A Detailed Guide on Glow in the Dark Filament

3D Printing art can be more creative by adding glow in the dark filament. Many of us are very curious to know how it works and the role it is playing in 3D printing art. So we have done quality research and collected effective information on glow in the dark filaments. 

In 3D printing, Glow in the dark filament is one of most popular materials, which can enhance the ability to create some cool prints. Limitless results can be achieved once you select the right glow in the dark filament along with respective configuration.

By the end of this article, you will be well familiar with the usage of glow in the filament, Some of its reviews and how it can improve the quality of your 3D printings.

What is Glow in the Dark Filament?

Glow in the dark is a filament that glows when exposed to the light. It is made up of phosphorescent material and the main ingredient being strontium aluminates. It also has weaker versions of zinc sulfide and calcium sulfide combination. 

Glow in the dark filament can be created by using PLA or ABS along with these “glowing” materials.

If you observe how other elements of PLA or ABS filaments are prepared, like carbon fiber, wood or ceramic filament, they are also created in the same manner which acquire other properties.

The Glow In the Dark Filament will glow by drawing energy which comes directly from energy sources such as:

a) Black light: the strongest source being ultraviolet radiation

b) Direct sunlight: is the next most powerful energy source

c) Fluorescent light

d) Incandescent lights

Once it is charged, It will start glowing for a relatively short time frame.

Glow in the Dark filament appears like a normal filament initially, but once it absorbs the light energy when exposed, it starts glowing immensely. 

Here is the recommendation for buying glow in the dark filament from amazon with great price: MG Chemicals PLA Glow in the Dark Filament, with better dimensional properties for cool printing.

Glow in the Dark Filament: Beginners Guide

Follow the below configuration and settings to achieve a good success with a glow in the dark filament

Nozzle Temperature for Glow in the Dark Filament

For ABS based filament the Nozzle temperature should be between 210 to 240°C while for PLA based material it can range from 180 to 220 Deg C

If you are using a hard nozzle, remember to increase the temperature slightly than the mentioned values due to less thermal conductivity when compared to brass nozzle. 

3D Printing Speed for Glow in the Dark Filament

As per the feedback of many users, the 3d printing speed for Glow in the dark Filament can vary from 15 mm/s to 100 mm/s 

To get better print quality, keep the speed at about 50 to 60 mm/s. PLA based glow in the dark filaments can provide amazing results at this speed.  

Print Bed Temperature for Glow in the Dark Filament

Generally, the print bed temperature is set at 60 to 70 Deg C. But this increases for a ABS based glow in the dark filament being 100 to 110°C for a quality output. 

Is Cooling Fan Needed For Glow in the Dark Filament? 

As a general rule, ABS filament doesn’t need the cooling fan and do so for ABS based glow in the dark filament. While for a PLA based glow in the dark filament, cooling fan is needed. 

Infill & Wall Thickness 

Life of the Final print can be increased, and its glow can last longer if wall thickness is increased. Try to keep the infills at their minimum and add up more to the shells, this can enhance the quality of glow in the dark prints. 

Is Glow in the Dark with PETG Available?

Answer is Yes, PETG is also a 3D printing material. It has similar features as in ABS and PLA. PETG by nature is transparent but glows in the dark. Thus PETG in itself exhibits the Glow in the Dark features without mixing the actual glowing materials with it. It has following benefits: 

PETG Benefits:

• Can withstand high temperatures
• Warping is minimal
• Layer adhesion is very strong 
• Less odor and transparent in nature 
• High Impact resistance

Temperatures for PETG: 

• Print bed temperature: 60 to 70 Deg C 
• Nozzle/hotend temperature: 230 – 245 Deg C 

Is Glow in the Dark Filament Abrasive?

Answer is yes, sometimes you can experience abrasiveness and difficulty while printing the glow in the dark filaments. 

The standard brass nozzle cannot resist the abrasive Glow in the dark filament, switch to hardened steel nozzle for better results. 

In order to reduce abrasion, use a wider diameter nozzle of 0.6mm and this gives a balance in print quality. 

Best Glow in the Dark Filament to Buy

As per the feedback from many 3D users, Hatchbox has made its name in the market. One of its products, PLA Based HATCHBOX Glow In the Dark Filament can be a great choice. It weighs 1 KG and can be printed with basic PLA settings without any special configuration.

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MG Chemicals is also another popular glow in the dark filament brand. They have their Glow in the Dark Filament which is made with PLA. There are many customer reviews on Amazon for it. 

One user who has used Hatchback PLA filament said that it is the best and it exhibits excellent layer adhesion during the printing process with zero stringing. 

So, Hatchbox can be your choice if you think of the brightest glow in the dark  filament.  

When it comes to nozzle temperature, the range is high and it needs some trial and errors to find the sweet spot. Once you get this, printing will just be breezing.