The Filament Maker functions to extrude polymers with optional additives. This is a guide to what materials are allowed to, and what materials CANNOT be fed into the machine.
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Most filaments are made from a variety of polymers, and throughout our extensive research we have validated a large portion of them with our Filament Maker. Here, we detail what polymers we recommend using with our machine and in what state can they be processed. We also list materials that will either cause issues, increased risk of clogging, or even damage the FM irreversibly. |
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Polymers
Over the years, our Team has researched a variety of polymers that are ideal to be used on our Filament Maker. To summarize, these polymers have to be thermoplastics with a melting point in the range of the machine's heating capabilities.
The table on the left offers a neat overview and this can be found on the 3devo website.
Colorants
Colorants are a type of additives that color the filament and can be used in masterbatches. These are commonly based on a type of polymer themselves which are compatible with the Processing Material that we are turning into filament, and therefore the FM.
It is necessary to know and understand the specifications of any polymer or additive that is used for the machine. Technical Data Sheets or TDSs are invaluable sources of information and are provided by each manufacturer or supplier.
Purging Materials
These cleaning materials are not only "allowed" in the Filament Maker, they are essential to the health and upkeep of the machine. You can find out more about purging and these materials here.
Particle Size
If particle sizes are too big, they will not melt sufficiently and clog the nozzle from the inside. This is why we recommend feeding material (in pellet, shredded, ground, or powder form) that is no larger than 4mm in diameter.
A more rare issue is early melting. This is technically also linked to size, because material melts and clumps together early in the barrel and forms larger structures, which refuse to melt later on potentially clogging the nozzle. More information about this can be found in Heaters Essentials, especially in relation to Heater 4, and Hopper Essentials.
Non-polymers
Any material that is not a polymer poses some level of risk. However this can range from mild caution to severely hazardous.
Liquid materials MUST NOT be put in the machine.
Corroding materials such as PVC, PVDF, PTFE, or even salt MUST NOT be put in the machine.
Flammable materials such as fibres can be put in the machine, but MUST be processed carefully with a safe polymer to additive ratio.
Inert additives such as metal, mineral, ceramic, or glass MUST be processed carefully as well.
All of these materials have incredibly useful chemical or engineering properties but can pose a high risk of damage to the Filament Maker. We always recommend knowing your polymer and non-polymer additives to get an indication of how they will behave under heat and pressure. We also recommend to always start with a very low polymer to additive ratio in the first few extrusions, and only then increase the amount slowly.
Contaminants
- improper storage: dust, moisture, cross contamination from containers
- incorrect drying conditions: overheating, or degraded material
- unhygienic handling: exposed to oil or grease
- glue: recycled prints may contain glue from the 3D printer bed
- poor quality:
Ensure you do plenty of research before sourcing your materials. Find trusted manufacturers and suppliers that provide a consistent and high batch homogeneity in their products. Always investigate the Technical Data Sheets.