
How to Print with bronzeFill Filament: A Complete Guide to Metallic 3D Printing
bronzeFill by ColorFabb is a unique 3D printing filament that combines PLA with real bronze powder, allowing you to produce prints with a realistic metallic finish and added weight. bronzeFill is ideal for creating art pieces, jewelry, statues, and any project that benefits from the look and feel of bronze. With the right techniques, you can even polish bronzeFill prints to a mirror-like shine that mimics genuine metal. However, printing with bronzeFill requires specific settings and post-processing methods to bring out the best in your projects.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about printing with bronzeFill filament, including optimal printer settings, tips, and recommended post-processing steps. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or hobbyist, you’ll be able to create stunning, metallic-looking prints with bronzeFill.
What is bronzeFill Filament?
Key Characteristics of bronzeFill
bronzeFill is a PLA-based composite filament containing fine bronze powder, which gives prints a unique metallic finish and increased weight. The bronze particles provide a realistic bronze-like appearance and a smooth, polishable surface. Despite its heavy, metal-like look, bronzeFill is as easy to print as standard PLA with a few additional considerations.
Key properties of bronzeFill include:
- Metallic Appearance: The bronze particles give a realistic bronze-like color and sheen, especially after polishing.
- Heavy Weight: Unlike typical PLA, bronzeFill prints feel dense and substantial, adding to the authenticity of metal-like creations.
- Polishability: You can sand and polish bronzeFill prints to achieve a mirror-like metallic finish, enhancing the look of decorative and artistic items.
Benefits of Using bronzeFill Filament
- Realistic Bronze Look and Feel: bronzeFill is ideal for creating prints that require a true metallic look and feel, making it perfect for jewelry, art, and collectibles.
- Easy to Print: Unlike some high-temperature filaments, bronzeFill is PLA-based, so it prints at similar temperatures and does not require a heated chamber.
- Wide Range of Post-Processing Options: bronzeFill can be polished, sanded, and treated to bring out the natural metallic luster.
- Customizable Finish: Achieve various effects, from a matte industrial look to a polished, mirror-like shine.
Ideal Applications for bronzeFill
Due to its unique aesthetic and polishability, bronzeFill is ideal for a variety of creative and functional applications, including:
- Jewelry and Accessories: Rings, pendants, bracelets, and other decorative pieces.
- Sculptures and Artifacts: Small statues, busts, and art pieces that benefit from a realistic bronze appearance.
- Historical Replicas: Reproduce antique items, coins, and artifacts with a genuine bronze look.
- Decorative Items: Custom-made figurines, plaques, and decorative objects for home or office use.
How to Print with bronzeFill Filament
Printing with bronzeFill requires a few special settings and precautions to get the best results. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended setup and printing parameters.
1. Recommended Printer Setup
Hardened Steel or Ruby Nozzle
bronzeFill is abrasive due to the metal particles, which can wear down standard brass nozzles over time. To avoid nozzle wear, use a hardened steel nozzle or a ruby nozzle. This will ensure consistent extrusion and maintain print quality over longer printing sessions.
Nozzle Size
A 0.4 mm nozzle or larger is recommended. Using a larger nozzle reduces the risk of clogging and provides better flow with bronzeFill. Smaller nozzles can sometimes struggle with composite filaments, leading to inconsistent extrusion.
Heated Bed
Although bronzeFill is PLA-based and does not require high bed temperatures, a heated bed can improve bed adhesion and prevent warping. Set the bed temperature to around 50°C to 60°C if your printer has a heated bed.
2. Optimal Temperature Settings
Extruder Temperature
The recommended extruder temperature for bronzeFill is between 190°C and 220°C. Start at around 200°C and adjust based on the specific behavior of your printer. If you notice under-extrusion, try increasing the temperature slightly.
Bed Temperature
Set the bed temperature to 50°C to 60°C if using a heated bed. This helps ensure that the first layer adheres well, especially for larger or intricate prints.
3. Print Speed and Retraction Settings
Print Speed
Printing with bronzeFill requires a slower speed to allow for consistent extrusion of the metal-infused filament. A print speed of 30-40 mm/s is recommended. Faster speeds may cause under-extrusion and reduce the quality of the final surface finish.
Retraction Settings
Set a retraction distance of 1-2 mm and a retraction speed of 20-30 mm/s. Excessive retraction can lead to filament jamming, especially with composite materials. If you encounter issues with stringing, adjust the retraction distance and speed slightly.
4. Layer Height and Extrusion Settings
Layer Height
For a high-quality surface finish, use a layer height of 0.2 mm. This layer height provides a good balance between print time and detail. If you’re printing a smaller, detailed piece, you may want to go down to 0.1 mm.
Extrusion Multiplier (Flow Rate)
An extrusion multiplier (flow rate) of 100% is typically sufficient, but you may need to adjust it slightly based on your printer’s extrusion performance. Avoid over-extrusion, as it can lead to a rougher surface that requires more post-processing.
Post-Processing Techniques for a Realistic Bronze Finish
One of the biggest advantages of using bronzeFill is the ability to post-process prints for a true metallic finish. Here’s how to make your prints look like real bronze.
Sanding and Polishing
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Start with Coarse Sandpaper (120-240 grit): Begin by sanding your print with coarse grit sandpaper to remove visible layer lines. Focus on creating a smooth surface without applying too much pressure, which could distort the print.
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Move to Finer Grit Sandpaper (400-1000 grit): Once the layer lines are reduced, move to medium grit sandpaper and then to finer grits. Wet sanding at this stage can help achieve a smoother finish and prevent dust.
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Polish with Steel Wool or Polishing Compound: Use steel wool or a polishing compound to bring out the metallic sheen. Rub the print in small circular motions until the surface begins to shine.
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Buffing for High Shine: For a mirror-like finish, use a rotary tool with a buffing attachment or a microfiber cloth to apply the final polish. Buff until the surface reaches your desired level of shine.
Tumbling for Even Smoother Results
For an evenly polished surface, you can use a rock tumbler. Place your bronzeFill print in a tumbler with fine polishing media, like ceramic or walnut shells, and let it tumble for several hours. Tumbling can produce a uniform polish, particularly for small objects or jewelry.
Applying Patina for an Antique Look
If you want your print to look like an aged or antique bronze object, you can apply a patina effect:
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Apply a Dark Paint or Patina Solution: Use dark acrylic paint or a patina solution designed for metals. Apply it to the surface of your print and let it sit for a few minutes.
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Wipe Away Excess: Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe away the paint or solution, leaving it in the crevices. This will create an aged look, with darker areas that mimic real patina.
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Seal with Clear Coat (Optional): For added durability, apply a clear coat to protect the patina effect and enhance the shine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with bronzeFill
Issue: Under-Extrusion
Solution: If you experience under-extrusion, try increasing the extruder temperature by a few degrees or lowering the print speed slightly. Additionally, check that your nozzle is not clogged, as composite filaments can sometimes build up residue over time.
Issue: Nozzle Wear
Solution: bronzeFill is abrasive, so always use a hardened steel or ruby nozzle to prevent wear. Regularly inspect the nozzle for signs of wear, as it can impact print quality over time.
Issue: Poor Bed Adhesion
Solution: Increase the bed temperature slightly or apply an adhesive (like a glue stick) to improve bed adhesion. If you’re still experiencing issues, consider adding a brim to help anchor the print’s edges.
Issue: Rough Surface Finish
Solution: If the surface finish is rough, reduce the print speed and ensure that the flow rate is set correctly. Rough prints can also be smoothed with sanding and polishing.
Recommended Slicer Settings for bronzeFill
For slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D, use the following settings as a starting point and adjust as needed for your specific printer setup:
- Extruder Temperature: 190°C - 220°C
- Bed Temperature: 50°C - 60°C
- Print Speed: 30 - 40 mm/s
- Layer Height: 0.2 mm
- Retraction Distance: 1 - 2 mm
- Retraction Speed: 20 - 30 mm/s
- Extrusion Multiplier: 100%
Printing with bronzeFill opens up a new level of creativity in 3D printing, allowing you to create realistic bronze-like objects with ease. By following the recommended settings and using the post-processing techniques outlined above, you can achieve beautiful, metallic-looking results that mimic the appearance of real bronze. Whether you’re crafting jewelry, art, or decorative pieces, bronzeFill gives you the flexibility to bring your designs to life with a unique, professional finish.