Wood filament is not actually wood, but a composite material that contains wood fibers or particles mixed with a thermoplastic base, usually PLA. This gives the filament a wood-like appearance and texture, but also makes it easier to print than pure wood. Wood filament is a popular choice for 3D printing enthusiasts who want to create natural-looking objects with their printers.
Wood filament is a type of 3D printing filament that combines the properties of PLA (Polylactic Acid) with the appearance and texture of wood. It is a composite filament that typically consists of 60-80% PLA and 20-40% wood fibers or particles. The wood component can vary depending on the brand and the type of wood used, such as birch, cedar, bamboo, cork, ebony, pine, olive, and even coconut.
The presence of these wood elements gives the 3D printed parts the aesthetics of real wood, such as the color, the grain, the smell, and the feel. However, the PLA base ensures that the filament is still easy to print and compatible with most FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers. Wood filament also has some advantages over PLA, such as being less brittle, more flexible, and more resistant to heat and UV light.
How to Print with Wood Filament?
Printing with wood filament is similar to printing with PLA, but there are some nuances to be aware of. Here are some tips and tricks to get the best results with wood filament:
Use a nozzle with a diameter of at least 0.4 mm, as wood filament can be abrasive and clog smaller nozzles. You may also want to use a hardened steel nozzle for better durability.
Set the extrusion temperature between 180°C and 230°C, depending on the brand and the type of wood filament. Higher temperatures will result in darker and more burned colors, while lower temperatures will result in lighter and more natural colors.
Set the bed temperature between 40°C and 60°C, or turn it off completely if your printer has a good adhesion surface. Wood filament does not warp much, so a heated bed is not necessary.
Use a cooling fan to improve the print quality and avoid stringing and oozing. However, do not use too much cooling, as it may cause layer delamination or cracking.
Print at a moderate speed of 30-60 mm/s, as wood filament can be more viscous and prone to jamming than PLA. You may also want to reduce the retraction distance and speed to avoid clogging the nozzle.
Use a layer height of 0.1-0.3 mm, depending on the level of detail and smoothness you want. A higher layer height will enhance the wood grain effect, while a lower layer height will create a smoother surface.
One of the benefits of wood filament is that it can be post-processed like real wood, using tools and techniques such as sanding, carving, staining, painting, varnishing, and polishing. This can improve the appearance and durability of the 3D printed parts, as well as add some personal touches. Here are some examples of post-processing methods for wood filament:
Sanding: You can use sandpaper or a sanding machine to smooth the surface and remove any imperfections or layer lines. Start with a coarse grit and gradually move to a finer grit until you achieve the desired smoothness.
Carving: You can use a carving knife or a rotary tool to create patterns, shapes, or details on the 3D printed parts. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or cut too deep, as this may damage the part or expose the PLA core.
Staining: You can use wood stains or dyes to change the color or enhance the contrast of the wood filament. Apply the stain with a brush or a cloth, and wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. You can also use different temperatures to create color variations during printing.
Painting: You can use acrylic paints or spray paints to cover the wood filament with a different color or design. Apply the paint in thin and even coats, and let it dry completely before adding another coat. You can also use masking tape or stencils to create patterns or shapes.
Varnishing: You can use wood varnish or lacquer to protect the wood filament from moisture, dirt, and scratches, and to give it a glossy or matte finish. Apply the varnish with a brush or a spray can, and let it dry completely before adding another coat. You can also use wax or oil to create a natural and smooth finish.
Polishing: You can use a polishing cloth or a buffing machine to make the wood filament shine and bring out the wood grain. You can also use polishing compounds or wax to enhance the gloss and smoothness.
Wood filament is a great choice for 3D printing enthusiasts who want to create natural-looking objects with their printers. Wood filament has many advantages, such as:
It is easy to print and compatible with most FDM printers.
It has a wood-like appearance and texture that can be customized with different temperatures and post-processing methods.
It has a pleasant smell and feel that adds to the realism and appeal of the 3D printed parts.
It is biodegradable and eco-friendly, as it is made from renewable and organic materials.
It is versatile and suitable for a variety of applications, such as art, decoration, furniture, toys, and more.
Conclusion
Wood filament is not actually wood, but a composite material that contains wood fibers or particles mixed with a thermoplastic base, usually PLA. This gives the filament a wood-like appearance and texture, but also makes it easier to print than pure wood. Wood filament is a popular choice for 3D printing enthusiasts who want to create natural-looking objects with their printers. Wood filament can be printed with similar settings as PLA, but with some adjustments to the temperature, speed, and cooling. Wood filament can also be post-processed like real wood, using tools and techniques such as sanding, carving, staining, painting, varnishing, and polishing. Wood filament is a great choice for 3D printing enthusiasts who want to create natural-looking objects with their printers.
