Wood PLA is a type of 3D printing filament that combines PLA (polylactic acid) with wood fibers, giving it a natural wood-like appearance and texture. Wood PLA has several benefits over regular PLA, such as being more eco-friendly, easier to post-process, and offering a variety of aesthetic options. In this article, we will explore the advantages of wood PLA, how to use it, and some tips and tricks to get the best results.
One of the main benefits of wood PLA is that it is more environmentally friendly than regular PLA. PLA is already a biodegradable and renewable material, derived from corn starch or sugarcane. However, wood PLA adds another layer of sustainability by incorporating wood fibers, which are also biodegradable and renewable. Wood PLA reduces the amount of plastic waste generated by 3D printing, and can be composted or recycled after use. Wood PLA also has a lower carbon footprint than other types of 3D printing filaments, such as ABS or PETG, which are made from petroleum-based products.
Easy to post-process
Another benefit of wood PLA is that it is easy to post-process, meaning that you can modify or improve the appearance of your 3D printed object after printing. Wood PLA can be sanded, stained, painted, varnished, or carved, just like real wood. This allows you to create a smooth and polished finish, or to add details and effects to your 3D printed object. For example, you can sand your wood PLA object to remove any layer lines or imperfections, and then stain it with a color of your choice. You can also paint your wood PLA object with acrylic paints, or apply a coat of varnish to protect it and enhance its shine. You can even use a carving tool or a rotary tool to create patterns or textures on your wood PLA object, giving it a more realistic and unique look.
Aesthetic variety
A third benefit of wood PLA is that it offers a variety of aesthetic options for your 3D printed object. Wood PLA comes in different colors and shades, depending on the type and amount of wood fibers used. For example, you can find wood PLA that mimics the appearance of pine, cherry, walnut, bamboo, or ebony. You can also mix different colors of wood PLA to create a gradient or a marbled effect. Additionally, wood PLA has a natural wood-like texture and smell, which adds to the authenticity and appeal of your 3D printed object. Wood PLA is ideal for 3D printing objects that require a natural or rustic look, such as furniture, decorations, toys, or sculptures.
Wood PLA is compatible with most FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printers, and does not require a heated bed or a special nozzle. However, there are some factors that you need to consider when using wood PLA, such as the temperature, speed, retraction, and cooling settings. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started:
Temperature: Wood PLA has a similar melting point as regular PLA, so you can use a nozzle temperature of around 190-220°C. However, you may need to adjust the temperature depending on the brand and color of your wood PLA, as well as the ambient temperature and humidity. A higher temperature may result in a darker and smoother print, while a lower temperature may result in a lighter and rougher print. You can experiment with different temperatures to find the optimal setting for your wood PLA.
Speed: Wood PLA tends to be more brittle and prone to clogging than regular PLA, due to the presence of wood fibers. Therefore, you may need to reduce the printing speed to avoid breaking or jamming the filament. A printing speed of around 40-60 mm/s is recommended for wood PLA, but you can also try slower or faster speeds depending on your printer and model. A slower speed may improve the quality and accuracy of your print, while a faster speed may reduce the printing time and the risk of heat damage.
Retraction: Retraction is the process of pulling back the filament from the nozzle when moving to a different part of the model, to prevent oozing or stringing. Wood PLA may require more retraction than regular PLA, due to its higher viscosity and tendency to ooze. A retraction distance of around 4-6 mm and a retraction speed of around 40-60 mm/s are suggested for wood PLA, but you can also fine-tune these settings based on your printer and model. A higher retraction distance and speed may reduce the oozing and stringing, while a lower retraction distance and speed may prevent the filament from breaking or jamming.
Cooling: Cooling is the process of blowing air onto the printed layer to solidify it and improve the print quality. Wood PLA may benefit from more cooling than regular PLA, especially for models with overhangs, bridges, or small details. A cooling fan speed of around 80-100% is recommended for wood PLA, but you can also adjust it depending on your printer and model. A higher cooling fan speed may improve the accuracy and stability of your print, while a lower cooling fan speed may enhance the adhesion and strength of your print.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results with wood PLA:
Use a larger nozzle size: Wood PLA may clog or wear out your nozzle more easily than regular PLA, due to the abrasive nature of wood fibers. Therefore, you may want to use a larger nozzle size, such as 0.6 mm or 0.8 mm, to prevent clogging and improve the flow of the filament. A larger nozzle size may also create a more visible wood grain effect on your print, which can add to the realism and charm of your 3D printed object.
Use a skirt or a brim: A skirt or a brim is a thin layer of filament that is printed around the base of your model, to help with the bed adhesion and the nozzle priming. Wood PLA may have a lower bed adhesion than regular PLA, due to its lower flexibility and higher shrinkage. Therefore, you may want to use a skirt or a brim to ensure that your print sticks to the bed and does not warp or detach. A skirt or a brim may also help to prime your nozzle and remove any leftover filament from the previous print, which can improve the consistency and quality of your print.
Use a higher infill percentage: Infill is the internal structure of your 3D printed object, which determines its weight, strength, and durability. Wood PLA may have a lower strength and durability than regular PLA, due to its higher brittleness and lower density. Therefore, you may want to use a higher infill percentage, such as 20-30%, to increase the stability and resistance of your print. A higher infill percentage may also create a more solid and realistic sound when you tap or knock on your 3D printed object, which can enhance its authenticity and appeal.
Wood PLA is a type of 3D printing filament that combines PLA with wood fibers, giving it a natural wood-like appearance and texture. Wood PLA has several benefits over regular PLA, such as being more eco-friendly, easier to post-process, and offering a variety of aesthetic options. Wood PLA is compatible with most FDM 3D printers, and does not require a heated bed or a special nozzle. However, wood PLA may require some adjustments in the temperature, speed, retraction, and cooling settings, as well as some tips and tricks to get the best results. Wood PLA is ideal for 3D printing objects that require a natural or rustic look, such as furniture, decorations, toys, or sculptures.
