Published on Sun Jan 24 2021 04:48:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

ColorFabb corkFill: Bring the Natural Texture to Your 3D Prints

ColorFabb corkFill is a unique filament that blends PLA with cork particles, offering a distinct aesthetic and tactile experience to your 3D printed objects. It’s not just about looks, though; the addition of cork brings some interesting properties to the table. Let’s dive into the details.

Detailed Specifications

• Material Composition: PLA (Polylactic Acid) with approximately 20% Cork Particles.
• Diameter: Available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm (verify availability with the supplier).
• Spool Size: Typically available in 750g spools.
• Color: Natural cork color, a light tan/brown.
• Recommended Printing Temperature: 190-210°C (check the manufacturer’s specifications for your specific printer).
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 50-60°C (not always necessary, especially with good adhesion).
• Nozzle Size: 0.4mm or larger is generally recommended to avoid clogging due to the cork particles.

Usage Tips for Success

Working with corkFill requires a slightly different approach compared to standard PLA. Here are some tips to ensure successful prints:

• Nozzle Choice is Crucial: As mentioned above, a 0.4mm nozzle is generally the minimum recommended size. Larger nozzles (0.5mm, 0.6mm) can reduce the risk of clogging, especially for intricate prints. You might consider investing in a hardened steel nozzle, as the cork can be mildly abrasive over time.
• Temperature Tuning: Start with the recommended temperature range and fine-tune based on your printer and the specific filament batch. Lower temperatures might improve surface finish, while higher temperatures can improve layer adhesion.
• Print Speed Adjustment: Slowing down the print speed, especially for the first few layers, can improve adhesion and reduce the risk of warping. A speed of 30-50mm/s is a good starting point.
• Retraction Settings: Optimize your retraction settings to minimize stringing. Experiment with retraction distance and speed. Consider reducing retraction slightly compared to your standard PLA settings.
• Bed Adhesion: A heated bed is beneficial, though not always strictly necessary. Using a bed adhesion agent like glue stick or hairspray can improve first-layer adhesion, especially for larger prints.
• Avoid Over-Extrusion: Calibrate your extruder to ensure accurate material flow. Over-extrusion can lead to blobs and uneven surfaces.
• Consider an Enclosure: While not essential for small prints, an enclosure can help maintain a consistent temperature and reduce warping, especially for larger, more complex models.
• Drying: Although corkFill is generally less hygroscopic than regular PLA, it’s always a good idea to store it in a dry environment and dry it if you suspect moisture absorption.
• Experiment with Layer Height: Try different layer heights to see how they affect the texture and appearance of your prints. Thinner layers can enhance the cork-like effect.
• Support Structures: Use support structures sparingly, as removing them can be more challenging due to the texture of the filament. Design your models to minimize the need for supports.

What to Print with ColorFabb corkFill

corkFill is ideal for objects where a natural, textured appearance is desired:

• Decorative Items: Vases, bowls, planters, and other home decor items.
• Architectural Models: Adds a unique touch to building models.
• Figurines and Sculptures: Creates a rustic, natural look.
• Cosplay Props: For items where a wood-like or organic texture is appropriate.
• Functional Parts: CorkFill can be used for functional parts that benefit from a unique aesthetic, but its strength is less than standard PLA.

Strengths and Weaknesses of corkFill

• Strengths:

  • Unique cork texture and appearance
  • Easy to print compared to some exotic filaments
  • Lower shrinkage than some other filaments
  • Gives a lightweight feel to printed objects

• Weaknesses:

  • Can be brittle compared to standard PLA
  • Cork particles can cause clogging if nozzle size is too small
  • Limited color options (typically only natural cork)
  • Not ideal for high-stress applications

Filament Scorecard (Out of 10)

Here’s a breakdown of ColorFabb corkFill based on key performance indicators:

• Print Quality: 7 - Can produce excellent visual results, but requires careful tuning.
• Toughness: 5 - Less durable than standard PLA; more prone to breakage under stress.
• Flexibility: 3 - Minimal flexibility; objects are relatively rigid.
• Warping: 7 - Warping is generally low, similar to PLA.
• Adhesion: 7 - Good adhesion with proper bed preparation.
• Moisture Sensitivity: 6 - Less sensitive than standard PLA, but should still be stored properly.
• Color Range: 2 - Limited to natural cork color.
• Temperature Range: 7 - Prints within a standard PLA temperature range.
• Odor & Fumes: 8 - Similar low odor to PLA during printing.
• Spool Winding Quality: 9 - ColorFabb is known for high-quality spool winding.

Average Score: 6.1

This score reflects corkFill’s unique blend of aesthetic appeal and slightly compromised mechanical properties. It excels in visual applications where toughness isn’t paramount.

Written by Alex