Printing in Multi-material? Use These Filament Combos
Originally published on hackaday.com by Donald Papp on 7 December 2024
Thomas Sanladerer delves into the fascinating world of multi-material 3D printing, exploring how different filaments interact when used together for objects and supports. His experiments tested combinations of PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, and flexible filaments to determine which materials adhere well to each other and which make for easily removable support interfaces. Key insights include PLA’s tendency to stick only to itself and PETG’s strong adhesion to most materials except PLA. This makes PLA a solid candidate for objects when paired with PETG as support, or vice versa.
A notable finding was the compatibility of flexible filaments with PLA. Flex conforms well to PLA surfaces but doesn’t strongly adhere, allowing it to be peeled away cleanly. This property could make flex filament an excellent zero-clearance support material, leaving smooth finishes. Conversely, flex and PETG form a near-permanent bond, suggesting their potential for creating integrated designs like grippy bases or living hinges without adhesives.
Sanladerer also shares practical tips for better results: match support and object colors to hide blemishes, and use hot water to soften PLA supports for easier removal when paired with high-temperature materials like PETG or ABS. This research broadens the possibilities of multi-material printing, offering valuable techniques for clean, efficient, and creative builds.
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