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I've seen comments about glow-in-the-dark filament being abrasive and would damage a bronze nozzle so a hardened nozzle is recommended.

Is the same true for filament that changes colour when warm (for example when held in your hands)?

Danny Tuppeny
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  • do you have a particular band in mind? there are different types of color changing, ranging from "rainbow on a spool" to "changing the color based on print temperature" – Trish Nov 27 '18 at 19:35
  • Oops, I'll update the question. Specifically I mean the type that changes color when it's warm (eg. when held). If it may vary depending on the type, then what to look for when deciding would be helpful. Thanks! – Danny Tuppeny Nov 27 '18 at 19:37
  • a thermo-dependant color? hmm, depends on the pigment/coloration... – Trish Nov 27 '18 at 19:39
  • How can I tell/find out which would/wouldn't work? – Danny Tuppeny Nov 27 '18 at 19:42
  • The manufacturer would be the proper call for definitive info. – Trish Nov 27 '18 at 19:49
  • I checked a few sites, and so far didn't find any mention on any of them (neither saying it was required, nor that it wasn't). – Danny Tuppeny Nov 27 '18 at 20:12
  • I know I'm in the minority, but my recommendation is always "try it and see what happens, because brass nozzles are dirt cheap and easy to replace" – Carl Witthoft Nov 28 '18 at 15:43
  • How easily could I tell if it was happening? – Danny Tuppeny Nov 28 '18 at 18:44

1 Answers1

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The color changing material used in the filament is most likely a Leuco dye. There are several types and some can be abrasive (just like the glow in the dark dyes); but, they aren't like putting sand through your nozzle. Since brass is really soft, even something like the dyes can cause it to wear; but, it will take a while.

The safest bet is to use a hardened nozzle; but, if you are just doing a small print then it probably won't be too hard on the brass nozzle either. I have heard of people printing an entire spool of glow-in-the-dark PLA with a brass nozzle then examining the nozzle and not noticing any wear.

Also, some people like the better thermal characteristics of the brass over the steel; so, they just stick with the brass nozzle for everything and replace it when needed.

markshancock
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