Filament Selection

Printing your DIY watch begins with the decision of choosing the right filament.

From the traditional options of PLA and PETG to the more experimental choices like metal-infused and carbon fibre-infused filaments, each material brings its own set of advantages and considerations to the table.

Let's delve into the world of filament selection, exploring the nuances of each material and the printing considerations they entail.

Understanding PLA and PETG: 

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

• Pros:
  • Easy to use, ideal for beginners
  • Wide range of vibrant colours available
  • Environmentally friendly, derived from renewable resources
• Cons:
  • Can be brittle and prone to breaking
  • Limited heat resistance
  • Not suitable for applications requiring high strength or flexibility
• Printing Considerations:
  • Nozzle temp 180-220C
  • Bed temp 40C
  • Suitable for intricate designs and decorative components

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

• Pros:
  • Superior strength and durability
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Minimal shrinkage and warping
• Cons:
  • Less aesthetically versatile compared to PLA
  • Limited availability of colours
• Printing Considerations:
  • Higher printing temperatures required 220-260C
  • Minimising draughts
  • Excellent layer adhesion, suitable for functional parts of the watch

A Note On Experimental Filaments: 

Its worth noting that these filaments haven't been used at TPW, feel free to give them a go and let us know how you get on!

Metal-Infused Filaments

• Pros:
  • Adds a luxurious touch with metallic accents
  • Enhances aesthetics and sophistication
  • Wide range of metallic finishes available
• Cons:
  • Requires specialised printing settings
  • Post-processing may be necessary for desired finish
  • Higher cost compared to traditional filaments
• Printing Considerations:
  • May require additional cooling to prevent warping
  • Experimentation with printing speeds and temperatures may be necessary

Carbon Fibre-Infused Filaments

• Pros:
  • Exceptional stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio
  • Lightweight yet durable
  • Resistant to deformation and wear
• Cons:
  • Higher cost compared to traditional filaments
  • Limited availability of colours and finishes
  • May cause nozzle wear due to abrasive nature
• Printing Considerations:
  • Specialised nozzle recommended due to abrasiveness
  • Increased printing temperatures may be required

Making the Informed Choice for Your Printed DIY Watch

Choosing the right filament for your DIY 3D printed watch is a crucial step that influences both the aesthetics and functionality of the final product. Whether you prioritise ease of use, durability, or innovative design, each filament offers a unique set of characteristics to cater to your preferences and requirements.

At The Printable Watch, we're committed to providing resources, guidance, and inspiration to assist you in your DIY watchmaking journey.