

The Filamet Basalt Moon Dust filament is a cutting-edge filament designed for 3D printing by The Virtual Foundry and Astroport Space Technologies. This material offers unique properties ideal for various applications, including lunar construction research, design, art, and prototyping. Available in 1.75 mm diameter, it comes in spools of 250 g or 500 g.
Crafted with 60-62 % basalt content, this filament enables the creation of parts that, upon sintering, transform into structures composed entirely of basalt, providing exceptional durability and resilience. Moreover, its surface finish beautifully simulates the texture of moon dust from lunar low-lands, adding an extra dimension to printed objects. For more information on moon mineral simulants, visit the website of Off Planet Research.
To achieve optimal results, users require an open architecture FDM/FFF 3D printer (or even a 3D printing pen) equipped with a 0.6 mm hardened steel nozzle, a Filawarmer for preheating the filament, and a model ready for printing. Despite its unique composition, printing with Filamet Basalt Moon Dust is as straightforward as with regular PLA filament. However, adjustments in slicer settings may be necessary, with a potential increase in flow rate of up to 135%.
Overall, the Filamet Basalt Moon Dust opens up exciting possibilities in additive manufacturing, particularly in industries exploring lunar construction and beyond. Its blend of innovative materials and user-friendly printing characteristics makes it a valuable asset for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
General information |
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Manufacturer | The Virtual Foundry |
Material | Ceramic + binder |
Format | 250 g / 500 g |
Density | - g/cm³ |
Filament diameter | 1.75 mm |
Filament tolerance | ±0.05 mm |
Amount of filler (volume) | 62 % |
Mechanical properties |
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Elongation at break | - % |
Tensile strength | - MPa |
Tensile modulus | - MPa |
Flexural strength | - MPa |
Flexural modulus | - MPa |
Surface hardness | - |
Printing properties |
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Printing temperature | 190-230 ºC |
Print bed temperature | 40-65 ºC |
Recommended printing speed | 60-80 mm/s |
Recommended nozzle | Hardened Steel |
Recommended nozzle diameter | Min. 0.6 mm |
Thermal properties |
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Softening temperature | 55 ºC |
Processing temperature | 190-230 ºC |
Sintering properties |
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Container | Refractory crucible |
Refractory powder | - |
Maximum temperature | 1050 ºC |
Other |
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HS Code | 7205.21 |
It is necessary to use a hardened nozzle of at least 0.6 mm diameter with the Filamet Basalt Moon Dust to avoid excessive nozzle deterioration and faulty prints. It is recommended to place the spool so that the filament is going straight into the extruder, set the flow rate to 135 % for best results, and use the TVF Filawarmer. Little to no warping occurs during printing with the Filamet Basalt Moon Dust filament. As far as recommended infill, the manufacturer explains this in detail in this video:
It is extremely important to note that filament dryers have an adverse effect on this material, hence Filamet Basalt Moon Dust should not be dried before use. Nevertheless, proper storage is crucial for filament quality and successful prints as it protects the filament from humidity. It is recommended to store Filamet Basalt Moon Dust in a tightly sealed bad with desiccant or in an intelligent filament container.