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Natural PLA transparency level.

Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2017 11:18 pm
by Expresso
Hello,

Could someone share pictures of parts printed using the MakerGear natural PLA color? I would like to get a feel for how transparent the PLA natural color is before buying a roll (assuming its transparent at all).

Assuming that the natural PLA has transparent properties, what are some parameters that affects the transparency level (layer height, layer thickness, infill percent etc)?

Thank you very much.

Re: Natural PLA transparency level.

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2017 1:25 pm
by willnewton
It is not transparent, only some pure high temp polycarbonate filaments get close to clear, even then, only in thin layers.

MG filament prints as a translucent white. Some "clear" filaments have a cooler tone, some have a warmer tone.

It is more obvious when you look at the actual roll of the "transparent" filament that you can't see through it. It reminds me a bit of the milky-clear plastic gallon milk jugs.

Re: Natural PLA transparency level.

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2017 7:09 pm
by Expresso
I was hoping that the natural PLA color would be somewhat transparent but just looking at your pictures I can see that this is not the case at all.

Thank you.

Re: Natural PLA transparency level.

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2017 7:25 pm
by Jules
Transparent/translucent actually doesn't work very well with deposited plastic, (at least in my opinion), because you can see the fill pattern inside. It tends to look striped. Thin wall vases are the only exception, and how many of those do you really need? :)