The short answer is yes, wood filament is abrasive and can wear out your nozzle over time. However, this does not mean that you should avoid using wood filament for your 3D printing projects. In this article, we will explain what wood filament is, how it works, what are the benefits and drawbacks of using it, and how to prevent or minimize nozzle wear.
Wood filament is a type of composite filament that consists of a base material (usually PLA or ABS) and wood fibers or particles. The wood content can vary from 10% to 40%, depending on the brand and the desired effect. Wood filament is designed to mimic the appearance, texture, and smell of natural wood, and can be used to create realistic-looking objects such as furniture, sculptures, toys, and more.
How Does Wood Filament Work?
Wood filament works similarly to other types of filaments, except that it requires some adjustments in the printing settings and the post-processing. Wood filament is usually printed at a higher temperature than the base material, ranging from 180°C to 230°C, depending on the wood content and the nozzle size. The higher temperature helps to melt the wood particles and create a smooth flow. However, the temperature should not be too high, as it can cause the wood to burn and create a dark or charred effect.
Wood filament also requires a higher flow rate or extrusion multiplier, as the wood particles can reduce the effective diameter of the filament. A higher flow rate ensures that enough material is extruded to fill the gaps and create a solid layer. However, the flow rate should not be too high, as it can cause over-extrusion and blobbing.
Wood filament can be printed with or without a heated bed, depending on the base material and the adhesion method. PLA-based wood filament can be printed on a cold bed with blue tape or glue stick, while ABS-based wood filament may require a heated bed with Kapton tape or hairspray. The bed temperature should be set according to the base material, ranging from 50°C to 110°C.
Wood filament can be printed with any nozzle size, but it is recommended to use a larger nozzle (0.5mm or above) to prevent clogging and improve the print quality. A larger nozzle allows more wood particles to pass through and create a more visible wood grain effect. A larger nozzle also reduces the pressure and friction inside the nozzle, which can reduce the nozzle wear.
Wood filament does not require any special cooling settings, as the wood particles act as a natural cooling agent and prevent warping and cracking. However, some users prefer to use a fan to improve the layer adhesion and the surface quality.
Wood filament can be post-processed in various ways to enhance its appearance and durability. Some of the common methods are:
Sanding: Sanding can smooth out the rough edges and the layer lines, and create a more even and natural-looking surface. Sanding can also expose more wood fibers and create a lighter color. Sanding can be done by hand or with a power tool, using different grits of sandpaper from coarse to fine.
Staining: Staining can change the color and the tone of the wood filament, and create a more realistic and diverse effect. Staining can be done with any wood stain product, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Staining can also be done before or after sanding, depending on the desired result.
Sealing: Sealing can protect the wood filament from moisture, UV rays, and scratches, and make it more durable and resistant. Sealing can be done with any wood sealant product, such as varnish, lacquer, wax, or oil, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Sealing can also be done before or after staining, depending on the desired effect.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Wood Filament?
Wood filament has some advantages and disadvantages compared to other types of filaments. Some of the benefits are:
Aesthetic appeal: Wood filament can create beautiful and realistic-looking objects that resemble natural wood, with a unique texture, grain, and smell. Wood filament can also be customized with different colors and finishes, using post-processing methods such as sanding, staining, and sealing.
Biodegradability: Wood filament is more eco-friendly than other types of filaments, as it contains natural and renewable materials that can decompose over time. Wood filament can also be recycled or composted, reducing the environmental impact of 3D printing waste.
Ease of use: Wood filament is relatively easy to use, as it does not require any special hardware or software modifications. Wood filament can be printed with any standard FDM printer, using similar settings and techniques as other types of filaments.
Some of the drawbacks are:
Abrasiveness: Wood filament is abrasive and can wear out the nozzle over time, reducing the print quality and the nozzle lifespan. Wood filament can also clog the nozzle, causing extrusion problems and print failures. To prevent or minimize nozzle wear, it is recommended to use a larger nozzle, a higher temperature, a lower speed, and a hardened steel or ruby nozzle.
Variability: Wood filament can vary in quality and consistency, depending on the brand, the batch, and the storage conditions. Wood filament can also vary in color and texture, depending on the wood content, the printing settings, and the post-processing methods. To ensure a consistent and predictable result, it is recommended to use a reputable brand, a fresh and dry filament, and a calibrated printer.
Cost: Wood filament is more expensive than other types of filaments, as it contains premium and natural materials that increase the production cost. Wood filament can also increase the maintenance cost, as it can require more frequent nozzle replacements and cleaning.
Wood filament is a type of composite filament that consists of a base material and wood fibers or particles. Wood filament is designed to mimic the appearance, texture, and smell of natural wood, and can be used to create realistic-looking objects. Wood filament is abrasive and can wear out the nozzle over time, but this can be prevented or minimized by using a larger nozzle, a higher temperature, a lower speed, and a hardened steel or ruby nozzle. Wood filament also requires some adjustments in the printing settings and the post-processing methods, such as a higher flow rate, a heated bed, sanding, staining, and sealing. Wood filament has some benefits and drawbacks compared to other types of filaments, such as aesthetic appeal, biodegradability, ease of use, variability, and cost. Wood filament is a great option for 3D printing enthusiasts who want to create unique and natural-looking objects with a wood-like effect.
