Published on Sun Oct 10 2021 22:42:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Getting Wood You Like: A Deep Dive into ColorFabb woodFill Filament

ColorFabb’s woodFill filament has been a long-standing favorite for makers looking to add a touch of natural beauty and texture to their 3D prints. This article delves into the specifics of woodFill, providing insights into its properties, best practices for printing, and a comprehensive assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

What is ColorFabb woodFill?

ColorFabb woodFill is a composite 3D printing filament made primarily of PLA (Polylactic Acid) blended with approximately 20% finely ground wood fibers. This combination results in a filament that offers a unique aesthetic and a distinctive feel, allowing you to create prints that resemble real wood. woodFill is available in various wood types, with classic options like woodFill Fine and variations that attempt to mimic specific species.

ColorFabb woodFill: Detailed Specifications

Material Composition: PLA (approx. 80%) and Wood Fibers (approx. 20%)
Diameter: Typically 1.75mm or 2.85mm (ensure compatibility with your printer)
Spool Weight: Usually 750g
Recommended Nozzle Temperature: 195-220°C (fine-tune based on your specific printer and environment)
Recommended Bed Temperature: 50-60°C (not always necessary; a cold bed with good adhesion can work)
Print Speed: 40-60 mm/s (slower speeds often yield better results)
Layer Height: 0.1mm - 0.3mm (experiment to find the optimal balance between resolution and print time)
Cooling: Minimal cooling is recommended (too much cooling can cause layer adhesion issues)

Printing with ColorFabb woodFill: Tips and Tricks

Successfully printing with woodFill requires a slightly different approach compared to standard PLA. Here are some crucial tips:

Nozzle Size: A larger nozzle (0.4mm or larger, ideally 0.6mm or even 0.8mm) is highly recommended. The wood fibers can clog smaller nozzles, leading to printing failures.
Nozzle Type: Steel nozzles are preferred. Brass nozzles can wear down more quickly due to the abrasive nature of wood fibers.
Retraction: Adjust retraction settings carefully. Excessive retraction can pull wood fibers back into the hot end, causing clogs. Reduce retraction distance and speed.
Flow Rate: You may need to increase the flow rate slightly compared to PLA to compensate for the wood fiber content.
First Layer Adhesion: Ensure your bed is clean and level. A light application of glue stick or hairspray can improve adhesion.
Storage: Store woodFill in a dry environment. Like most PLA-based filaments, it’s hygroscopic and can absorb moisture, leading to printing issues. Use a desiccant pack in an airtight container.
Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different temperatures, speeds, and settings to find what works best for your printer and specific woodFill variation. Small variations in these settings can produce surprisingly different results.
Print Orientation: Consider the orientation of your print to maximize the “wood grain” effect. Printing vertically can create a more pronounced grain pattern.
Post-Processing: WoodFill prints can be sanded, stained, and painted like real wood, allowing for further customization. Sanding after printing also enhances the wood texture.

Potential Challenges When Printing WoodFill

While woodFill offers unique advantages, it also presents some challenges:

Clogging: As mentioned, clogging is a common issue due to the wood fibers. A larger nozzle and careful retraction settings are essential.
Brittleness: WoodFill prints tend to be more brittle than standard PLA prints. Consider this when designing functional parts.
Inconsistent Color: The color of woodFill can vary slightly between batches. This is due to the natural variations in wood fibers.
Warping: Warping can still occur, especially with larger prints. A heated bed and enclosure can help mitigate this issue.
Odor: WoodFill can have a slight burning wood smell during printing. Ensure adequate ventilation.

ColorFabb woodFill Filament Score

Here is a rating of the ColorFabb woodFill filament based on the specified criteria (out of 10):

Print Quality: 7 (Good aesthetics, but requires careful calibration to avoid imperfections)
Toughness: 5 (More brittle than standard PLA)
Flexibility: 3 (Very limited flexibility)
Warping: 6 (Can warp, especially with larger prints, but manageable with proper settings)
Adhesion: 7 (Good adhesion with proper bed preparation)
Moisture Sensitivity: 8 (Highly hygroscopic, requires dry storage)
Color Range: 6 (Limited to wood-like shades, but variations exist)
Temperature Range: 7 (Relatively narrow, requires precise temperature control)
Odor & Fumes: 7 (Mild, but present; ensure ventilation)
Spool Winding Quality: 8 (Generally well-wound, minimal tangles)