MetalFil - Ancient Bronze is filled with approximately ±60% bronze powder. The high bronze content makes 3D printed objects almost indistinguishable from genuine bronze castings. MetalFil - Ancient Bronze can be post-processed by polishing or with different patina/rust effects. MetalFil - Ancient Bronze is a PLA (polylactic acid) based composite filament.
Unique characteristics
- Very high bronze content: ±60% (by weight)
- Authentic bronze appearance, high weight and 'cold' metal feel
- Approx. 300% heavier than PLA (density 3.5 g/cc)
- Compatible with hotend full metal, PEEK and PTFE
- Compatible with direct extruders drive and Bowden
- Compatible with hardened nozzles ≥ 0.6 mm with activated shrinkage
- Easy to post-process
- Can be brushed, sanded, polished, waxed, coated and patinated
Applications
- Aesthetics, design and art
- Statues, figurines and miniatures
General printing guidelines *
| Nozzle diameter: ≥ 0.6 mm |
Height layer: ≥ 0.2 mm |
Experience level: Beginner |
| Print temperature: ± 195 - 225 °C |
Fan speed: 50-100%. |
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| Heated plate: ± 0 - 60 °C |
Closed printer: Not required |
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*) The above settings are guidelines for finding optimal printing parameters. They can work with most printers, but it is possible to experiment outside these ranges. There are many types of printers, hotend and offset, making it difficult to provide a universal setting that applies to all.
*) If build-up or lumps form around the nozzle, the print temperature is too high.
Post-processing MetalFil - Ancient Bronze
Brushing and/or sanding
Once printed, objects can be easily brushed with a brass brush or sanded with fine-grit sandpaper. This process brings out and polishes the high concentration of bronze powder in the material.
Integrated white polishing effect
After brushing and/or sanding, the material reveals a subtle whitish patina/sheen that facilitates polishing the object to a magnificent bronze effect.
Professional polishing with a rotary tumbler
Treatment with a rotary tumbler makes the FDM-printed object virtually indistinguishable from a genuine bronze cast object.
Patina treatment
Various patina effects can be created in a single day. For example, a beautiful blue antique effect can be achieved on bronze with an ammonia and bicarbonate treatment.
Waxing and coating
After any treatment, waxing or protective coatings can be applied to achieve an exceptional shine. Waxing can be done with products such as beeswax, while coating can be done with products such as XTC-3D.
Filament length
| ρ: 3.5 g/cc |
Spool 50 g |
Spool 0.75 kg |
Spool 1,5 Kg |
| Ø 1.75 mm |
± 5,9 m |
± 89 m |
± 178 m |
| Ø 2.85 mm |
± 2,2 m |
± 34 m |
± 67 m |
Abrasive
MetalFil filaments contain a very high concentration of metal powders with an abrasive nature. These accelerate the wear of brass nozzles much faster than unfilled filaments. We recommend the use of nozzles made of stainless steel or other hardened alloys.
Nozzle Cleaning
When printing with filled or composite filaments, it is recommended to clean the nozzle immediately after printing by passing 15-20 cm of PLA through it. This helps to expel any residual filler. It is even more effective to use PLA Glow in the Dark, as the extremely hard phosphor particles can better scrape out any internal residue.
Package contains: 1 x MetalFil - Ancient Bronze - Formfutura
