How to Print with BotFeeder Filatron?

A complete guide to print with BotFeeder Filatron

Filatron is a conductive material.  This material adopted PLA as base material making it easier for electro-plating at lower temperature.  With surface resistivity of around 10^5 Ω/sq, it is ideal for static-control or electric current signal.  The following is everything you need to know about printing with BotFeeder Filatron.

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

COMPATIBILITY

BotFeeder Filatron 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 Filatron 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 70 °C is used for heated build plates, but it is also possible to print Filatron on a cold build plate using the blue tape.

RESOLUTION

BotFeeder Filatron 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 195 C toward the end of your print.

PRINT SPEED

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

ADHESION

Filatron 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 Filatron 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: 70 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)

CLEAN NOZZLE

Filatron is very aggressive and will wear your nozzle over time. It is suggested to clean your nozzle tip after every print to maintain your printer at top condition.

PRINT ENVIRONMENT

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

HEALTH AND SAFETY

BotFeeder Filatron 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 Filatron here.

Tricks & Tips

• Print setting similar to PLA.
• It is an abrasive material, please clean the nozzle after usage.
• 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 0.3mm or higher.
• Nozzle size 0.2mm or larger.
• Filatron absorbs heat and so benefits from additional active cooling.
• Filatron 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.