PolyLite PLA Temperature Colour Changing

This PolyLite PLA Temperature Color Changing filament by Polymaker belongs to the PolyLite family of filaments designed for reliability and ease of printing, and is accompanied by the UV Color Chaning filament in the portfolio of color changing materials. This PolyLite PLA Temperature Color Changing filament was designed for the 3D printing of parts that change their color depending on the temperature they are exposed to. Thus, parts 3D printed with this filament change their color to brighter the higher the temperature, for example from green to lime or from purple to pink to transparent. 

Image 1: The PolyLite PLA Temperature Color Changing filament in Green to Lime. Source: Polymaker.

PLA (polylactic acid) filament is renowned for its eco-friendly nature, derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. This biodegradable filament showcases minimal warping during printing and is known for its ease of use, sustainability and versatility. PLA filament appeals to both hobbyists and professionals within the 3D printing community.

Image 2: The PolyLite PLA Temperature Color Changing filament in Purple to Pink to Translucent. Source: Polymaker.

Furthermore, the Polymaker PolyLite PLA Temperature Color Changing filament utilizes Polymaker's Jam-Free Technology which enhances the filament's heat resistance to 140 ºC, mitigating the risk of jamming caused by heat creep in the hot end. By boosting the filament's heat resistance from 60 ºC to 140 ºC, it guarantees a seamless printing experience without jams. It must be kept in mind, however, that this does not raise the part's heat resistance. An indepth review of the PolyLite PLA Color Changing filaments (both temperature and UV) can be found on the My Tech Fun YouTube channel.

Video 1: The color-changing PolyLite PLA filaments by Polymaker. Source: My Tech Fun.

Thermoactive filaments, also called thermochromic filaments, are created by blending thermochromic compounds into base thermoplastic material, in this case PLA, during manufacturing. These compounds react to temperature changes, causing color or transparency shifts in the filament. This reversible reaction allows the filament to return to its original state when temperatures normalize. Thermoactive filaments enable 3D prints to display captivating color-changing or transparency effects, ideal for creative as well as scientific uses.