Proto-Pasta - HTPC1705-CU Proto-pasta Composite Copper HTPLA, 1.75mm 500g

Proto-pasta metal-filled Composite HTPLA is a combination of high-quality metal powder & high-performance PLA. The result is a PLA-like 3D printing experience that yields 3D printed prototypes & finished parts with metal-like properties. Mill, brush, polish, or patina for a personalized finish. Heat treat for use up to 160C (320F) in demanding applications. Filament specifications: Available in 1. 75 & 2. 85 mm Density 2. 2-2. 4 g/cc Composites contain 60% metal by weighting bend diameter 50mmMachine compatibility: Must accept third party filament, allow nozzle replacement, & have adjustable parameters including layer thickness, temperature, & speed with nozzle operating at min 215C. Heated bed not required, but recommended up to 60C for improved part quality. Unpacking, handling, & storage: Hold filament end when unwrapping spool to avoid looping. Do not bend tighter than min bend diameter. When done printing, slide filament end into corrugation to avoid looping. Store in cool, dry place away from UV light for continued peak performance. Mill, Brush, Polish, or Patina to finish: Use metalworking techniques to attain various metal finishes. Brushing & oxidizing are easiest & least likely to damage parts. Manual sanding & polishing are labor intensive, but yield amazing results with little risk of damage. Polishing with rotary tools will require the most care to not overheat. Metal composites finish like metal, but still soften like plastic. What is HTPLA & heat treating HTPLA is a semi-crystalline grade of PLA optimized to survive heat treating (also known as annealing) for higher temperature use. Standard PLA loses form past 50-60C because amorphous materials see significant loss of stiffness at glass transition. Heat treating to create a crystalline structure allows HTPLA to maintain useful stiffness up to 160C depending on application, form, load, or other conditions. This greatly increases the usefulness of heat treated HTPLA over standard, amorphous PLA.