How to Print with BotFeeder Filastic?

A complete guide to print with BotFeeder Filastic

Filastic is a flexible material like rubber.  TPE base material making it a great balance between flexibility and strength.  It also has the ability to retain its shape in both hot and cold weather.  The following is everything you need to know about printing with BotFeeder Filastic.

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

COMPATIBILITY

BotFeeder Filastic 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 0.30 to 0.80 mm.

TEMPERATURE

BotFeeder Filastic prints at moderate temperatures, mostly around 220-240 °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 105 °C is used for heated build plates, but it is also possible to print Filastic on a cold build plate using the blue tape.

RESOLUTION

BotFeeder Filastic can be printed at resolution 0.20 to 0.80 mm. At ultra-fine resolution, 0.20 mm, it might be beneficial to tune down the temperature to 215 C toward the end of your print.

PRINT SPEED

The printing speed of BotFeeder Filastic range from 30 to 60 mm/sec. General rule of thumb, the slower the speed better the quality.

ADHESION

Filastic 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.

The first layer should be printed at a very slow speed allowing the first layer the cools naturally. It is suggested to print at 15 to 20 mm/sec.

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 Filastic 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: 230 C
Print bed temperature: 105 C
Print speed: 40 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)

Supple Material

Since the material itself is supple, it is therefore recommended to have the printer built with the stepper motor directly above the tube. This allows the material to exert its maximum thrust as the motor draws it in. The gap between the feeder gear and the tube should be minimal at best (< 5mm is recommended), and the diameter of the tube should be as close as possible to 1.85mm. Also be aware that the feeder gear should not squeeze too tight. Having just enough force to draw in the material will suffice. It is of utter importance that the nozzle and the heated bed are kept at a distance as the preliminary layer is extruding. Failing to do so may result in bending of the material due to excessive resistance, and render the material unable to be drawn into the feeder successfully. When the print is complete, allow the heated bed to cool down prior to removing the print. Attempting to remove the print while the temperature remains moderately high may cause distortions to the print.

PRINT ENVIRONMENT

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

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BotFeeder Filastic 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 Filastic here.

Tricks & Tips

• 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 30mm/sec or slower.
• Layer thickness 0.2mm or higher.
• Nozzle size 0.3mm or larger.
• Filastic absorbs heat and so benefits from additional active cooling.
• Filastic adsorbs moisture. Un-used spool should store in container or plastic bag.