How to print with BotFeeder ecoPLA?

A complete guide to print with BotFeeder ecoPLA

ecoPLA (polylactic acid) is an environmental friendly version of our Original PLA.  This material is made from recycled PLA yet it has the same performance as our Original PLA.  The following is everything you need to know about printing with BotFeeder ecoPLA.

Note: The information provided here applies to BotFeeder ecoPLA, similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third-party filaments.

COMPATIBILITY

BotFeeder ecoPLA can be printed on most 3D printers as a single material.

Compatible brand not limit to the following:

• Ultimaker
• MakerBot
• Pursa
• Creality
• RepRap
• Lulzbot
• FlashForge
• Anet
• XYZprinting
• Atom
• Tarantula

NOZZLE SIZE

Can be printed with all nozzle sizes from 0.10 to 0.80 mm.

TEMPERATURE

BotFeeder ecoPLA prints at moderate temperatures, mostly around 200-220 °C, depending on the selected nozzle size and print profile. Profiles for the 0.25 mm nozzles use a slightly lower temperature though, and the 0.8 mm profiles require a higher temperature.

For the build plate, a temperature of 65 °C is used for heated build plates, but it is also possible to print ecoPLA on a cold build plate using the blue tape.

RESOLUTION

BotFeeder ecoPLA can be printed at resolution 0.05 to 0.80 mm. At ultra-fine resolution, 0.05 mm, it might be beneficial to tune down the temperature to 195 C toward the end of your print.

PRINT SPEED

The printing speed of BotFeeder ecoPLA range from 30 to 90 mm/sec. General rule of thumb, the slower the speed better the quality.

ADHESION

ecoPLA usually adheres well to the heated glass plate, but for the best results it is advised to apply a thin layer of glue (included in the accessory box of your 3D printer). If you’re using a printer without a heated build plate or if you want to print on a cold build plate (e.g. for printing overhangs close to the build plate), we recommend using blue tape for adhesion. As an alternative adhesion method you can try adhesion sheets, although the methods mentioned above are usually sufficient.

Printing brim is suggested to provide optimal adhesion on the first layer. A brim is made of extra lines printed around the perimeter of the initial layer of your 3D print to ensure a successful adhesion to the build plate.

Once the 3D print has finished, do not remove it while the build plate is still warm. This can result in deformation of the base of your print.

RETRACTION

To avoid stringing print, retraction should be turn on. BotFeeder ecoPLA prints better with longer retraction distance. Typically 4.5 mm @ 100 mm/sec, no prime.

SUPPORT

Support structure is required when printing a model that has overhang angle of 50 degree. Increasing the density of the support structure improves the quality of the underside, but often time it is too hard to remove the support.

For model required extensive supports, it is recommended to use NEO-PLA or PVA.

OUR PRINT SETTINGS

This profile is optimized based on UFO 3D Printer. A good reference point of where to start.
3D printer type: delta
Nozzle size: 0.30 mm
Resolution: 0.10 mm
Extrusion temperature: 200 C
Print bed temperature: 65 C
Print speed: 65 mm/sec (default speed)
Adhesion type: brim
Retraction distance: 4.5 mm
Retraction speed: 100 mm/sec
Prime: no
Support infill: 15%
Support pattern: zig zag
Support Angle: 50 degree
Dense support layer: 2
Dense Infill: 60%
Upper separation layer: 1 to 2 (or 0.20 mm)
Lower separation layer: 1 to 2 (or 0.20 mm)

PRINT ENVIRONMENT

ecoPLA is made from 100% recycled PLA making our homes a better place to live in. Turning useless trash into products.

It is an easy-to-print material and therefore does not require additional accessories to create a stable printing environment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BotFeeder ecoPLA emits a low level of gases and particles when 3D printed in accordance with the recommended temperatures. To ensure a comfortable and healthy working environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area.

For more information, download the safety data sheet for BotFeeder ecoPLA here.

Tricks & Tips

• Extrusion Temperature: 200 to 220C
• Print Bed Temperature: 60 to 70C (optional)
• If you are printing white at 200C, black will require ~5 degree more.
• Metallic should be printing with black setting.
• Transparent needs the less energy to extrude.
• Retraction settings: 4.5 mm @ 100 mm/sec.
• Let print bed cool down to room temperature before removing your print.
• Works great on glass platform, PEI, blue tape, buildtak, and kapton tape.
• Adhesion solution: hair spray, ABS juice, and glue stick.
• Can be printed without heated print bed.
• If wrapping occurs, print using raft.
• First layer usually 5 to 10 C higher than subsequent layers.
• First layer usually print at 35mm/sec or slower.
• PLA absorbs heat and so benefits from additional active cooling.
• PLA adsorbs moisture. Un-used spool should store in container or plastic bag.
• Use sandpaper to smooth out the print.
• Can be painted with acrylic without post processing.