Aluminum 6061 Filamet™ is revolutionizing metal 3D printing, making it accessible to a wider range of users. Available in both 1.75mm and 2.85mm filament diameters, as well as pellet form, this innovative material empowers you to create real aluminum parts using your existing Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printer.
Key Specifications of Aluminum 6061 Filamet™
This advanced filament is composed of 60.0% – 69.0% metal by weight, offering a density range of 1.2g/cc-1.5g/cc. It is available in convenient packaging options: 0.25kg and 0.5kg spools for filament, and 1kg bags for pellets, catering to various project sizes and needs.
Broad Compatibility Across 3D Printers
One of the standout features of Aluminum 6061 Filamet™ is its exceptional compatibility. Designed for open-architecture FFF 3D printers, it allows you to transform your standard desktop machine into a metal 3D printer. Its versatility extends even further, as it can also be used with 3D printing pens, opening up new avenues for creative metal fabrication.
User-Friendly Printing Process
Printing with Aluminum 6061 Filamet™ is designed to be as straightforward as using regular PLA. To get started, you will need:
- An open architecture 3D printer
- A 0.6mm hardened steel nozzle
Simply load the filament, ensuring it feeds smoothly into the extruder, and you’re ready to print. While it prints similar to PLA, you might need to adjust the flow rate in your slicer software, potentially increasing it up to 135% to achieve optimal results. A significant advantage is the minimal warping observed during the printing process, simplifying post-print handling.
Advanced Material Properties for Demanding Applications
Aluminum 6061 Filamet™ boasts several advanced properties that make it suitable for demanding applications. Notably, it is less hygroscopic than standard PLA, reducing the need for stringent moisture control. It’s important to note that filament dryers are not recommended for this material, and spools should be stored as is to maintain optimal print quality. The resulting 3d Printed Aluminum parts are strong, lightweight, and exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, expanding the possibilities for functional prototypes and end-use components.
The Transformation to Solid Metal: Sintering
Aluminum 6061 Filamet™ is a fully sinterable metal filament. After printing, the “green part” undergoes a sintering process in a furnace to remove the binder material and fuse the metal particles. This firing process transforms the printed object into a part made of 100% solid metal. The sintering process development is ongoing, and for the latest information and updates, you can refer to Mr-Highball’s YouTube channel or join the community on the Discord server.
Ideal for Prototyping, Research, and Lightweighting
Partner innovators are already leveraging Aluminum 6061 Filamet™ for a variety of applications, particularly in lightweighting initiatives and research and development projects. This material offers a cost-effective solution to eliminate tooling and machining costs, especially for short-run manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and the creation of unique, one-off metal parts. Imagine creating custom aluminum brackets, enclosures, or functional components directly from your 3D printer.
Explore Other Metal 3D Printing Materials
Beyond Aluminum 6061, The Virtual Foundry provides a range of other metal filaments compatible with most 3D printers, including Bronze Filament, 17-4 Stainless Steel filament, and Copper filament. These materials, like the Aluminum 6061 Filamet™, offer exciting opportunities to expand your 3D printing capabilities into the realm of metals.
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