There have been many changes in the filament market over the last few years that haven’t really caught on and Bambu can change that and profit. For example:
PCTG filament popped on the scene recently, but only one brand makes it and it’s 40 bucks a spool. It’s become my favorite filament, as it outperforms PETG in every way, and I literally printed it once with PLA settings accidentally and it worked fine? But damn, it’s really expensive. Bambu could really popularize this stuff and help saturate the market so it can become more mainstream because it really needs to be. It prints like BUTTER.
Another filament making waves is PEBA. I’ve never printed it but have heard some awesome things about it, and again, Bambu could make this and profit greatly. It’s a flexible filament becoming more popular for its outstanding energy return.
PVA filament is a new one too. It’s a IPA smoothable plastic insole live to see Bambu making as it’s really cool.
Finally there was something I was thinking about that I wanted to share. Recently as we all know Polymaker dropped their HT PLA that can withstand insane temps. Also recently Bambu dropped their new PLA touch which they claim is 3x Tougher than ABS. Now I’m no scientist… but why can’t we jus combine the additives in both of these filaments to make a PLA that can be printed in the cheapest of printers that you can make literal Vorons out of? Like an easy ABS replacement. Now I’m no scientist and I imagine that it’s not as easy as just throwing both additives together but it was just a thought of mine.
Not sure what you mean here, are you saying there is only one true manufacturer that everyone is respooling? Clearly it is being sold by several companies, at least in the US.
Since PVA is water-soluble and relatively brittle, it isn’t a good choice for durable, load-bearing parts. What “sturdy” applications are you aiming for? PVA excels as a dissolvable support interface, for temporary fixtures, and for niche uses like fishing bait cages. For robust components, consider PETG, nylon ( PA ), ABS/ASA, or TPU depending on the required toughness, temperature resistance, and flexibility.
PVA I know for 13 years, so long before BambuLab existed. I guess they are well aware of that and at least PCTG but decided for whatever reason, not to include in their lineup.
So I wouldn’t hold my breath that they sell them anytime soon.
Yes my apologies. I did mean PVB. I get them mixed up as I use both. As for PCTG, I have only seen one vendor on Amazon as that is where I get my filament. But either way, it’s still crazy expensive in the US
Sorry about the typo. I was typing on my phone and rushing. I meant to say PVB, my apologies. Also I don’t mean to say “insole live”. I meant I would love. lol sorry for the miscommunication
Years ago, I built an IPA vapor-smoothing chamber for my PVH (ColorFabb) filament. I’m not sure it behaves like PVB, but placing the model in the chamber for 10–20 minutes softens the outer surface and produces a melted, glossy finish.
Bambu’s equivalent to PCTG this is probably PETG-GF or PETG-CF? Can I ask what you’re using PCTG for?
I would also like to try out PEBA for RC tyres.
Bambu makes PVA, I think it’s their water soluble support filament.
By the way, unless things have changed recently, Bambu does not appear to have their own filament production line, and simply resell other brands under their own name. I strongly suspect they have some plans to expand into this field and this maybe is needed before they can start going heavily into fancy materials.
PETG CF is different than PCTG. PCTG doesn’t need a hardened nozzle, also since it’s a different plastic it behaves different. I use it as basically an all purpose material. It survives in my heated chamber for 3d printed upgrades( don’t print with heated chamber) and it prints very easily, better than PETG. It’s also incredibly strong and versatile. I don’t use PETG cf because I am weary of the carbon fibers and the safety of them. Also, my apologies, I meant PVB not PVA
Step up their game? They can’t even supply customers with PETG filament. They’re currently out of all the colours apart from black and grey. With the website not even being updated to reflect restock updates. When I questioned support, they said “oops sorry” we didn’t notice that.
As a new customer wanting to buy a printer, what’s the point, when they cannot supply filament, with over a month wait. That really needs fixing first.
I agree. Just got H2S, I think with filament at 2.5 times cost of others and pushing their stuff in their slicer, they could at least offer a filament purchase capability withing the slicer at a cost beneficial to all. Make it competitively priced one but also through the slicer ensures it’s a Bambu product owner. To have a filament for 23$ when same filament from a non print maker top brand is half that? Come on Bambu.
Just in case you are not aware, the Black Friday sale is going on. I have gotten 18 rolls and plan to order more. At $11 per roll, it is a good time to stock up.
OnTrac doesn’t provide reliable tracking, or any tracking at all. The filaments can be delivered while the status remains unchanged. Keep checking the door and porch on rainy days so the box doesn’t expose to the elements for too long.
