Designer Finish + Engineering Performance for Every Printer!

A bold alternative to Carbon or Glass Fibers, Blue Matte Fiber HTPLA uses plant fibers for a brilliant finish in both artistic and technical parts with no special hardware required!

Finish

Printed parts have a low luster, textured surface which creates a highly desirable contrast between light and shadow.  Texture, color, and sheen can be somewhat manipulated by printer settings as well as post-processing.  Printed parts can also be smoothed or weathered with paint for alternate aesthetics.  The plant-based fibers lend well to adhesion of paint and other aesthetic coatings.

Performance

Based on Proto-pasta HTPLA, this Matte Fiber version can be heat treated to retain more stiffness to higher temperatures.  Dimensional stability is improved compared to HTPLA without fibers.  The plant-based fibers improve adhesion of glues and coatings.  Performance is similar to Carbon Fiber HTPLA but processing of Matte Fiber does NOT require a wear resistant nozzle.

Compatibility

No special hardware or nozzles are required for this plant-based composite.  This material is not overly brittle, but is stiff and will break under excessive load.  It prints like PLA on non-heated beds.  Suggested print temperature is 190-230C, but we had good luck with a slow 1st layer at 230C on cold blue tape and 210C thereafter for a balance of strength and aesthetic.

This material does absorb moisture and dry filament is recommend for best results. When saturated with moisture, this material oozes more readily.  Lowering flow and/or temperatures can minimize oozing and improve detail, though higher temperatures are recommended for best mechanical properties.  With higher temperatures, ooze artifacts can be removed post build.

Finishing

This material can be shaved/carved with a sharp blade for a smooth finish.  Experiment with weathering or other painting techniques for a unique look.  Also, expect improved bonding strength with glue compared to plastic without fiber.

Printing Settings

• Fuser temperature 190 – 230 ºC
• Bed temperature Not required (if used, 40-70 ºC)
• Layer fan Yes
• Diameter 2.85 mm
• Net weight: 500 g
• PLA printing conditions