
How to Print with nGen Filament: A Complete Guide for High-Quality, Versatile 3D Printing
ColorFabb’s nGen filament has quickly become a favorite among 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike, thanks to its ease of use, durability, and excellent print quality. Based on Eastman Amphora AM3300, a high-performance co-polyester, nGen is designed to produce high-quality, functional prints with minimal hassle. Whether you're printing prototypes, decorative pieces, or functional components, nGen offers consistent results and a great balance between strength and flexibility.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about printing with nGen filament, including recommended print settings, best practices, and troubleshooting tips to ensure the best possible results. With this guide, you'll have the tools and knowledge to make the most of nGen's unique properties.
What is nGen Filament?
Key Properties of nGen
nGen is a co-polyester filament developed by ColorFabb that is known for its high-quality surface finish, good layer adhesion, and ease of printing. It combines the best aspects of PLA and ABS while minimizing their drawbacks. nGen prints at a moderate temperature, produces minimal odor, and offers excellent durability without the warping issues common with ABS. It's also more heat-resistant than standard PLA, making it ideal for prints that will experience moderate mechanical or thermal stress.
Key characteristics of nGen include:
- High Strength and Durability: nGen offers a good balance between strength and flexibility, making it suitable for both aesthetic and functional prints.
- Low Warping and Minimal Odor: Unlike ABS, nGen has low warping tendencies and emits minimal odor while printing, making it more user-friendly and suitable for indoor environments.
- Great Surface Finish: This filament produces smooth, high-quality surfaces, reducing the need for extensive post-processing.
- Enhanced Thermal Resistance: nGen can withstand higher temperatures than PLA, making it more versatile for parts that may experience heat.
Benefits of Using nGen Filament
- Easy to Print: nGen’s low warping and minimal odor make it easy to work with on both open-frame and enclosed printers.
- Versatile for Various Applications: nGen’s durability and surface finish make it suitable for prototypes, art pieces, and functional parts alike.
- Enhanced Heat Resistance: nGen can handle temperatures up to 85°C, which is higher than typical PLA, making it suitable for more demanding applications.
- Smooth Finish: nGen filament delivers a polished, smooth surface right off the printer, minimizing the need for sanding or other post-processing steps.
Ideal Applications for nGen
Thanks to its combination of durability, ease of use, and aesthetic quality, nGen is ideal for a range of applications, including:
- Functional Prototypes: Great for prototypes that need to withstand some level of mechanical stress or temperature.
- Household Items and Gadgets: Ideal for creating custom parts, tools, and gadgets that are both durable and attractive.
- Decorative Models and Art: With its excellent surface quality, nGen is perfect for detailed, high-quality decorative objects.
- Enclosures and Cases: nGen’s moderate heat resistance and durability make it suitable for electronics enclosures and custom cases.
How to Print with nGen Filament
Printing with nGen requires specific settings to bring out the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your printer and optimizing print settings.
1. Recommended Printer Setup
Standard Nozzle
nGen is a non-abrasive filament, meaning you can safely use a standard brass nozzle without significant wear. A 0.4 mm nozzle is typically ideal for nGen, but you can use smaller or larger nozzles depending on your print detail requirements.
Heated Bed
Although nGen is relatively warp-resistant, a heated bed is recommended, especially for larger prints. This ensures good first-layer adhesion and reduces the risk of warping on complex or large models. Set the bed temperature to between 75°C and 85°C.
Print Surface
nGen adheres well to most standard surfaces, including glass, PEI sheets, and build plates treated with glue stick or tape. For the best results, a clean, heated glass bed or PEI sheet works well with nGen.
2. Optimal Temperature Settings
Extruder Temperature
The recommended extruder temperature for nGen is between 220°C and 240°C. Start around 230°C and adjust as needed based on your specific printer’s behavior. If you notice issues with layer adhesion, try increasing the temperature slightly, but avoid going above 240°C as it could lead to stringing.
Bed Temperature
Set the heated bed to 75°C - 85°C. This will help the first layer adhere well and reduce the chance of warping. If you’re printing a small part, you may be able to lower the bed temperature slightly.
3. Print Speed and Retraction Settings
Print Speed
nGen works well at moderate print speeds, typically around 40-60 mm/s. Slower speeds can improve surface finish and layer adhesion, especially for detailed prints. If you're looking for the best possible finish, you may want to start at 40 mm/s and increase gradually.
Retraction Settings
Use a retraction distance of 2-3 mm with a retraction speed of 25-40 mm/s if you’re using a direct drive extruder. Bowden setups may require slightly higher retraction distances. Proper retraction helps to reduce stringing, but too much retraction can lead to under-extrusion in co-polyester filaments.
4. Layer Height and Extrusion Settings
Layer Height
For nGen, a layer height of 0.2 mm provides a good balance between print speed and quality. You can go as low as 0.1 mm for finer details or increase to 0.3 mm for faster prints with lower detail requirements.
Extrusion Multiplier (Flow Rate)
An extrusion multiplier of 100% generally works well for nGen. If you notice under-extrusion or gaps between layers, increase the flow rate by 2-5%. Conversely, if you see excess material or “blobs,” try lowering the flow rate slightly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with nGen
Issue: Poor Bed Adhesion
Solution: If the first layer isn’t sticking well, ensure the bed temperature is set correctly (75°C - 85°C) and that the print surface is clean. Applying a thin layer of glue stick can also improve adhesion. Make sure to adjust your bed leveling as well to achieve an optimal first layer.
Issue: Warping
Solution: nGen is generally warp-resistant, but larger prints can sometimes lift at the edges. A heated bed and proper bed adhesion techniques (like a brim or raft) can help. Enclosing your printer to reduce drafts may also help if you’re printing in a colder environment.
Issue: Stringing or Oozing
Solution: Stringing can occur if the extruder temperature is too high or the retraction settings are insufficient. Lower the extruder temperature by a few degrees or increase the retraction distance slightly. Reducing print speed can also help minimize stringing.
Issue: Under-Extrusion
Solution: Under-extrusion can often be fixed by increasing the print temperature slightly or adjusting the flow rate. Check that the filament path is clear and that the nozzle is not partially clogged. Using a new nozzle may help if your current one is old or worn.
Tips for Achieving the Best Results with nGen
- Optimize Cooling: nGen typically performs well with moderate cooling. Use the fan at around 50-70% speed. Too much cooling can lead to poor layer adhesion, especially on larger prints.
- Use a Heated Bed for Large Prints: While nGen has low warping potential, a heated bed helps maintain dimensional stability for larger prints and improves first-layer adhesion.
- Maintain a Clean Print Surface: A clean, dust-free print surface is essential for getting the best bed adhesion with nGen. Regularly clean your build plate with isopropyl alcohol for optimal results.
- Store Filament Properly: Like other co-polyesters, nGen is slightly hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture over time. Store it in a dry, sealed container with desiccant packs when not in use to avoid print quality issues caused by moisture.
Recommended Slicer Settings for nGen
For slicers like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D, you can start with the following basic settings and fine-tune based on your specific printer:
- Extruder Temperature: 220°C - 240°C
- Bed Temperature: 75°C - 85°C
- Print Speed: 40 - 60 mm/s
- Layer Height: 0.2 mm (adjust based on desired detail)
- Retraction Distance: 2 - 3 mm (for direct drive setups)
- Retraction Speed: 25 - 40 mm/s
- Cooling Fan: 50-70%
Printing with ColorFabb’s nGen filament offers numerous benefits, from easy printing to durable and heat-resistant prints. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to make the most of nGen’s properties and produce high-quality 3D prints with smooth surfaces and reliable strength. Whether you’re creating functional prototypes or beautiful decorative pieces, nGen provides a versatile and user-friendly option for a wide range of applications.