3D Printing

Functional 3D Printing Looking Attractive with New Magnetic Filament from Graphene 3D Labs

Graphene 3D Lab Inc. has already demonstrated some success with the release of their Conductive Graphene Filament, which at least one of our team members thought was fun to play around with. Now, the Canadian company is introducing yet another functional filament and, this time, it’s sure to attract some attention. Currently for sale on the company’s online store, BlackMagic3D, and on Amazon is Graphene 3D Lab’s all new Ferro-Magnetic PLA filament.

blackmagic3D magnetic 3D printing filament

As must as one might like to create fridge magnets with the material, the new magnetic filament from Graphene 3D Lab can actually be used to make functional objects like sensors, mechanical actuators, and motors.  I won’t pretend to know how to build these, but there are plenty of tutorials online describing how to make magnetic motors, sensors, actuators, and more.  Combined with conductive filament, we are slowly approaching the day in which all the parts necessary to reproduce a 3D printer will be 3D printable, fulfilling the dreams of RepRap founder Adrian Bowyer.

magnetic-pla-3D-printing-filament-from-graphene-3D-labs-blackmagic3d

Elena Polyakova, Co-CEO of Graphene 3D, says of the new material, “It has always been the objective of Graphene 3D to create new opportunities for 3D printing. With every functional filament we introduce to the market, the types of 3D projects that can be successfully printed expands exponentially. As this filament is ideally suited to switches, sensors and actuators, we also expect this new functionality will challenge more traditional manufacturers to examine incorporating more 3D printing technology into their manufacturing processes.”

graphene 3D labs magnetic 3D printing filamentDaniel Stolyarov, the firm’s other Co-CEO, added, “We expect 2016 to be a significant year for Graphene 3D in terms of introducing new functional filaments. We have several new functional filaments in the development pipeline and we expect to release several new filaments throughout the year. Availability of a large selection of functional 3D printing materials enlarges the capabilities of additive manufacturing allowing you to print projects that will only be limited by your imagination.”

Graphene 3D’s magnetic PLA is available in 350 gram spools of 1.75 mm filament. The product page describes the material as being “strongly attracted to magnets”, but adds that neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) or samarium cobalt (SmCo) magnets work best for attraction. The material is more abrasive and brittle than standard PLA, due to its iron content, and it may require some first layer adjustments or a nozzle replacement, specifically for larger prints. A heated bed is not required, though it can help with layer adhesion, and printing speed must be kept at around 60 to 80 mm/s for successful printing.

Given the fact that many suggest that materials are key to the widespread implementation of 3D printing technology, it’s exciting to hear that Graphene 3D plans to release even more functional materials this year.  With these two materials alone, Makers will be able to create some lightly practical products.  Then, it’s only a matter of time before everything will be 3D printable.