Complete Guide to Metallic 3D Printing Filaments

Metallic 3D Printing
Metallic 3D Printing isn’t perfect yet when it comes to making metal products, but it can make 3D prints that look and feel like metal with the help of metallic 3D printing filaments. They help make things like jewellery, busts, sculptures, and museum replicas. Metalheads, read on to learn more about metallic 3D printing filaments.

Table of Contents:

What Are Filaments for 3D Printing in Metal?

Metallic 3D printing filaments make 3D prints that look and feel like they are made of metal. The base of these filaments is mostly made up of standard 3D printing materials like ABS or PLA mixed with ultra-fine metal powder made from copper, brass, bronze, and stainless steel. Depending on the brand, the amount of metal powder in a filament can be different.

The filament is much heavier than regular filaments because it has metal parts. A 3D Printing Metal Filament is more abrasive on nozzles because it contains metal. For this reason, it is best to use a nozzle that is resistant to wear when printing with them.

Characteristics:

• Finish that looks like metal

• Extrudes at low temperatures

Things to think about:

• Rough on nozzles

• Prints parts that break easily

• Blocks nozzles

• Low bridging and hanging abilities

Uses for Metallic 3D Printing Filaments

Most metallic 3D printing filaments are made of PLA, which makes them too brittle for use in high-stress commercial and industrial settings. They work best for making jewellery, busts, museum replicas, and sculptures, which are all arts and crafts items. This is why 3D Printing With Metal is often chosen for decorative or display purposes rather than functional engineering parts.

Best Practices for 3D Printing with Metallic Filaments

Printing with metallic 3D printing filaments has many issues. The following are some of the things that you can do to reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring:

• Switch to harder nozzles: Such filaments contain metal components which crack normal brass nozzles. Switch to nozzles of hardened alloys such as stainless steel, nickel plated brass, and so forth.

• Handle it carefully: You need to be especially careful when handling metallic 3D printing filaments since they are brittle. The filament becomes brittle the more the metal in it. You must also be wary of the rogue angles of the path of the filament, which might result in the filament breaking during the prints.

• Adjust the setting: Since these filaments contain metal, they cannot be retracted easily and this makes them more susceptible to blobbing. When there is more metal in the filament, it is more challenging to determine its appropriate settings. Attempt to adjust retraction, temperature and the thickness of the first layer.

Where to Find Expertise and Support

If you’re new to Metal 3D Printing or need professional help, working with an experienced provider can make a huge difference. For example, a 3D Printing Service Malaysia can offer both guidance and access to the latest materials. Businesses and hobbyists in 3D Printing Malaysia often benefit from these services to achieve high-quality results without the trial and error of going it alone.

Contact us to explore how we can help bring your ideas to life. Our team is ready to discuss your goals and guide you through every step of the process.