
How to Print with colorFabb_XT Filament: The Complete Guide to Durable, High-Quality 3D Printing
ColorFabb’s XT filament is a premium co-polyester filament designed for strong, functional 3D prints with minimal hassle. Manufactured using Eastman’s Amphora™ 3D polymer, XT filament offers a unique balance of strength, durability, and ease of use, making it ideal for both hobbyists and professionals who need reliable, high-performance prints. Whether you’re creating prototypes, functional parts, or intricate designs, colorFabb_XT provides the strength, heat resistance, and dimensional stability you need.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to print with colorFabb_XT filament and explore the recommended printer settings, best practices, and troubleshooting tips. With these insights, you’ll be able to optimize your 3D prints and get the most out of this robust material.
What is colorFabb_XT Filament?
Key Properties of colorFabb_XT
colorFabb_XT is a co-polyester filament that offers higher durability and strength than typical PLA filaments. It combines the ease of printing associated with PLA with the durability and heat resistance found in more advanced filaments. XT is particularly popular for applications that require functional strength and stability, making it a good alternative to PETG and ABS without the warping issues.
Some key properties of colorFabb_XT include:
- High Strength and Toughness: colorFabb_XT provides excellent mechanical properties, making it well-suited for functional parts and prototypes.
- Low Odor and Low Warping: XT emits minimal odor and has low warping tendencies, making it more user-friendly than ABS.
- Heat Resistance: With a higher glass transition temperature than PLA, colorFabb_XT can withstand temperatures up to 70°C.
- Excellent Layer Adhesion: Due to its composition, colorFabb_XT bonds well between layers, improving overall durability and reducing the chance of delamination.
Benefits of Using colorFabb_XT Filament
- Strength and Durability: colorFabb_XT is perfect for parts that need to withstand stress and impact.
- Easy to Print: With low warping and no unpleasant odor, XT is much easier to work with than ABS.
- Great Surface Finish: XT provides a smooth, slightly glossy surface that reduces the need for post-processing.
- Environmentally Safe: colorFabb_XT is made from a BPA-free material, making it safer to print indoors.
Ideal Applications for colorFabb_XT
Thanks to its high strength, heat resistance, and ease of use, colorFabb_XT is ideal for a variety of functional and decorative applications, including:
- Functional Prototypes: Ideal for testing parts that require durability and stability.
- Mechanical Parts: Gears, brackets, and other components that need to withstand stress and impact.
- Electronics Enclosures: Safe for use with electronic components, as it can resist moderate temperatures.
- Decorative Models: Suitable for high-quality, durable aesthetic pieces that benefit from a smooth finish.
How to Print with colorFabb_XT Filament
Printing with colorFabb_XT requires some specific settings to bring out the best in this material. Below, we’ll go through the recommended setup and parameters for successful printing with XT filament.
1. Recommended Printer Setup
All-Metal Hotend
colorFabb_XT requires a slightly higher extrusion temperature compared to PLA, typically between 240°C and 260°C. An all-metal hotend is recommended for sustained high temperatures, as it prevents degradation over time. PTFE-lined hotends may work but are more prone to wear at higher temperatures.
Heated Bed
A heated bed is recommended to improve adhesion, particularly for larger prints. Set the bed temperature between 60°C and 75°C. This will help the first layer adhere properly and minimize the risk of warping, although XT has lower warping tendencies than ABS.
Print Surface
colorFabb_XT adheres well to a variety of surfaces, including glass, PEI sheets, and surfaces treated with glue stick or painter’s tape. A clean, heated glass bed typically works best to achieve a smooth bottom layer finish.
2. Optimal Temperature Settings
Extruder Temperature
The recommended extruder temperature range for colorFabb_XT is 240°C to 260°C. Start at 250°C and adjust based on your printer’s performance. If you notice issues with layer adhesion or under-extrusion, try increasing the temperature slightly. Avoid going below 240°C, as this may reduce layer bonding quality.
Bed Temperature
Set the heated bed to 60°C - 75°C for optimal adhesion and minimal warping. This temperature range helps prevent the print from lifting off the bed, especially for larger or complex models.
3. Print Speed and Retraction Settings
Print Speed
colorFabb_XT performs well at moderate print speeds, around 40-60 mm/s. Slower speeds tend to improve surface quality and layer adhesion. For the best results, start at the lower end of this range and increase the speed gradually if needed.
Retraction Settings
A retraction distance of 1-3 mm with a retraction speed of 25-40 mm/s works well for direct-drive extruders. Bowden setups may require slightly longer retraction distances. Proper retraction settings help prevent stringing, but too much retraction can lead to under-extrusion.
4. Layer Height and Extrusion Settings
Layer Height
For colorFabb_XT, a layer height of 0.2 mm provides a good balance between print speed and quality. For detailed models, you can go down to 0.1 mm, while larger parts can be printed at 0.3 mm to reduce print time.
Extrusion Multiplier (Flow Rate)
Set the extrusion multiplier to 100% to start. If you observe under-extrusion or gaps between layers, increase the flow rate by 2-5%. Conversely, if there’s excess material buildup, reduce the flow rate slightly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with colorFabb_XT
Issue: Poor Bed Adhesion
Solution: Make sure your bed is set to 60°C - 75°C and that the print surface is clean. You can apply a thin layer of glue stick or use painter’s tape to enhance adhesion. Bed leveling is also critical; ensure the bed is level and the nozzle distance from the bed is correct for the first layer.
Issue: Warping
Solution: Although colorFabb_XT is low-warping, large prints may still lift slightly. Using a heated bed and adding a brim or raft can help. Enclosing the printer or using an enclosure helps maintain a stable temperature and reduces the likelihood of warping.
Issue: Stringing or Oozing
Solution: Adjust the retraction settings to reduce stringing. Lowering the extruder temperature slightly can also help. If stringing persists, try reducing the print speed or adjusting the retraction distance.
Issue: Layer Delamination
Solution: Increase the extruder temperature within the recommended range to improve layer bonding. Printing in a controlled environment, such as an enclosure, can also reduce layer delamination by maintaining consistent temperatures around the print.
Tips for Achieving the Best Results with colorFabb_XT
- Optimize Cooling: colorFabb_XT typically requires moderate cooling. Set the fan to around 30-50%. Excessive cooling can weaken layer bonding, while too little can lead to poor overhangs. Experiment to find the best balance for your print.
- Use a Heated Bed for Large Prints: While colorFabb_XT has low warping potential, a heated bed helps maintain dimensional stability, especially for larger prints.
- Dry the Filament: Like most co-polyesters, colorFabb_XT is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. Store it in a dry container with desiccant packs and consider drying it before use if it’s been exposed to humidity.
- Store Properly: Proper storage in a dry, airtight container will prevent moisture absorption, which can degrade print quality over time.
Recommended Slicer Settings for colorFabb_XT
For slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D, use the following recommended settings and adjust as needed:
- Extruder Temperature: 240°C - 260°C
- Bed Temperature: 60°C - 75°C
- Print Speed: 40 - 60 mm/s
- Layer Height: 0.2 mm (adjust for detail)
- Retraction Distance: 1 - 3 mm (for direct drive setups)
- Retraction Speed: 25 - 40 mm/s
- Cooling Fan: 30-50%
Printing with ColorFabb XT filament offers the perfect combination of durability, strength, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for functional parts, prototypes, and durable end-use products. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to achieve high-quality results and harness the full potential of colorFabb XT for your most demanding 3D printing projects. Whether you’re designing for strength, heat resistance, or a smooth finish, colorFabb XT is a versatile filament that can meet a wide range of needs in both professional and hobbyist 3D printing.