Just getting started with 3D printing? Do you want ease of printing, yet impressive looking results? Or maybe you have already taken your first steps, but are still looking for ways to reduce the visibility of layer lines? Would you like to achieve a more professional and elegant look of your 3D prints?
Filaments that hide layer lines are the answer to your questions. Read our article and find out for yourself which material fits best to your expectations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ways to reduce the visibility of layer lines
FMD/FFF 3D printing is inherently associated with visible layer lines. For some, this has its appeal, while others try at all costs to minimise their visibility with post-processing. However, this is a time-consuming process and also requires additional work and costs.
The visibility of layers can be reduced at the slicing stage by reducing the height of the layer. The lower the value – the more accurate the part. Lowering the layer height below 0.10 mm is not recommended. The difference between a layer height of 0.10 mm and 0.07 mm/0.05 mm will be negligible, but the print time will be increased significantly. So, is there a way to hide the layer lines without additional work?
The secret lies in the additives
If you are looking for unusual solutions and a striking surface finish, you should check out filaments containing additives.
They give the 3d print an original surface finish while reducing the visibility of the layer lines. The ease of printing is a nice bonus, especially at the beginning of your 3D printing adventure.
PLA CarbonLook, PET-G CarbonLook, BioWOOD and PLA Starter Glitter allow you to achieve amazing results without the need for additional post processing. There is also no need to buy expensive equipment.
3D print made using PLA CarbonLook fliament
PLA CarbonLook – layer hiding effect of carbon
If you value the look of the finished 3d print more than its high durability, PLA CarbonLook from ROSA3D will certainly appeal to you. It is created by combining PLA (polyactide) material and a very small amount of carbon fibres.
The question that probably comes to your mind is: “Carbon fibre in a filament? For what purpose?”
The answer is to give unique decorative properties to the printed models and reduce the visibility of the layer lines created during 3D printing.
You may be associating the addition of carbon fibre with technical filaments that wear down the nozzle. In most technical materials, the percentage of carbon fibre added to the mix is so big that hardened steel nozzle is recommended. However, the CarbonLook range of materials has been designed for use with standard brass nozzle.
3D prints made with PLA CarbonLook have good detail reproduction and beautiful satin surface with almost invisible layer lines. The models have a slightly rough surface to the touch, which gives them a unique character.
PLA CarbonLook has technical properties similar to other PLA filaments in the ROSA3D portfolio. As a result, it is easy to print, has low stringing, and very good adhesion between layers. Please refer to the technical data sheet (TDS) on the product page for recommended printing parameters and more information.
Would you like to try out PLA CarbonLook? Check out >> map of our distributors! <<
3D print made using PET-G Carbonlook
PET-G CarbonLook – subtle look and invisible layer lines
If you need stronger 3d prints, like to print with PET-G and don’t want to worry about frequent nozzle changes than check out PET-G CarbonLook.
The finished prints have a satin finish, a slightly shinier surface than PLA CarbonLook and, most importantly, almost invisible layer lines. An additional advantage of PET-G CarbonLook is the ability to achieve a slight transparency in very thin-walled models.
PET-G CarbonLook is characterised by low stringing, and excellent interlayer adhesion. A closed chamber 3d printer is not required. Need more information on recommended printing settings? You will find them in the technical data sheet (TDS) on the product page.
You are probably wondering whether carbon fibres can have a destructive effect on the life of brass nozzles. Absolutely not! With both PLA CarbonLook and PET-G CarbonLook, the nozzle wearing properties of the additives have been reduced to a minimum.
PET-G CarbonLook can be purchased >> from our distributors <<
Eye catching shine – PLA Starter Glitter
Particular colour variant of PLA Starter is also characterised by layer hiding properties. PLA Starter Glitter Graphite and PLA Starter Glitter Brozne filaments contain an unusual additive.
PLA Starter Glitter Bronze contains an addition of red glitter, which corresponds perfectly with the brown base. 3D prints made using PLA Starter Glitter Graphite, on the other hand, have a graphite colour with scattered flecks of silver glitter.
The glitter infused into the structure of the model shimmers giving a layer hiding effect. Light rays falling on the glitter particles are reflected and scattered in all directions. This effect can be particularly visible on small details, allowing the viewer’s gaze to focus on the glitter particles rather than layer lines.
3D print made using PLA Starter Glitter Graphite
PLA Starter in the Glitter Bronze and Glitter Graphite colour variants were created for beginners looking for a way to achieve an exceptional surface finish without additional processing. It is characterised by low shrinkage and is odourless Prints from PLA Starter have excellent interlayer adhesion and very good detail reproduction. More information and recommended printing parameters can be found >> here. <<
New glitter colours in the PLA and PET-G series are coming soon – follow us on Facebook and Instagram and receive discounts the new products.
Want to try out the PLA Starter Glitter. Head over to our >> distributors map! <<
3D print made using PLA Starter Glitter Bronze
BioWOOD – 100% natural
BioWOOD was developed as an alternative to commercially available materials that only resemblance to the wood is in the
name of the product. It is a composite material with unique additives.
Polycaprolactone (PCL), polyester, starch, lignin, natural resins, waxes and oils, cellulose and natural fibres mean that this material is compostible.
Finished 3d prints look and feel like real wood thanks to the addition of natural wood fibres Porous surface is perfect for painting. Finished printous can be stained, sanded and also glued – exactly like natural wood.
It important to note that BioWOOD, due to its unique composition, is a material for more exprienced users. For more information on recommended settings and printing parameters, please refer to >> the product page. <<
You can read more about BioWood in >> a separate article << on our blog.
You can purchase BioWOOD from >> our distributors! <<
3D print made using BioWOOD
Neon power of colour – PLA Starter and PET-G Standard filaments
In the ROSA3D portfolio, we can also find filaments with such intense colours that layer lines become less visible. These materials have bright, neon colours: PLA Starter Neon Green, PLA Starter Neon Yellow, PLA Starter Neon Orange, PLA Starter Juicy Orange and PET-G Standard Neon Yellow, PET-G Standard Juicy Orange.
The colour vibrance makes the eye focus only on the colour and not on the layer lines. Finished prints appear to emit a bright light, making them extremely visible and eye-catching.
For those unfamiliar with 3D printing, such surface may give the impression that the model was created by injection moulding. You have to look hard to see the layers and structure typical of FMD/FFF products.
The neon-coloured PLA Starter and PET-G Standard filaments will be the perfect choice for you if you want to print easily and create a WOW results at the same time. For more information and printing parameters, take a look at the product pages: >> PLA Starter << and >> PET-G Standard. <<
Want to give neon colour power to your prints? Go to >> the map of our distributors << and choose the distributor near you!
3D print made using PET-G Standard Neon Yellow
Now that you’ve learnt about layer hiding filaments, it’s time to try them out for yourself!
Don’t be afraid to experiment and choose the material that will give you the desired effect. The filaments presented above are great choice not only for more advanced users, but also for beginners who have just startes their 3D printing adventure. They will give you aesthetically pleasing results, which is especially important when you want to present them to others.
Most importantly: have fun and unleash your creativity with the help layer hiding filaments and see for yourself how much of a difference they will make to the look of your prints.
