SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — PLA masterbatch variety

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 04:37:10 +0000

tankueray wrote:

Maybe Ggalisky can try some of the clarified PP or PC I sent him with some of the colors. :-)

I will see what I can do My filament extrusion "lab" is currently undergoing some upgrades and changes. I'll post pics when it is all setup again.

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (tankueray) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 04:31:32 +0000

The problem with PLA masterbatch is that it's not something that the suppliers carry as standard. Everyone has ABS, PP, PVC, PS, etc. compatible masterbatches, but to get some PLA masterbatch, I have to supply the PLA and pay a supplier to compound it. Since PLA is so expensive and I have to order a minimum of 50lbs of each color, I haven't had any made. Honestly, PLA and PLA color are the worst sellers of my plastics. Right now, I have 13 ABS compatible colors and a few of those are universal (but not for PLA). Specialty colors, like neons, glows, thermochromatics, etc. are very expensive and finicky to work with; it's easier and cheaper to order 100 rolls of specialty filament in 20 colors than two 50 pound batches of specialty colorants.

@vegasloki - to get translucents, use a translucent resin like clear ABS or PLA with a lower amount of colorant. It doesn't work with all colorants (like white). I used my teal with some PC and got a very nice result, but when I upped the color ratio, it was opaque (but still awesome.) Maybe Ggalisky can try some of the clarified PP or PC I sent him with some of the colors. :-)

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (AndersE) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 22:55:18 +0000

I don't know what ultimaker blue looks like, but yes, add some white to get a lighter blue.
Roughly said, if you mix 50/50 you should in theory get someting between the original blue and white.

It takes some experimenting though.

Same thing is when mixing turqoise for example, blue, + some green + white.
And to get green mix blue and yellow.
etc, etc..

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 21:14:44 +0000

AndersE wrote:

You have so many posts with testing of different materials and have never used white or black for tinting?

No, I am just learning about this now. Before all of the colorant review my emphases was not on color, but new and exotic types of plastics and recycling.

If I wanted an Ultimaker blue, all I would do is add white colorant until I got the desired color tone right?

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (AndersE) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:45:07 +0000

Because if you for example just have blue in virgin pellets, you only can get that color. Less blue just give a weaker color or more like a blue tinted virgin pellet.
More blue won't give a light blue.

To get a babyblue or very light blue you must have a white additive.

To get a really dark blue you must add black masterbatch.

This is basic stuff in colormixing.

White for lighter colors, black for darker colors.

You have so many posts with testing of different materials and have never used white or black for tinting?

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (Ggalisky) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 08:08:57 +0000

AndersE wrote:

The same thing with white masterbatch, not many sell it but it is an essential/must to have when mixing colors.

Why do you need white masterbatch to mix colors? How does it help?

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (AndersE) — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:03:56 +0000

If there is nothing to buy, no-one can buy.
Demand is created by having products to sell.

I don't think that many KNOW that it exists neon filaments.
If i had not known that ninjaflex existed i would neither have bought it or asked for it.

I am sure that if someone had neon pellets/masterbatch to sell, they would sell like icecream a hot day.

The same thing with white masterbatch, not many sell it but it is an essential/must to have when mixing colors.

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (elmoret) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 02:50:28 +0000

The tough part about this is demand. Typically masterbatch has a minimum order quantity of 25 pounds, so if only a few customers want neon it doesn't make sense for a supplier to stock it. The best bet is to contact a supplier and request it, or link them to this thread so they see there is some demand.

Re: PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (AndersE) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 17:04:48 +0000

I would also like neon masterbatch, both for PLA and ABS.
Have not found it anywhere.

PLA masterbatch variety

null@example.com (vegasloki) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 09:14:59 +0000

For PLA masterbatch there doesn't seem to be the readily available assortment that is available from some extruded filament suppliers. I see mostly primary colors.

I use 5 or so kg of material a week depending on the volume. Most of it black 4043D in bulk. I spool by hand with a drill but just ordered a Filawinder to make it more efficient. For black and a couple of primary colors I print more than I could make with a single Filastruder in a week. It's all used for production. I'm not interested in selling bulk material.

What I'm interested in doing is adding a wider variety of colors that I can extrude almost on demand.

Where are the colorants like the translucents or neons (not glow in the dark...)? I'm looking for neon green, neon pink, translucent red and translucent purple.

Thanks