I’m looking to print with semi-flexible filament for a mask, probably using Soft PLA. I’m hoping that using that kind of filament would prevent it from being so brittle, as masks do get handled quite a bit. Does anyone here have experience printing with other materials than run-of-the-mill pla? Any recommendations of what filament I should use and how to print with it on the prusas that are at the makerspace would be appreciated.
Maybe @leif_swanson would be able to help?
Howdy Spellwing777,
I have moderate experience in printing with flexible materials, and can say with great certainty that moisture is the enemy. I would leave it sealed in the (hopefully, lookin at you fedex) airtight bag it was shipped in until just before printing with it, or in the case that it was opened use the filament dryers currently located behind our 3D printers. The specifications for time and temperature are ususally on the filament companies website.
If you would like to discuss this in person at LMN we could schedule something.
Best Regards
Leif Swanson
Thank you so much for the advice, I might take you up on that-going to see about getting a library pass to the makerspace. Do you have a flexible filament to recommend?
Howdy Spellwing777,
Please excuse my late reply as this week is the end of two of my classes at LCC, and that has eaten into my time significantly.
Flexible PLA filaments are still fairly new and as such I haven’t had the opprotunity to form an opinion on any available brands. All this means is that this will be a learning experience for the both of us.
Best Regards Leif Swanson