Transparent PLA & PETG Filament Test Model

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Transparent PLA & PETG Filament Test Model

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Print Profile(2)

All
A1 mini
P1S
P1P
X1
X1 Carbon
X1E
A1

PLA, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
PLA, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
Designer
24 min
1 plate
4.9(15)

PETG, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
PETG, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
Designer
27 min
1 plate
5.0(5)

Open in Bambu Studio
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Released

Description

Introduction

This test model may help you tune transparent PLA & PETG filament material settings.

 

I do not make any claims that this is perfect, glass-like, see-through, that would require magic.

Scale

The model includes a scale of layers from 0.2mm to 2.0mm in 0.2mm increments, ten in total.

 

When you hold the model in front of something, the closer you move, the clearer it becomes.

Build plate

I used a smooth build plate.  If you use a textured plate - you will be diffusing light through the textured base your print will generate.

PLA vs PETG

As you can see in the photos I provided, PLA came out better by allowing far more clarity of the item below the block through without distortion. It was possible to see the colour and black & white items below from 0.2mm to 2.0mm. Whereas, PETG stopped being clear before the 2.0mm layer.

Important Information

Transparent filaments are NOT transparent, they are translucent, this is an important distinction not usually made by the filament brands themselves.

 

The process of manufacturing the filament and then printing using it through a hot end onto a surface and printing in unknown directions means the quality of the outcome is dependent on HOW you use it and basic physics.

Profile Settings

All of the profile settings I configured can be found in the respective profiles and as all changes are shown in a different colour, they are easy to spot in Bambu Studio.

 

The important settings fall into the following groups:

  • Remove surfaces & walls
  • Max out infill
  • Change infill type
  • Reduce printing speed
  • Turn off the fan while printing

It's your turn to tune

When you use this information for your benefit, you will likely need to compromise if your model isn't entirely made up of transparent material.

 

Removing walls and surfaces is easy for a solid block, but, not for hollow models (as an example). So, work out how to incorporate what you learn from this into your design.

Artwork used in the photos

I think I should be applauded for using a Mcdonald's receipt and a Sloppy Joe's mix pack (particularly as I'm from the U.K. and Sloppy Joe's isn't common here).

Comment & Rating (45)

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Print Profile
PLA, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
Good printing profile, but how can PETG also be made transparent on vertical walls?
The designer has replied
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Reply
Thank you. You have to remember that no filament is transparent, translucent is the correct term, it will always diffuse light, the objective is to reduce the amount of diffusion. Thinner is always better, aligned printing direction is a requirement. It is a game of trial and error. Each filament manufacturer has a different blend and it is impossible to give a guarantee a successful outcome. I have found that "transparent' PLA is usually easier to make as translucent as possible.
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Replying to @MalcTheOracle :
Thank you for your reply, yes I took the bambulab filament PETG, in fact I had dreamed much more transparent the result 😅 in any case your profile allowed me to make the bottom layer very satisfied! I will continue my tests...
0
Reply
Replying to @benjibenji45 :
Enjoy the journey.
0
Reply
Print Profile
PLA, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
very useful, thank you
The designer has replied
0
Reply
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
0
Reply
Print Profile
PLA, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
cool model
The designer has replied
0
Reply
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
0
Reply
Print Profile
PLA, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
perfect
The designer has replied
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Reply
Thank you, I really appreciate that.
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Reply
what transparent PLA did you use?
The designer has replied
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Reply
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CFQPP2QJ YOUSU PLA Plus (PLA+) , it is pretty good as you can see (or not as it happens).
1
Reply
You model all day long huh?! 😁Wish we could! Nice handy print, make us a set of pitch gages please!
0
Reply
Print Profile
PLA, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
The designer has replied
0
Reply
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
0
Reply
Print Profile
PETG, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
The designer has replied
0
Reply
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
0
Reply
Print Profile
PLA, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
The designer has replied
0
Reply
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
0
Reply
Print Profile
PETG, 0.2mm layer, 0 walls, 100% infill
The designer has replied
0
Reply
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
0
Reply

License

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You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.