Wood filament is a type of 3D printing material that mimics the appearance and texture of natural wood, but it also has some drawbacks, such as clogging the nozzle, warping, and requiring higher temperatures. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of wood filament, how to use it properly, and some tips and tricks to improve your 3D printing experience with this material.
Wood filament is a composite material that consists of a thermoplastic base (such as PLA or ABS) and wood fibers or particles. The ratio of wood to plastic varies depending on the brand and type of filament, but it usually ranges from 20% to 40%. The wood fibers or particles give the filament a natural wood color, grain, and smell, while the plastic base provides the strength and flexibility needed for 3D printing.
Wood filament is compatible with most FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers, as long as they have a heated bed and a nozzle that can handle higher temperatures. Wood filament is usually sold in 1.75mm or 2.85mm diameters, and it comes in different shades and types of wood, such as pine, birch, bamboo, cherry, walnut, and more.
What are the Benefits of Wood Filament?
Wood filament has some advantages over other types of 3D printing materials, such as:
Aesthetic appeal: Wood filament can create realistic and beautiful prints that look like carved or sculpted wood. You can also sand, stain, paint, or varnish your prints to enhance their appearance and durability.
Biodegradability: Wood filament is more eco-friendly than pure plastic filaments, as it contains natural and renewable materials that can decompose over time. However, this also means that you should store your wood filament in a dry and cool place, and avoid exposing your prints to moisture or sunlight, as they can degrade faster.
Versatility: Wood filament can be used for a variety of applications, such as art, decoration, furniture, toys, models, and more. You can also experiment with different settings and techniques to achieve different effects, such as changing the extrusion temperature, speed, or flow rate to create darker or lighter wood tones, or using a fan to create smoother or rougher surfaces.
Wood filament also has some challenges and limitations that you should be aware of before using it, such as:
Clogging: Wood filament is more prone to clogging the nozzle than pure plastic filaments, due to the wood particles that can accumulate and burn inside the nozzle. To prevent this, you should use a larger nozzle size (at least 0.4mm or 0.5mm), and clean the nozzle regularly with a needle or a wire. You should also avoid leaving the filament in the hot end for too long, and retract the filament when not in use.
Warping: Wood filament can warp or curl during or after printing, due to the uneven shrinkage of the wood and plastic components. To prevent this, you should use a heated bed (at least 50°C or 60°C), and apply an adhesive or a tape to the bed surface. You should also use a brim or a raft to increase the adhesion of the first layer, and avoid printing large or thin parts that can warp more easily.
Temperature: Wood filament requires higher temperatures than pure plastic filaments, as the wood particles can lower the melting point of the plastic base. The optimal temperature range for wood filament is between 180°C and 230°C, depending on the brand and type of filament. However, you should avoid using temperatures that are too high, as they can burn the wood particles and create smoke or unpleasant odors. You should also use a temperature sensor or a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the nozzle and the bed, and adjust them accordingly.
To use wood filament properly and get the best results, you should follow these steps:
Choose the right filament: There are many brands and types of wood filament available on the market, and they can have different qualities and characteristics. You should choose a filament that suits your needs and preferences, and read the reviews and specifications of the filament before buying it. You should also check the diameter and the tolerance of the filament, and make sure they match your printer and slicer settings.
Store the filament correctly: Wood filament is sensitive to humidity and temperature, and it can absorb moisture from the air and become brittle or swollen. To prevent this, you should store your wood filament in a sealed bag or a container with a desiccant, and keep it in a dry and cool place. You should also avoid exposing your filament to sunlight or heat sources, as they can damage the filament or change its color.
Prepare the printer and the slicer: Before printing with wood filament, you should prepare your printer and your slicer accordingly. You should use a larger nozzle size (at least 0.4mm or 0.5mm), and clean the nozzle thoroughly with a needle or a wire. You should also use a heated bed (at least 50°C or 60°C), and apply an adhesive or a tape to the bed surface. You should also adjust your slicer settings to match the filament and the printer, such as the extrusion temperature, speed, flow rate, layer height, retraction, cooling, and infill. You can find some recommended settings for wood filament online, or you can experiment with different settings to find the best ones for your filament and your printer.
Print and post-process your prints: After printing with wood filament, you can post-process your prints to improve their appearance and durability. You can sand, stain, paint, or varnish your prints, or you can leave them as they are to preserve their natural look. You can also use a heat gun or a torch to create a burned or charred effect on your prints, or you can use a wire brush or a knife to create a carved or sculpted effect on your prints. However, you should be careful when post-processing your prints, as you can damage them or cause injuries if you are not experienced or cautious.
Wood filament is a type of 3D printing material that mimics the appearance and texture of natural wood, but it also has some drawbacks, such as clogging the nozzle, warping, and requiring higher temperatures. To use wood filament properly and get the best results, you should choose the right filament, store it correctly, prepare the printer and the slicer, and post-process your prints. Wood filament can be used for a variety of applications, such as art, decoration, furniture, toys, models, and more, and it can create realistic and beautiful prints that look like carved or sculpted wood. Wood filament is also more eco-friendly than pure plastic filaments, as it contains natural and renewable materials that can decompose over time.
