Reflector-o-Lay: The first reflective filament for 3D printing

The prestigious engineer Kai-Parthy has passed a new barrier in the world of 3D printing filament to achieve develops the first reflective filament for 3D printing FDM. Reflect-o-Lay filament is created relying on the principle of retro-reflection of light.

This combination of a semi-flexible polymer with millions of tiny reflective particles get intensely enhance their ability to reflect light in dark environments.

These millions of reflective particles produce points on the outer surface of the filament and also once the printing, which makes the light that impacts directly on the piece created with Reflect-o-Lay reflects the wavefront of the light back to the source regardless of the angle of incidence.

This effect is obviously maximized in dark environments, the ease of transmission of the light beams. In the 90 Kai Parthy created a spray paint with reflective pigments that allowed increase security in cyclists when sprayed on clothing and get when driving at night they were seen at a great distance by vehicle drivers. After many years he has channeled the same concept oriented 3D printing. Thus is born the Reflect-o-Lay filament.

But, what applications has the reflective filament "Reflect-o-Lay"? 

It is being used experimentally in the automotive industry for passive signaling elements. Besides being created security features for cyclists, runners, and climbers ... in order to increase visibility and thus increase safety. Luminous signs, reflective markers or marking points at a great distance are other applications that are using the reflective filament Reflect-o-Lay.

But also in the world of fashion they have been made reflective accessories for clothing (reflective jackets, etc.) since due to the possibility of being a seamable and washable filament allows these can adhere to clothes. Featured as sunglasses, pet collars, reflective plates for hats or bags and a repertoire multiple accessories are some of the most widespread creations in this field with the filament for 3D printing Reflect-o-Lay.

Surely the Reflect-o-Lay filament has opened a whole new field in the world of 3D printing.