{"id":164476,"date":"2022-03-06T16:55:33","date_gmt":"2022-03-06T08:55:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=164476"},"modified":"2023-01-10T11:37:11","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T03:37:11","slug":"glow-in-the-dark-pla-filament-best-brands-of-2021","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/glow-in-the-dark-pla-filament-best-brands-of-2021","title":{"rendered":"Glow-in-the-Dark PLA Filament: Best Brands of 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you like your prints shiny and bright, glow-in-the-dark filament is for you. Read on for the best brands of glow-in-the-dark PLA!<\/p>\n

Glow-in-the-dark filament is like any standard filament but with one key difference: It glows after being charged with light. This effect is achieved by additives such as strontium aluminate (and sometimes zinc sulfide and calcium sulfide), which absorb UV light and re-emit it as visible light. You\u2019ll find glow-in-the-dark variants of\u00a0PLA<\/a>,\u00a0ABS, and more, and they\u2019re the perfect way to add a glowing effect to a\u00a0decorative<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0cosplay print<\/a>!<\/p>\n

The same aspects that indicate a quality regular filament make a quality glow-in-the-dark filament. When you\u2019re choosing a new filament, look for cross-section roundness (i.e. closeness to a perfect circle), diameter consistency, color consistency, and the like. The consistency of the winding on the spool can also be a good indicator of quality.<\/p>\n

Then, for glow-in-the-dark filaments specifically, look for glow color, brightness, and glow time; the intensity and duration of glow can vary across brands. You might also want to consider the non-glowing (natural) color of the filament.<\/p>\n

Coming up are some of the best brands that will make your prints glow. But before we get to the list, let\u2019s quickly educate ourselves on how we can best print this special material.<\/p>\n

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Printing Tips<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Filaments come in various glow colors (Source: Matt Griffin via Make: Community)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Glow-in-the-dark filaments should print similarly to their base materials, so consult your manufacturer\u2019s recommendations. For each of the options we\u2019ve listed below, we\u2019ve compiled the necessary information for you.<\/p>\n

While printing, be aware that the glow-in-the-dark additives are highly abrasive. This means that they will damage the brass nozzles that usually come stock on 3D printers. Make sure you\u2019re printing with a\u00a0hardened steel or ruby nozzle<\/a>\u00a0(or the like), just as you would with other fiber-filled materials.<\/p>\n

In addition, note that the final glow of your prints will depend on\u00a0infill density<\/a>\u00a0and light exposure. A higher-density infill will yield a brighter glow, as will exposure to UV light. Think ahead about how you plan on using the material and how you\u2019ll be \u201ccharging\u201d it.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to print something in glow-in-the-dark filament but don\u2019t want to upgrade your nozzle, try FacFox 3D printing services<\/a>. With just a few clicks, you\u2019ll be able to get your model printed and shipped to you at a great price.<\/p>\n

And now, onto the brands!<\/p>\n

Amolen<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Amolen’s shining green filament makes for a unique, glittery look (Source: Amolen)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Amolen glow-in-the-dark offers something unique on this list: a remarkable color selection. It\u2019s got green and two kinds of blue, plus a rare red glowing option. And if you just can\u2019t choose, there\u2019s even a rainbow filament! These offerings make Amolen a fun option for those looking to play around with glow colors.<\/p>\n

Even better, if you\u2019re looking for something that has a little more sparkle,\u00a0Amolen\u2019s Shining Green filament<\/span>\u00a0is an excellent choice. Unlike all the other options on this list, which have a smooth glow, the filament incorporates glowing speckles. This makes for a glittery, star-like aesthetic that\u2019s sure to pop.<\/p>\n

In terms of price, Amolen occupies a middle ground between the premium and budget options on this list.<\/p>\n