction and lower flow than pure plastic filaments, which can cause under-extrusion, jamming, or skipping. To prevent clogging, users should clean the nozzle regularly, use a larger nozzle size, and increase the printing temperature and speed.
Brittleness: Wood filament can be more brittle and fragile than pure plastic filaments, due to the lower plastic content and the higher wood content. Wood filament can also be more sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, which can cause the filament to crack, break, or snap. To prevent brittleness, users should store the filament in a dry and cool place, use a filament dryer or a dehumidifier, and avoid bending or twisting the filament.
How to Use Wood Filament?
Wood filament can be used for a variety of 3D printing applications, as long as the users follow some tips and best practices, such as:
Choose the right wood filament: Users should choose the wood filament that suits their needs and preferences, based on the type, color, and quality of the wood. Users should also check the specifications and reviews of the wood filament, such as the printing temperature, the nozzle size, the layer height, and the compatibility with the 3D printer.
Adjust the printing settings: Users should adjust the printing settings according to the wood filament, such as increasing the printing temperature (around 200°C to 230°C), the printing speed (around 40 mm/s to 60 mm/s), and the retraction distance (around 3 mm to 5 mm). Users should also enable the cooling fan, reduce the infill percentage, and increase the number of perimeters, to improve the print quality and strength.
Post-process the print: Users should post-process the print to enhance the appearance and durability of the wood filament. Users can sand, stain, paint, or carve the print, to create different effects and finishes. Users can also apply a clear coat, a wax, or a oil, to protect the print from moisture, dust, and scratches.
Wood filament is a type of 3D printing material that mimics the appearance and texture of natural wood, but it does not feel exactly like wood. Wood filament is usually made of a blend of plastic and wood fibers, which gives it some of the properties of both materials. Wood filament can be sanded, stained, painted, and carved like wood, but it also has the flexibility, durability, and heat resistance of plastic. Wood filament has several advantages, such as aesthetic appeal, easy printing, and eco-friendliness, but it also has some disadvantages, such as inconsistency, clogging, and brittleness. Wood filament can be used for a variety of 3D printing applications, as long as the users follow some tips and best practices, such as choosing the right wood filament, adjusting the printing settings, and post-processing the print. Wood filament is a great option for 3D printing enthusiasts who want to create realistic-looking wood objects with their 3D printers.
