PLA Textura™ Flare

Addnorth is a Swedish manufacturer of filaments for 3D printing, renowned for producing very high quality filaments, as well as for the strong development of materials for applications in science and engineering.

PLA Textura™ Flare is a filament based on PLA, plant fibre particles (cellulose) and bright particles which, in addition to giving this material a truly striking matt finish, give it a rocky appearance similar to pyrite with shiny metallic glints.

Image 1: Texture detail of the Flare Texture Filament. Source: Addnorth.

This cellulose filling makes the layers barely visible without compromising the degree of detail of the 3D printed piece. 

The PLA filament Textura™ Flare has a PLA (polylactic acid) base. PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable plastic obtained from natural resources. In particular, it is obtained from starch extracted from corn, beet and wheat. PLA is one of the most widely used materials in 3D printing today because it does not give off harmful gases and because it is not necessary to have a 3D printer with a hot bed, which makes it very easy to print with.

For certain applications or projects, specific finishes or textures may be required. This happens, for example, when making models of buildings or structures, where the finishes must be as close as possible to reality.

In the field of architecture, it is sometimes complicated to find materials that correctly simulate real ones and allow for a good level of detail and finish.

Thanks to the filaments of the Textura™ Flare family it is possible to find filaments that simulate plaster, slate, or other materials used in the world of construction.

The finishes of the filaments of the PLA family Textura™ Flare can also be very useful in the field of creating artistic pieces. Using materials such as standard PLA clearly distinguishes the layer lines and other imperfections or manifestations of FDM manufacturing technology that can affect the result of the pieces by incurring a longer post-processing time to achieve the desired finish. The matt texture of the PLA filament Textura™ Flare conceals until these lines and defects almost disappear.

Another advantage for the development of pieces with artistic applications is the ease of post-processing these materials.

For the design and decoration sector, the PLA Textura™ Flare filaments offer a matt texture with metallic flashes that is ideal for the manufacture of pieces such as lamps, vases and other decorative items. If a completely matt finish is desired, we recommend the use of PLA Textura™.

Furthermore, something that is increasingly valued in the product design sector is sustainability and the search for environmentally friendly materials, which is why the filaments of the PLA Textura™ and PLA Textura™ Flare range are a more than adequate option.

All these characteristics make the PLA Textura™ filament an ideal material for the manufacture of models in the architecture sector and for the development of artistic or decorative pieces.

Image 2: Piece printed with Flare Texture Filament. Source: Addnorth.

Due to the vegetable particles in its composition, it is recommended to print this filament with a nozzle of at least 0.5 mm output diameter, although it is possible to carry out successful printing using a 0.4 mm nozzle. In case of printing large objects (prints of more than 5 hours) using a 0.4 mm nozzle, it is recommended to print at low temperatures within the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer (between 185 and 190 ºC), keep retractions to a minimum and turn off the coating fan.

Despite the particle load it contains, PLA Textura™ Flare does not require the use of a hardened steel nozzle like other loaded filaments. This is because the plant particles that make up the PLA Textura™ Flare are not abrasive, and therefore allow printing using a standard brass nozzle.

The PLA Textura™ Flare filament from Addnorth has been approved as a valid filament for direct food contact (FDA*).

Addnorth presents this filament in a self-sealing plastic bag, perfect for keeping the stored filament free of moisture. It is advisable to store the filament in the bag with a desiccant bag whenever the filament is not in use.

Due to its ease of printing and its spectacular matt finish with flashes, this filament is ideal for sculptural or decorative applications.

*The FDA certificate is valid for the raw material, in this case PLA filament Textura™ Flare by Addnorth.