Glow-in-the-dark filaments are one of the most amazing inventions since they let you create products that are unique and quite fun to use. These filaments are especially useful in creating items like cosplay props, toys, and other types of products.
When it comes to the Bambu Lab A1 printer, glow-in-the-dark filaments are quite popular but are also a bit tricky to print. So, today, we are going to take a complete dive into how this filament type reacts with the A1 and A1 Mini, how they work, what some of the issues are, and how you can fix them.
Glow-In-The-Dark Filament
Typically, glow-in-the-dark filaments are based on PLA or PETG material. However, with the addition of phosphorescent materials, we see that it absorbs light and then slowly releases it, giving it a unique visible glow. The most common color that it sheds is green and sometimes blue.
However, you might be wondering, what are some of the most common types of glow-in-the-dark filaments? Firstly, we have the PLA material, which is generally one of the easiest to print, especially with Bambu Lab A1.
Then, we have PETG, which is slightly stronger and gives you better durability; however, it does require higher temperatures, making it one of the ideal yet tough to print glow-in-the-dark filaments for Bambu Lab A1.
There are also ABS and TPU materials with glow-in-the-dark properties. These materials are much rarer and hard to print, usually not the most beginner-friendly either. Now that you know the nitty-gritty of these filaments, are they even compatible with Bambu Lab A1?
Let’s find out.
Are Glow-in-the-Dark Filaments Compatible with Bambu Lab A1?
In general, of course, glow-in-the-dark filaments are widely compatible with Bambu Lab A1, which is also one of the most versatile 3D printers in the game. However, having a Bamu Lab A1 printer enclosure can be essential since some filaments will require extreme temperature control to avoid poor results.
The Bambu Lab A1 handles both PLA and PETG filaments like a champ, as long as the settings are right and you’re doing everything right. In general, the nozzle temperature should be between 210–220°C, with the bed temperature being around 60°C.
Using a Bambu Lab A1 enclosure by brands like Chitu System will allow you to control the temperature of the filaments, have amazing and sturdier cooling, and most of all, you will also be able to avoid all the clutter that could be affecting your overall workflow.
While glow-in-the-dark filaments are compatible, there are a few things you must consider, too.
The issues with Glow Filaments
There are issues with glow-in-the-dark filaments, too. Some of them are due to their nature while others are purely by Bambu Lab A1 that can be fixed. So, in this section, we’re covering the common issues and the fixes when it comes to Bambu Lab A1’s combination with glow in the dark filaments.
1. Nozzle Wear:
The number one big issue with glow-in-the-dark filaments is that they usually have glow powders, making them abrasive. Due to their abrasive nature, they can cause erosion to the nozzles, reducing the overall print quality. The fix here is to use a steel nozzle or something water-resistant because that is what will ultimately avoid nozzle wear when you use glow-in-the-dark filaments.
2. Nozzle Clogging:
The extra particles can cause nozzle clogging too, especially if you have a smaller nozzle size. Moreover, even if the temperatures are too low, it can cause an overall print failure. The best fix here is to use a 0.4 mm or larger nozzle. You should also clean your 3D printer and the nozzle regularly to avoid an issue like this.
3. Poor Glow:
Buying the right filament matters the most. Some of the filaments will require an ample amount of light to glow, while others might lose the glow quickly. That’s why you should opt for premium brands that offer some of the best filaments with high quality and possibly some sort of warranty, too.
If you get filaments for way too cheap and the company claims that their product will make your world shine through its glow, then that could be a red flag. That’s why you should do your research and even go one mile extra to see the reviews.
4. Stringing or Oozing:
PLA is one of the filaments that is known to string, especially when you have the glow element involved in it as well. The Glow PLA strings more than PLA, meaning that some of the small strings of plastic from your print are left behind on the 3D model, making it look entirely off. The best way to cure this issue is to reduce print temperature if you see stringing occurring.
Some Extra Tips on Bambu Lab A1
One of the biggest tips for Bambu Lab A1 is to enable Flow Rate Calibration in Bambu Studio. This is done to fine-tune the amount of plastic extruded by the printer. This is also known as an Extrusion Multiplier.
Another tip to consider for printing materials like PETG for better layer adhesion is to use a Bambu Lab A1 enclosure. This will be better for temperature control and cooling down. These are some of the tips that can help you improve your 3D printing game when it comes to glow filaments.
Lastly, you can also use a bright light or UV source for a better glow.
Final Verdict
Glow in the dark filaments are some of the best filaments to make exceptional toys and parts that will do as its intended: glowing in the dark. But if you want to go beyond what you have, then you can check out Chitu Systems with their amazing catalog of 3D printer accessories.
