Introduction
A few days ago, we tested several wood filaments on our Witbox Go printer at the DunaTech lab. The idea was simple: find the best filament for projects that make this compact printer stand out. After testing brands like AMOLEN, SUNLU, and some generic ones from AliExpress, we found significant differences in quality, compatibility, and final finish. Here’s what we discovered.
Types of Wood Filament
«Wood» filaments are not real wood but rather a mix of PLA with wood particles. Based on our tests, the main types include:
– **Filament with high wood concentration (30%-40%)**: Very aesthetic, but it can clog the extruder if not properly calibrated.
– **Filament with low wood concentration (10%-15%)**: Less textured but flows better in mid-range printers like the Witbox Go.
– **Bamboo filament**: A lighter variant, ideal for small decorative projects.
In our tests, we noticed that filaments with high particle concentration tend to create more natural finishes, perfect for models or decorations. However, they require specific adjustments to the printing temperature to avoid issues.
Compatibility with Witbox Go
The Witbox Go, being a printer designed for ease of use and compactness, has certain limitations:
1. **Filament diameter:** It only accepts 1.75 mm filaments.
2. **Non-reinforced extruder:** It’s not ideal for abrasive filaments or those with large particles.
After adjusting the nozzle temperature between 200°C and 210°C (slightly higher than standard PLA), we achieved decent results with low-concentration wood filaments. Filaments like SUNLU (15% wood) performed well, while high-concentration filaments (30%-40%) caused several clogs.
Take note: the Witbox Go has somewhat limited ventilation. If you’re using wood filament, make sure to reduce the printing speed to between 40 and 50 mm/s to avoid cooling issues.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are the most frequent problems we encountered when printing with wood filament on the Witbox Go:
1. Extruder clogs
– **Cause:** Large wood particles accumulating in the nozzle.
– **Solution:** Use a low-concentration wood filament and clean the nozzle periodically with specific needles.
2. Uneven finish
– **Cause:** Unstable temperature or printing speed too high.
– **Solution:** Maintain the temperature between 200°C and 210°C and reduce the speed to 40 mm/s.
3. Fragility in the final piece
– **Cause:** Low layer adhesion due to insufficient flow.
– **Solution:** Increase the flow to 110% in the slicer and use a heated bed at 60°C if possible.
FAQ
Do I need a special nozzle for wood filament?
Yes, if you plan to use filaments with a high particle concentration (≥30%). In our tests, a hardened steel nozzle significantly reduced clogs.
Is wood filament harder to print than standard PLA?
Generally, yes. It requires fine adjustments to temperature and printing speed. However, the results are worth it for decorative projects.
What is the best wood filament for the Witbox Go?
The SUNLU filament with 15% wood particles offered the best balance between quality and compatibility.
Conclusion
Printing with wood filament on the Witbox Go is entirely possible but requires precise adjustments to avoid issues. If you’re looking for ease of use, opt for low-concentration filaments like SUNLU. Always remember to clean the nozzle and adjust the speed to achieve optimal finishes.
— The DunaTech Team