Published on Sun Nov 20 2022 10:58:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

ColorFabb PLA Economy: A Deep Dive into Value 3D Printing

ColorFabb PLA Economy has carved out a niche for itself in the 3D printing world as a budget-friendly option from a reputable manufacturer. While not boasting the advanced properties of their more specialized filaments, it offers a solid foundation for everyday printing needs. Let’s delve into the specifics of this popular material.

What is ColorFabb PLA Economy?

ColorFabb PLA Economy (often referred to as PLA Eco) is a standard PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament designed to provide a balance between printability, affordability, and environmental friendliness. It’s targeted at users who need large quantities of filament for prototyping, educational purposes, or general hobbyist projects without breaking the bank.

Detailed Specifications

• Material: PLA (Polylactic Acid)
• Diameter: Typically available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm (ensure you select the correct diameter for your printer)
• Spool Weight: Generally sold in 750g and 2.2kg spools.
• Printing Temperature: 180-220°C (This is a general guideline; refer to your printer’s documentation and perform test prints)
• Bed Temperature: 20-60°C (Unheated beds are often possible, but a heated bed improves adhesion)
• Print Speed: 40-80 mm/s (Adjust according to your printer and print complexity)
• Density: ~1.24 g/cm³ (Useful for slicer settings)
• Glass Transition Temperature: ~55°C (Important for understanding temperature limitations of printed parts)
• Tensile Strength: ~50 MPa (Gives an idea of the material’s resistance to being pulled apart)
• Impact Strength: Low (PLA, in general, is not known for high impact resistance)

Usage Tips for Optimal Printing

Getting the best results with ColorFabb PLA Economy requires understanding its characteristics and tailoring your print settings accordingly.

• Temperature Tuning: Start within the recommended temperature range (180-220°C) and fine-tune based on your printer and the specific color. Oozing or stringing can indicate the need to lower the temperature slightly. Poor layer adhesion may necessitate a temperature increase.
• Bed Adhesion: A clean and level print bed is crucial. If you’re using an unheated bed, applying a layer of blue painter’s tape, glue stick, or hairspray can significantly improve adhesion. With a heated bed, a thin layer of glue stick is still recommended for larger prints or those with complex geometries.
• Cooling: PLA generally benefits from good cooling. Enable your printer’s cooling fan and adjust the fan speed to achieve optimal layer adhesion and reduce warping.
• Print Speed: While you can achieve good results at higher speeds (60-80 mm/s), slowing down your print speed, especially for intricate details or overhangs, can improve quality.
• Retraction Settings: Adjust your retraction settings in your slicer to minimize stringing. Experiment with retraction distance and speed.
• Storage: Like all PLA filaments, ColorFabb PLA Economy is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Store your filament in an airtight container with desiccant packs when not in use to prevent issues like brittle prints and popping sounds during printing.
• First Layer Calibration: Ensure your first layer is properly calibrated. A slightly squished first layer ensures good adhesion to the bed. Use the “Live Z adjust” function (if your printer has it) to fine-tune the Z height during the first layer.
• Print Environment: Avoid drafty environments as temperature fluctuations can lead to warping, especially with larger prints.

Filament Assessment: ColorFabb PLA Economy

Here’s a breakdown of ColorFabb PLA Economy based on the criteria requested, scored out of 10:

• Print Quality: 7/10 - Good for general use, may require fine-tuning for very detailed prints.
• Toughness: 5/10 - Standard PLA toughness, not ideal for functional parts requiring high strength.
• Flexibility: 2/10 - PLA is generally brittle, so minimal flexibility.
• Warping: 7/10 - Less prone to warping than some other materials, but still possible with larger prints if cooling and bed adhesion are not optimized.
• Adhesion: 8/10 - Excellent bed adhesion, especially with a heated bed and appropriate surface treatment.
• Moisture Sensitivity: 5/10 - Standard PLA, fairly sensitive to moisture. Proper storage is essential.
• Color Range: 8/10 - ColorFabb usually offers a good variety of colors, though availability can vary.
• Temperature Range: 7/10 - Relatively forgiving temperature range for easy printing.
• Odor & Fumes: 9/10 - Minimal odor and fumes compared to other 3D printing materials.
• Spool Winding Quality: 9/10 - ColorFabb is known for good spool winding, reducing the risk of tangles.

Average Score: 7.2/10

This score reflects the filament’s balanced performance and suitability for general-purpose printing tasks. It excels in areas like bed adhesion and spool quality but falls short in toughness and flexibility, which are inherent limitations of PLA. Proper storage and printing parameter adjustments are essential to maximize its performance.

Written by Alex