3D Printing Consumables for 3D Signage Printers and 3D Model Printers
Runs on 3D signage printers and 3D model printers so one material covers both machines
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How to Make 3D Printing Filament from A to Z
Knowing how filament is made explains why some rolls print cleanly and some do not, and why a signage grade material is specified differently from a general purpose one.
Step 1 Material Selection
PLA is biodegradable and easy to print but is neither high temperature resistant nor UV resistant. ABS is stronger and more heat resistant than PLA but harder to print because it warps, and it is not UV resistant either. Neither is suitable for outdoor use. PETG combines the ease of PLA with the durability of ABS and is high and low temperature resistant, UV resistant and waterproof.
What PETG-S Adds
PETG-S is PETG developed for signage. It keeps every advantage of PETG and adds the light diffusing effect an illuminated sign needs, allowing light through the signage surface with the light evenly diffused rather than showing the LEDs behind it.
Step 2 Compounding and Pelletizing
Raw material is mixed with additives such as stabilizers, colorants, reinforcing agents and light diffusing agents in a twin screw extruder to make the mix homogeneous. The result is pelletized for handling in the next step, with the pellet colour matching the filament colour.
Step 3 Filament Extrusion
The pellets go into a single screw extruder, are melted and forced through a die to form filament. Temperature control varies by material, roughly 160 to 220 degrees for PLA and 230 to 260 degrees for ABS and PETG. A precision die holds a consistent diameter, typically 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm, with sensors feeding back to the process.
Why Diameter Consistency Decides Print Quality
Diameter variation is the root of most under extrusion and jamming. This is why a filament rated easy to print with no jamming is a manufacturing claim about the extrusion line, not a marketing adjective.
Spooling Quality Control and Packing
The filament is wound onto spools, checked, then packed. Iroga rolls hold 340 meters at 1.0 kg net, are vacuum bagged individually and packed 12 rolls per export carton at 440 x 440 x 220 mm.
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Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what buyers ask before ordering this topic.
Why can PLA not be used outdoors
PLA is neither high temperature resistant nor UV resistant, so an outdoor sign printed in it fades and weakens.
What is the difference between PETG and PETG-S
PETG-S is developed from PETG for signage, keeping its properties and adding the light diffusing effect an illuminated face needs.
Why does filament come vacuum bagged
To keep moisture out. Damp filament causes extrusion defects, which is also why a filament dryer is supplied with the new generation machines.
Put This Into Practice
Our technical team will help you apply it to your own machines material and artwork.