Biodegradable Filament
3D printing has been there for quite some time now, and every day, it’s becoming more widespread. With time, however, printing filament has proven to be as crucial as a printing machine. We have seen the competition of filaments heat up in the market. Even amidst all that, one stands out: BioFila! In this article, we have provided you with all the information you will need regarding Biodegradable Filament (BioFila).
What is Biodegradable Filament, BioFila?
BioFila simply is the abbreviation of Biodegradable Filament. It is the first fully biodegradable filament to be made for 3D printing. It is made from entirely renewable resources for those looking for an environmentally savvy printing filament. The strongpoint of BioFila is definitely not in their physical nature but in the fact that they are gentle to the environment.
How long does Biodegradable filament last?
BioFila is the first fully biodegradable filament to be made, and this speaks volumes to how long it can last. In some reviews, you will find answers like one year, two, ten, forever. When you talk BioFila, think of your wooden chair. When exposed to harsh weather elements, even a week is as long as it can survive. BioFila can last as long as forever, or you can watch your prints disintegrate before you can finish this sentence. The secret is in protecting your BioFila prints from nature and excessive heat temperatures.
How diverse is biodegradable filament?
BioFila is fairly diverse, given it’s the first of its kind to be made. If you have been looking into this biodegradable filament, you must have come across these three terms: BioFila plaTec, BioFila silk, and BioFila linen, and you may be getting abet confused. So how about we take a look at each of them to clear the air?
BioFila plaTec, silk, and linen are the types of BioFila that are currently being produced by twoBEars. These different types of biodegradable filament are made purely from recycled, 100% biodegradable material.
BioFila Silk- silk itself is a rich material such that the idea of being able to print biodegradable silk is mind-blowing! BioFila Silk has a strong material with a silky appearance and also feel. This filament has a noble look and feels, which makes it an excellent option for making prints and decorative materials that are shiny. This filament would be ideal for printing vases and lampshades as its shiny nature cannot be mistaken for another element. BioFila silk has an extruder temperature of up to 200 degrees and a hot-bed temperature of 90 degrees. It is available only in white color.
BioFila Linen- if you thought you would find some linen strands in this type of Bio Filament, you are wrong. The name is derived from the close resemblance this filament has with linen in both appearance and texture. BioFila Linen is also composed of lignin, which can account for its rigidity. BioFila linen produces a rough and porous looking texture when exposed to temperatures above 205 degrees. Linen has an extruder temperature of up to 230 degrees and a hot-bed of 55 degrees.
BioFila plaTec- what we love about this type of biodegradable filament is that it’s the first of its king to withstand high temperatures. PlaTec offers a higher glass temperature than ABS filament. It can resist temperatures at 120 degrees. Just how impressive is that? What’s more, plaTec is extremely easy to print since it does not require excessive treatment after printing. There are no warping issues reported with this variation of BioFila. There is also no heat bed needed for printing, and this filament is going easy in your printer. You can print at a much lower temperature of around 190 degrees. The other aspect of plaTec that makes it stand out from the other types is the brighter color.
Color
BioFila is not exactly what we would say has a range of colors. This filament is limited in the number of colors it can be found. For instance, BioFila silk is only available in white, while other types come with no colors. The good news is that BioFila can be dyed into a variety of colors.
3D printing BioFila Blends
The biodegradable filament is known to be very resilient when blended with other materials for 3D printing. It will retain its biodegradable nature and structure even when combined. You can combine BioFila with other materials such as wood and PLA. The disclaimer is, however, with the heat. Caution should be taken to regulate the heat since BioFila cannot withstand excessive heat. Extensive research is still underway to determine the material that can be blended with BioFila.
Is BioFila worth your money?
BioFila is not anything close to cheap! But when it comes to the worth, only you as the user can truly answer that. BioFila is great if you are looking to venture into a new type of filament. The different types provide excellent room for choice and exploration. If you dislike a certain factor in one type, you can try another since they all have their strong points.
Also, the great thing is that BioFila is that there is more we expect from it. More types are being produced, and we never know what is in store. What we can recommend is doing a lot of research and going through reviews before settling for the filament. You should ensure you have gathered enough information, especially regarding the line of your work, before you purchase this filament to avoid any regrets. The bottom line, however, is, if you are environmentally aware and you are looking for a way to contribute to preserving mother nature in your own little way, then BioFila is definitely worth a try!
Pros and cons of BioFila
Pros
- BioFila is biodegradable-the most interesting, and probably the main reason this filament is able to turn heads is that it is 100% biodegradable. How wonderful is that? BioFila is like a piece of wood or leaf. It means that when it’s all said and done and its time is over, BioFila will return to nature and form humus, a part of detritus which is vital to the circle of life. No harm or damage will be done to the environment.
- Different forms-when we talk about BioFila, you can think of its different forms, BioFila comes in silk, linen, and the latest form; plaTec! All its forms are fully biodegradable and have amazing uses.
- High-quality filament- BioFila is very easy to print as it withstands different temperatures, given the different forms it comes in. There is no warping experienced, and this filament requires minimal treatment after printing.
- Strength and rigidity- considering BioFila are made from lignin, which is the rigid part of the cell walls of a plant. You can count on its strength.
- Easy to use- BioFila is very easy to use, making it popular. You require a lower printer to temperature to run, as low as 190 degrees.
Cons
- Limited uses- BioFila has very limited uses since it is a low-temperature filament. It can only be used for items that have limited requirements for strength, flexibility, or endurance.
- Lacks luster- do not expect any materials made from BioFila to be lustrous, especially the BioFila linen.
- Expensive- BioFila comes at a price. The reason this filament is pricey is that it takes into account the value of the environment. However, BioFila is worth every penny.
- Short shelf life- BioFila has a relatively short shelf-life, although research is still being carried out in regard to that. If you intend to make prints to last forever, then this is not the filament for you.
What should BioFila be used and not used?
BioFila has been claimed to be food-safe, meaning it contains very limited or no harmful elements. BioFila can be used to make limited prints such as kitchenware and decorations. You can also use the filaments for making designs that require prototyping. Even though we have mentioned kitchenware, the prints should not be exposed to excessive heat, as this could make them disintegrate completely.
BioFila begins to decompose at high temperatures, slightly lower than other types of filaments. We would recommend using BioFila for printing any items which require very high temperatures. It should also be kept far away from direct heat or any source of high heat for that matter since it can lead to warping or complete destruction and disfigure. BioFila should also not be used for any prints expected to bear a lot of weight.
Is BioFila Toxic?
The reason we all love BioFila for printing is that it is not toxic to the environment. It is, in fact, described as food safe since it contains zero harmful components.
How should you store BioFila?
Since BioFila is biodegradable, it should be stored in a safe environment away from nature, which speeds up its biodegradability. It should also be stored in a place that is heat-resistant or where there is no excessive heat, which can damage the prints.
How much is BioFila, and where can I buy it?
BioFila can be bought from a number of online distributors such as Amazon. You can also purchase this filament from your local distributors. The prices vary depending on several factors, including where you purchase.