{"id":164195,"date":"2021-12-21T10:31:52","date_gmt":"2021-12-21T02:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=164195"},"modified":"2022-08-12T17:14:56","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T09:14:56","slug":"pva-filament-best-brands-of-2021","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/pva-filament-best-brands-of-2021","title":{"rendered":"PVA Filament: Best Brands of 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

Polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA, is a water-soluble polymer, not to be confused with PVAc, or polyvinyl acetate, which is water-soluble white glue. PVA is a colorless, odorless synthetic polymer with significant biocompatibility properties. It also has low toxicity, so it can be used in health products such as contact lens solution, and it\u2019s reasonably biodegradable.<\/p>\n

In 3D printing, PVA is popular as a support material because it\u2019s water-soluble. That said, it\u2019s not the simplest material to use.\u00a0 That\u2019s why, in this article, we\u2019ll dive into exactly what makes PVA so special and how to use it before reviewing a number of great options!<\/p>\n

Why PVA?<\/h3>\n
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PVA and dual extrusion FDM printers were made for each other (Source: Ultimaker)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For 3D printing, PVA is best known as a support material used with\u00a0multiple extrusion 3D printers<\/a>.\u00a0Normally,\u00a0FDM machines<\/a>\u00a0create both the printed part and any\u00a0support structures<\/a>\u00a0using the same material, as there\u2019s only one extruder. Removing supports can be a tricky job depending on their location, not to mention the ugly marks that can be left on the part.<\/p>\n

Dual-extrusion FDM printers<\/a>, on the other hand, allow for the use of different materials for the part and supports, and this is where PVA comes in handy. The biggest advantage of PVA filament is that it\u2019s water-soluble, so support structures printed with this material can be effortlessly removed by submerging the part in water for a few hours.<\/p>\n

This method also prevents any marks from being left on the part and reduces the need for\u00a0post-processing<\/a>\u00a0(e.g. sanding). However, it\u2019s not as simple as it sounds: Dual extrusion can be quite tough and takes lots of calibrating to get quality 3D prints.<\/p>\n

As a support material, PVA generally works well with\u00a0PLA filaments<\/a>\u00a0since it requires similar printing conditions. PLA is a hydrophobic material, meaning it doesn\u2019t \u201clike\u201d water, so if a PLA part is printed with PVA supports, only the supports will dissolve in water leaving the part in perfect condition.<\/p>\n

How to Use PVA<\/h3>\n
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Removing PVA supports is easy once a part has soaked in water (Source: 3D Printing Nerd via YouTube)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PVA filament nozzle temperature requirements can vary widely, but they generally fall between 180\u00a0and 200 \u00b0C. Always refer to the manufacturer\u2019s settings for optimal values, but keep in mind that high temperatures are known to rapidly degrade PVA, which can cause nozzles to clog.<\/p>\n

For bed adhesion, a build plate temperature between 45\u00a0and 60 \u00b0C should be more than enough for both PVA and PLA. Even so, the usual tips and tricks for\u00a0improving adhesion<\/a>\u00a0are also recommended. A\u00a0part-cooling fan<\/a>\u00a0is required, but be careful not to overcool, as PVA can become quite brittle.<\/p>\n

Proper filament storage is key. This hydrophilic material will absorb moisture much faster than any other filament. Make sure the spool is kept in an airtight container when not printing, and preferably store it with desiccant material, too.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a summary of the ideal settings for PVA:<\/p>\n