• Heat treat your HTPLA print to survive harsher environments like the hot sun or a warm polishing wheel (more details below)
• Wire Brush to expose metal for future oxidation or a bright, satin finish
• Rock tumble with steel shot for darker, but smooth, shiny look
• Paint part (black for example) to fill recesses with a contrasting color
• Polish with a rotary tool, cotton buff, and polishing compound for a bright, mirror finish on high spots (darkens low spots)
• Polish with paper for a clean, smooth, and bright finish with less darkening
• Patina (oxidize) exposed metal naturally or accelerate with a 50/50 vinegar/hydrogen peroxide mixture saturated with salt. Place in sealed plastic bag to retain moisture. Heat further accelerates reaction.

Try these techniques separately or combine! Change the order or try something new. If you discover a new technique, make something beautiful, or discover something unexpected, share it! When youve got that perfect, WOW finish, consider preserving it with a clear coat or brush applicable water-based, food-safe, and dishwasher safe coating like Modge Podge. Practice your finishing a on a test piece like Protognome (download here).

Now the only question is, What will you make?

Heat treating beforehand to firm up HTPLA helps parts hold shape up to near melting (175C). Protect your investment in warm environments or push limits of application by exploring coppers thermal conductivity. There is not enough copper to be electrically conductive, sintered, or plated, but there is a noticeable difference in weight and heat transfer.

Some application ideas include:

• Faux brick or clay
• Fixtures or hardware
• Knobs or buttons
• Heat sinks or exchangers
• Fine art & sculpture
• Emblems, signage, or trophies
• Jewelry, like pendants or bracelets
• Cosplay, game pieces, or figurines

Next > More Information

Material data:

• Aprox. Length: 9m
• Base resin: HTPLA - Heat Treatable PLA
• Additive: Real Copper Powder
• Particle size: less than 250 micron (0.25mm)
• Odor: low or no
• Density: 2.14 g/cc
• Length (500g): 97m (1.75mm) and 36m (2.85mm)
• Heat treating: 110C (225F) for 10 min or as required for desired result
• Total loss of stiffness (before heat treat): 50-60C (Tg)
• Total loss of stiffness (after heat treat): 150-175C (melting)
• Dimension change (before heat treat): 0% X/Y/Z
• Dimension change (after heat treat): 1.5% shrink X/Y and 1% growth Z typical but please calculate and confirm for your specific print and process

Printer settings:

• Speed: 10-20mm/s 1st layer, 30-120mm/s rest of part
• Nozzle Set-point: 185-215C (hottest on 1st layer for best adhesion)
• Nozzle Actual: maintain set-point, reduce speed if less than
• Nozzle Type: Standard or wear resistant for extended use
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.6mm or larger preferred, 0.4mm okay with 0.25mm minimum for experts
• Layer thickness: 0.15-0.20mm recommended for a balance of quality, reliability, and productivity
• Bed Temperature: Room-60C (over 60C can worsen warp)
• Bed Preparation: Elmers purple disappearing glue stick or your other favorite PLA surface preparation

This material has been flow optimized and has less moisture uptake than standard PLAs, however composites are still sometimes more tricky to print depending on hardware and software settings. The main challenge is to keep mass flow up (larger nozzle + fast speed) and in a single direction (minimal retraction) to avoid heat soak. More on that topic here.

Dimensions: 140x140x20


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Bilby 3D provides a 1 month Australian, back-to-base warranty of this product (Terms and conditions)
For technical support of this product please read our knowledge bank or log a ticket

10% Bulk Discount available; Order 10 or more filament at once, Prepay for your order, Phone 1800-847-333 to order. Conditions apply.

Material Safety Data Sheet