Filament reinforced with wood fiber

Closeness to nature in 3D printing: filaments with wood fiber additives

Filaments mixed with wood fibers are a special type of 3D printing material in which small particles of wood are embedded in a plastic matrix. This composite material gives the printed objects a unique visual and tactile quality as they contain a mixture of plastic and natural wood fibers.

The addition of wood fiber to a filament gives the printed parts a warm, wood-like look and texture . It creates a rustic look that is particularly suited to decorative objects or prototypes with a natural aesthetic.

Filaments with wood fiber additives also offer improved sustainability as wood is a renewable and biodegradable resource. Compared to traditional plastics, they can have a smaller ecological footprint.

However, filaments with wood fiber additives also have some special properties to consider. Print quality can be affected due to fiber size and orientation. It can clog the print head, and the wood fiber can wear the nozzle more easily. It is important to adjust printing parameters accordingly and possibly use special nozzles to get best results.

In summary, filaments with wood fiber additives offer the possibility to produce 3D printed objects with a natural wood look and feel. They are ideal for decorative applications, prototypes or projects where an eco-friendly and rustic aesthetic is desired. However, it is important to consider the specific properties of the filaments used and adjust the printing parameters accordingly.

Filament types reinforced with wood fiber

Filaments with wood fiber additives can be included in various types of plastic to create a blend of plastic and natural wood fibers. Some of the common types of filament that can be spiked with wood fibers are:

  1. PLA (Polylactide) : PLA filaments with wood fiber additives offer an eco-friendly option with a natural wood look and feel. They are biodegradable and are particularly suitable for decorative or prototypical applications.

  2. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) : PETG filaments with wood fiber additives offer a good balance of strength, durability and a warm wood aesthetic. They are also a sustainable choice as PETG is recyclable.

  3. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) : ABS filaments with wood fiber additives combine the strength and heat resistance of ABS with a natural wood look. They are ideal for functional prototypes and decorative objects.

  4. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) : HIPS filaments with wood fiber additives provide good impact resistance and interesting wood texture. They are often found as a substrate for dual extrusion printing in combination with PLA or ABS.

It is important to note that the availability of filament with wood fiber additives may vary by manufacturer. It is a good idea to check the specific properties and printing parameters of the filaments used to get the best results and adjust the printing process accordingly.