How To: Print with Translucent Filaments

[Mike_Bronner]

[Sorry if this is in the wrong category, please feel free to move.]

I’m putting this post together to serve as a reference to configuring your translucent prints for better results.

Getting optimal results will depend on the layers fusing together and cooling slowing to allow for crystallization. This will optimize molecular arrangement and allow for greater translucency.

The following should be a good starting point for non-Bambu filaments:

Global Settings

1. Set print speed to 20mm/s
2. Set layer height to 0.1mm
3. print without top or bottom layers, as well as without walls
4. set infill to 100%
5. set infill to have a single direction
6. use a hot, smooth build plate
7. use the the largest nozzle possible that still satisfies your quality requirements
8. set all line widths to [nozzle width] * 0.9

Filament Settings

1. Set print speed to 20mm/s
2. turn off all fans
3. increase the temperature as high as possible without burning or bubbling; for PETG this might be between 260 and 270C
4. set flow rate to 1.01
5. make sure PETG has less than 15% humidity

Custom Adjustments

1. after slicing review the layer time view and try to keep layer times below 80s (need to verify the exact threshold)
2. after print completion let it cool slowly on the printer

The following test model should have all the above settings:

Translucency Test Model by Mike Bronner

Further Refinement

• minimize top layer extruder tracks
• improve 0.2mm nozzle results
• verify layer time threshold to promote fusing of layers; may be able to compensate higher layer times with higher nozzle temps

Resources

Guide to Transparent 3D Printing

How To Print Glass by Rygar1432 | Download free STL model | Printables.com

Settings for translucent filaments?

I’ve read that thinner layers are better to control air bubbles and gaps, I have been doing 0.08 layers in the image above. But of course it depends what you are going for. If you are doing vase walls, thicker layers are probably better to get horizontal translucency, while thinner layers are better for vertical translucency. Here’s a good resource that got me thinking about what adjustments to make, along with @MalcTheOracle 's test model linked above:

Transparent PLA & PETG Filament Test Model by MalcTheOracle

[MZip]

Thank you for this, Mike! I’ve got a project where I’m printing a kind of lens and need it as clear as possible but wasn’t hoping for much. This may make it look much, much better.

[user_2511619536]

It’s not as easy as with PETg filament but with correct setting it can be done .Make sure nozzle and heat bed is at correct temperature and heatbed is leveled up correctly (people always forget to check minor things and end up having unexplained issues )