We already spilled the beans (dots?) in January's CES showcase + press release, but below is what we've learned since then. We recommend to start by reading our press release.
Red, orange, yellow, and green! Isn't it shocking? Doesn't look like much in natural light, but once excited by 365 nm black light the fluorescence is exceptional! That's it. It's all about the incomparable brightness under blacklight in our easy-to-print, high performance Protopasta HTPLA. I can't with to see what you print!
One benefit of being so translucent is you can print a thin layer on top of a more saturated color. In that case, the print will look like the saturated base color, but fluoresce red, orange, yellow, or green!!! Amazing, right? See how Corey (CM Design) and Daniel (Kaizen3D) each apply this technique. Example photo excerpt from a video by Corey below:
I can't wait to see your creativity with Quantum Dots!!! Tag Protopasta with your makes :-)
Missed out on March's Endless Exploration? We hope to release Quantum Dot Filaments in in April, and don't forget to subscribe by April 30th for our next Endless Exploration (contents TBD).
Take care and enjoy the pasta,
Alex and the Protopasta Team
3D Printing with Protopasta HTPLA
Like most other Protopasta PLA and HTPLA, we 3D printed at 240C nozzle and 55C plate at maximum volume rate of 12 mm3/s using the generic PLA profile on the Bambu P1S with a 0.4 steel nozzle. Find more material data listed here.
Don't know what to print? Find our models on you favorite model platform (links below).
About QD chemistry and safety
Quantum dots (QDs) are made of multiple layers that include indium phosphide, zinc sulfide, and zinc selenide. These are typical materials found in digital displays and if disposed as e-waste, not used in contact with food or aquatic life (not for fish tanks or aquarium use), and not inhaled, you will mitigate the risk with these materials.
In other words, do not sand to create dust or use/dispose where this material will come into contact with aquatic life. Toxicity is associated with inhalation of high concentration dust for years. Indium phosphate is encapsulated in HTPLA at <0.01%. 3D printing should not expose you to dust. While made with food safe PLA, we do not certify that our PLA filament is food safe, and in this case especially, we do not recommend contact with food.
We use a solvent-based QD concentrate with a boiling point of 240 C, which you should be your maximum printing temperature. Like other Protopasta HTPLA colors, a 240 C nozzle setpoint should allow you to print up to 12 mm3/s volume rate while getting a full melt for optimal mechanical and aesthetic properties (blog for reference).
While the risk is low when used and disposed of properly, QD filament is not a toy and should not be used to make toys. It should be used by adults or with adult supervision. Please do your own research, assess the risk, and decide for yourself at what level + way you wish to interact with QD filament.
Separately, we found that the fluorescence does degrade with exposure to UV light. If you wish to retain that property, do not leave by a window or in light in general. To best preserve the filament and print properties, store in a cool, dark, and dry place.
More about Protopasta
Protopasta is 100% made in the USA by Protoplant Inc. Founded in 2013 by engineers, Dustin and Aaron Cram, we control every step of the process with in-house made machinery and materials. We’re a small team with a passion for making things, just like you! We’re here because of you. We’re here for you. Thank you for choosing Protopasta!