Making transparent or clear projects is a fascinating thing to do with 3D printing. If you know what you’re doing, you can create bespoke frames for photographs or a glass-like vase for flowers. Just bear this in mind – although 3D-printed plastics are closer to being translucent than genuinely transparent, it’s more of a limitation of the
There are a variety of filaments that may be used to create transparent constructs. There is not much of a difference between them. Although a single filament may have superior optical properties, the others might be more resistant to breakage or more user-friendly. Let’s look at our top five apparent 3d printer filament alternatives.
Transparency is one of the PLA’s primary advantages, and it is our top pick for clear 3d printer filament. There are two significant distinctions between PCTG and PLA: (1) melting point; and (2) colour tolerance. The melting temperature of PCTG is 10°F higher than that of PLA, with a melting point of 257°The first is that it is one of the few 3D printing plastics that is naturally transparent. This helps achieve the highest optical qualities despite the limitations of 3D printing.
It also benefits from the fact that PETG is often compared to other 3D printing filaments, and it has many of the advantages of these other filaments. It is heat resistant, potent, stable in substance, and does not bow during printing. PETG is a popular choice for 3D printing, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the simplest filaments to work with, and it’s quickly becoming rather popular in 3D printing communities.
The OVERTURE Transparent PETG filament is one of the most popular clear PETG filaments. Even before post-processing, the clarity of prints from this filament is remarkable. It costs less than $20 per kilogram for a 1-kilogram spool, making it an affordable option.
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PMM
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a rare 3D printing material. Because it reflects light, water-based latex paint is excellent for making translucent or transparent work. There are good reasons for this, but it’s also one of the finest choices for creating transparent or translucent pieces. PMMA, on the other hand, is a type of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which has been used in acrylic sheets.
It is a hydroxyethyl-methacrylate polymer that is UV-resistant and highly durable, and has good optical properties. PMMA is also susceptible to the same acetone treatment as ABS. This implies that PMMA prints can be smoothed using acetone vapour, one of the most dependable and straightforward post-processing processes. This is a significant benefit since smoothing may considerably enhance a finished print’s optical characteristics.
The drawbacks of PMMA are significant, contributing to its lack of popularity as a 3D printing material. PMMA is susceptible to warping, much like other high-temperature filaments. It’s also a poisonous substance. Using PMMA to make something intended for food contact is strongly discouraged.
Because it isn’t well-known, there are very few alternatives for transparent PMMA filament. There are no other brands available on Amazon. Only two, MSNJ and QDTD, are available. These aren’t widely known in the world of three-dimensional printing, so you’ll have to take a chance.
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PLA
Some chemical treatment has created a range of transparent PLA filaments, but it is not naturally transparent material. This is an issue that does not require any introduction. It’s one of the most popular 3D printing materials because it’s so simple to work with. PLA is a bioplastic made from renewable plant sources that do not warp, has no unpleasant odour when printed, and is eco-friendly.
Because PLA isn’t naturally transparent, it doesn’t have the best optical properties. Yellow or whitish tinting is often seen on PLA printing. Some filaments are high-quality, while others are low.
We recommend sticking with well-known transparent PLA filament brands if you’re buying them. SUNLU or Gizmo Dorks are the most excellent alternatives. Filaments from both suppliers are relatively inexpensive, although the filaments from these brands have been reported to produce uneven results.
Another thermoplastic that benefits from being naturally clear is Nylon. You’ve probably already noticed how translucent Nylon plastic bags or films are. Nylon, a polymer frequently used in 3D printing and known as PLA’s closest rival, has an optical quality comparable to PLA.
Nylon is a tough, lightweight fabric that has a lot of uses. It is pretty robust and resistant to chemical deterioration and physical wear. Nylon is an excellent choice for filament if you’re concerned about your product getting scuffed easily.
The most common problem with Nylon is that it tends to bow. Getting good Nylon prints means employing every possible technique to enhance bed adhesion, including a heated bed, adhesives, a cooling fan, and perhaps even printing with a raft or brim. Nylon is highly hygroscopic, so you’ll need to figure out how to keep it dry while printing.
There are several excellent Nylon filaments to choose from. Gizmo Dorks’ Natural Clear Nylon Filament is one of our favourites.
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TPU
The term “flexible” comes to mind when discussing TPU. If you want to 3D print items that feel rubbery and have exceptional impact protection, TPU is the ideal choice. It’s most often utilised to create protective sleeves or covers for delicate electronics. TPU can be made to be naturally clear at the manufacturing stage.
If you’re new to TPU, it’s pretty tricky. Straining is the most prevalent problem encountered with TPU, owing to its low viscosity. It’s also recommended that you print slowly, at low temperatures, and with retraction turned on. It’s certainly conceivable if you put your mind to it. It might take some trial and error, but it’s doable.
