At this point, it’s no secret that 3D printing technology is progressing in leaps and bounds. But what you might not realize is that while the machines themselves have steadily gotten more advanced, the filaments they print with have also been experiencing a revolution.
It’s not just ABS and PLA anymore. Nowadays we’ve got 3D printing filament made from dozens of different materials. Wood, bronze, nylon, carbon fiber, water-soluble plastic, flexible rubber — you name it and there’s probably a filament made of it. And the list just keeps on expanding.
The latest addition to the ever-growing category comes from the filament wizards at 3Dom. The company, which specializes in eco-friendly printing materials, has just released a new filament that’s made from the waste byproducts of coffee — dubbed Wound Up.
Related: 3D printing with molten glass is just as mesmerizingly awesome as it sounds
It might sound like a gimmick at first, but filament derived from old coffee grounds actually boasts a number of advantages over traditional PLA. In addition to the fact that it’s made from recycled materials and is therefore more environmentally friendly, 3Dom’s coffee-based PLA also gives off a pleasant smell when it heats up. According to the company, the filament emits the aroma of “a sweet, syrupy latte” as it comes out of the extruder.
As if that wasn’t awesome enough, Wound Up also gives printed objects a unique finish. The filament’s inconsistent color and darkness result in a natural grain on whatever you’re printing. You also don’t need a special printer to use the stuff. It can be printed in any machine capable of printing with PLA, using standard PLA settings — which means practically every FDM printer known to man can work with it.
And the best part? You don’t have to wait around to get your hands on it. Wound Up is available right now, and can be snagged for 49 bucks per spool on 3Dom’s website. That’s a tiny bit more expensive than regular PLA, but just think of how much money you’ll save on scented candles!
