General Filament Chat

The A1 Mini isn't limited to just PLA. It can quite happily handly PETG and if you replace the nozzle with a hardened nozzle, it'll do abrasive filaments too.
I'd probably look at Sunlu, Tinmorry, Ziro but I mainly use PETG (and variants).
 
Cenedd said:
The A1 Mini isn't limited to just PLA. It can quite happily handly PETG and if you replace the nozzle with a hardened nozzle, it'll do abrasive filaments too.
I'd probably look at Sunlu, Tinmorry, Ziro but I mainly use PETG (and variants).
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No i was aware of that, but the issue i will have with PETG is storage. I wont have the space and interest in filaments (at least so early into this) that are so humidity intolerant etc.
I guess if i ever needed anything printing in more specialist filaments, then my brother can knock out things on his printer.

Do you have experience with those suggested filaments on an A1 or mini at all? or does it not really matter and they are just proven good alternatives?

I think the only things I will end up printing will be small fidgets for the kids or paintable models, or practical things for around the house etc. At least early on until it inevitably gets its hooks in me like it does to most ...
 
You'll probably find that PETG is a lot less of a problem absorbing water than you think. I used to run a spool just open and didn't really have a problem most of the time - only once when one went brittle but I'd probably had it out for months.
You could always print from a container with dessicant in if you get problems. Something like this: https://makerworld.com/en/models/419342-filament-storage-bunker#profileId-321995
You'd need dessicant, a couple of skate bearings and a PC4-M10 or PC4-M6 connector...and the correct containers.

I mainly run an X1C so that's what gets the variety of filaments. The A1M I mainly use for prototyping while the X1C is busy so it only has a spool of black PETG that's on a cardboard spool that doesn't work well in the AMS.
I think about the only PLA I've run is some Ziro PLA-CF (need hardened nozzle but prints very nicely) or some Eryone tri-colour PLA (mini cardboard spools though) which works very nicely for fidget type things such as the articulated octopus.
 
Thanks for the really quick and helpful replies.

So if i wanted to print (example) with PLA wood like filaments, or PETG you would suggest a hardened nozzle regardless? Something else to add to the list then!
 
Definitely. The wood filaments contain lumps and those are abrasive when you're talking a soft brass nozzle.
PETG doesn't need a hardened nozzle...though it prints absolutely fine with one.
There are apparently some downsides to a hardened steel nozzle in that they don't conduct heat as well...but frankly I've never noticed any issues and it means you don't have to worry about matching nozzles to filaments if you just run the hardened ones.
 
Thats interesting and also helpful!

Ill have to find a suitable nozzle now for the A1 mini in preparation for when i get some PLA Wood type filament on order!
 
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