Can I print The Virtual Foundry Filamet™ on standard FDM printers like Bambu Lab?

Yes. Filamet™ works on standard open-architecture FDM printers. You must install a 0.6mm Hardened Steel Nozzle to prevent abrasion and micro-clogs from metal powders. Set nozzle temperature to 210°C, bed to 40–65°C, and initial flow rate to 125% in your slicer.

What build plate surface is required to prevent Filamet™ from damaging my plate?

Apply blue painter's tape to PEI or aluminum plates—Filamet™ will permanently weld to smooth PEI or PC surfaces if printed directly. If printing on bare glass, clean with IPA and heat to 65°C; let the plate cool completely before gently releasing the print.

How does the debinding and sintering process turn raw prints into pure metal?

Unlike complex systems requiring toxic chemical baths, Filamet™ uses a single-step thermal kiln process. Pack the printed "green" part into a crucible with refractory ballast. As the kiln heats, the PLA binder burns off cleanly, allowing metal particles to sinter and fuse into solid metal.

How much do parts shrink during sintering, and how do I scale my models?

Parts shrink as the binder burns away and metal particles densify. Expect an isostatic shrink rate of 5–7% for Copper and Bronze, and 10–12% for Stainless Steel. Scale your 3D model up uniformly in your slicer by these exact percentages before printing to achieve final dimensional accuracy.

Are raw Filamet™ prints electrically conductive, and how are they finished?

Raw prints are non-conductive because the metal powder is encapsulated in a PLA binder matrix. Once kiln-sintered, the solid metal object matches the full electrical and thermal conductivity of the pure base metal. Polish sintered parts using a wire brush, rotary tumbler, or polishing wheel.