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"Natural" versus "clear" PLA

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 12:08 am
by bignordique
I'm interesting in printing some objects that I wish to be clear.

I've notice that some PLA vendors have both "clear" and "natural" PLA. Not sure
of the difference??

Wondering if PLA has any yellowing over time issues?

Looking to build a lot of these objects, so I price is important. What's the
best, cheap clear PLA??

Thanks.

Bignordique

Re: "Natural" versus "clear" PLA

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 1:19 am
by willnewton
A link might help, but most PLA I have seen is more translucent than clear. It is kinda of like a "soft white" light bulb. The tone can change from from warm to cool as well.

There are other filaments that are clearer, but nothing is going to print clear as window glass due to the nature of the printing process itself.

Re: "Natural" versus "clear" PLA

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 5:07 am
by Matt_Sharkey
The best you're going to get for clear would be a PET filament, and then the use a solvent to clarify the surface. but like Will said, you wont have anything looking like glass.

Re: "Natural" versus "clear" PLA

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 5:37 am
by jsc
XTC-3D and T-glase is probably your best bet: https://ultimaker.com/en/community/view ... ransparent

I tried XTC and translucent PETG, and the results weren't as great, but still pretty good: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1992