Published on Mon Jan 23 2023 06:25:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Diving Deep into LulzBot Bio: A Comprehensive Review

The LulzBot name is synonymous with open-source, reliable 3D printing. While they’re perhaps more known for their machines, they also produce a line of filaments, one of which is LulzBot Bio. This article is a deep dive into the LulzBot Bio filament, examining its properties, providing usage tips, and assessing its overall performance. Let’s see what this filament has to offer.

Understanding LulzBot Bio: What is it?

LulzBot Bio is a PLA-based filament marketed towards users who value biodegradability and environmentally conscious materials. It aims to deliver good print quality while minimizing the environmental impact compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. It’s not just any PLA; it’s formulated to be compatible with LulzBot printers, ensuring optimal performance and reliability within that ecosystem. While PLA is inherently a more brittle material than ABS, LulzBot Bio attempts to strike a balance between strength, flexibility, and ease of printing.

Detailed Specifications

Before we delve into performance, let’s look at the crucial specs:

• Material: PLA-based blend (specific composition not publicly detailed)
• Diameter: 1.75mm (standard)
• Recommended Printing Temperature: 205°C - 225°C
• Bed Temperature: 60°C - 70°C (Heated bed recommended)
• Spool Size: 1kg
• Color Options: Typically offered in a range of basic colors (availability varies)
• Density: Approximately 1.24 g/cm³
• Tensile Strength: Varies based on printing parameters, typically in the range of 40-60 MPa for PLA-based materials.
• Impact Strength: Lower than ABS, typically around 5-10 J/m.

Usage Tips for Optimal Results

Getting the most out of LulzBot Bio requires understanding its quirks and optimizing print settings. Here are some tried-and-true tips:

• Temperature is Key: Dialing in the right temperature is crucial for good layer adhesion and minimizing stringing. Start within the recommended range (205°C-225°C) and adjust in 5°C increments. If you see stringing, slightly lower the temperature. If you’re experiencing poor layer adhesion, increase the temperature slightly.

• Bed Adhesion is Important: PLA, in general, sticks well to a variety of surfaces. A heated bed is highly recommended, set between 60°C and 70°C. A clean bed surface is also essential. IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is your friend. Using a PEI sheet or glass bed with a thin layer of glue stick can further enhance adhesion for more complex prints.

• Cooling is Your Friend: Good cooling helps PLA solidify quickly, preventing warping and improving overhang performance. Ensure your printer’s cooling fan is functioning correctly and consider increasing fan speed for intricate details.

• Storage Matters: PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Store your filament in an airtight container with desiccant packs to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to printing issues like bubbling and poor surface quality. If you suspect your filament has absorbed moisture, consider drying it in a filament dryer before use.

• First Layer Calibration: A properly calibrated first layer is the foundation for a successful print. Ensure your nozzle is the correct distance from the bed (neither too close, which can cause elephant’s foot, nor too far, which can cause poor adhesion). Take your time during the first layer calibration process.

• Retraction Settings: Experiment with retraction settings to minimize stringing. Increase retraction distance and speed in small increments until stringing is minimized.

Performance Assessment: A Filament Report Card

Here’s a detailed breakdown of LulzBot Bio’s performance across various categories, rated out of 10:

• Print Quality: 8/10 - Can achieve smooth surfaces and good detail with proper settings.
• Toughness: 6/10 - Standard PLA toughness, suitable for decorative items and prototypes, but not ideal for high-stress applications.
• Flexibility: 4/10 - Limited flexibility, prone to snapping under significant bending forces.
• Warping: 8/10 - Minimal warping, especially with a heated bed and proper cooling.
• Adhesion: 9/10 - Excellent adhesion to various bed surfaces when clean and properly heated.
• Moisture Sensitivity: 6/10 - Moderately sensitive to moisture; requires proper storage.
• Color Range: 6/10 - Typically a decent range of basic colors, but less variety than some other brands.
• Temperature Range: 8/10 - Relatively wide and forgiving temperature range (205°C-225°C).
• Odor & Fumes: 9/10 - Minimal odor and fumes compared to ABS or other filaments.
• Spool Winding Quality: 9/10 - Typically excellent winding, preventing tangles and print failures.

Average Score: 7.4/10

Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Eco-Conscious Printing

LulzBot Bio offers a respectable balance between print quality, ease of use, and environmental considerations. While it may not be the strongest or most flexible filament on the market, it excels in its target area: providing a reliable and relatively eco-friendly option for users seeking a bio-degradable material. The filament’s tendency to produce good prints with minimal warping and decent adhesion makes it a good choice for users of LulzBot or other FDM 3D printers. While the price point might be slightly higher than generic PLA, the consistency and reliability justify the cost for many users. With proper storage and careful tuning of print settings, LulzBot Bio can deliver excellent results for a wide range of 3D printing projects.

Written by Alex