PLA, ABS, ASA and HIPS Filaments
and Nozzles Selection
Filaments
- Easier to print (no need enclosure).
- Most common filament type that you can get in the market.
- Lower material density comparing to PLA.
- Heat resistance.
For sure need enclosure to print ABS, ASA and HIPS keeping the temperature in the vicinity of the print bed more homogeneous, protecting the area from drafts, but also from dust. It also adds a safety layer to your printer, reduces noise, and helps organize space.
Watch interesting Video below for some types of filament put inside the car.
If you do not want to get hassle and also new to 3D Printing, would suggest to start printing with PLA filament first. OWLplane experience that low quality of PLA filament would get easily jam. Find good PLA filament and better if you can find PLA+/ST-PLA/CR-PLA. Later claimed to have stronger property and not easily getting break. Do not use Silk PLA, experience tells that the 3D printed object does not have strong layer adhesion.
If you live in hotter environment/climate, make sure that your 3D printed plane stay away from open environment. ABS, ASA and HIPS are more resistance to heat but please note that only ASA claimed to have UV light resistance. Although ABS, ASA and HIPS will not get deformed under direct sun light or stay long in the car under the sun light but long exposure to UV light still weakening the materials in long time.
0.3 Nozzle vs 0.4 Nozzle
Optimal PLA settings for OWLplane can be achieved by lowering extrusion width to about 0.3x. Below 0.3x the 3D printed shell starts to loose its strength and get flexed. With adequate internal structure supporting the shell, it can achieve optimal weight and strength.
Since ABS, ASA and HPS have material property less stiffness than PLA, OWLplane experience tell that optimal if printed around 0.33mm. Lower than 0.33mm may not be strong enough but still depending on the filament manufacture. Would suggest to do your homework, testing the result before printing the whole RC Plane Model.
- Can reduce the weight by lowering extrusion width and layer height without affecting printing quality.
- Take longer time to print since the layer height need to be adjusted, lower also means more time to print.
