Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA

Copper Metal-Filled PLA Filament

$12.00 USD

HTPC1701-CU

Introducing Copper-Filled Metal Composite HTPLA . Using real copper powder, we've created a premium heat treatable metal PLA filament for 3D prints that finish just like real metal! Our copper composite filament is as versatile as it is beautiful, printing like plastic, but finishing like real metal for beautiful, durable parts from most standard 3D printers.

Whether you want your prints to be polished with the same bright mirror finish of shiny copper coins or a naturally rustic finish with an acquired patina reminiscent of an aged copper sculpture, the possibilities are endless with this specialty metal PLA filament. With so many finishing options, the sky is the limit! 

Scroll down or click the link below for more product specific details, finishing options, and application ideas for Copper-Filled Metal Composite HTPLA.

More product details

Technical Data Sheets

Technical data sheets available for download here. 

Safety Data Sheets

Safety data sheets available for download here.

Shipping

We provide a number of domestic shipping options within the United States via UPS, including free shipping on orders of $50 or more. We also provide international shipping via DHL Express.

Returns

At ProtoPlant's discretion, returns and replacements will be accepted within 90 days of purchase.  Please check the material label before opening your product.  Only sealed product can be returned. Shipping of items for exchange or refund is paid by the customer. More information about returns and replacements can be found in our terms and conditions. 



Terracotta or cast copper? Brush, polish, or patina and enjoy!

Introducing Copper-Filled Metal Composite HTPLA. Using real copper powder, we've created a premium heat treatable metal PLA filament for 3D prints that finish just like real metal! Our copper composite filament is as versatile as it is beautiful, printing like plastic, but finishing like real metal for beautiful, durable parts from most standard 3D printers.

 

Finishing Techniques

Whether you want your prints to be polished with the same bright mirror finish of shiny copper coins or a naturally rustic finish with an acquired patina reminiscent of an aged copper sculpture, the possibilities are endless with this specialty metal PLA filament. With so many finishing options, the sky is the limit! Here are just a few common finishing techniques for metal composite filaments you might want to try:

  • Heat treat your HTPLA print to survive harsher environments like the hot sun or a warm polishing wheel (more details below)
  • Wire Brush to expose metal for future oxidation or a bright, satin finish
  • Rock tumble with steel shot for darker, but smooth, shiny look
  • Paint part (black for example) to fill recesses with a contrasting color
  • Polish with a rotary tool, cotton buff, and polishing compound for a bright, mirror finish on high spots (darkens low spots)
  • Polish with paper for a clean, smooth, and bright finish with less darkening
  • Patina (oxidize) exposed metal naturally or accelerate with a 50/50 vinegar/hydrogen peroxide mixture saturated with salt. Place in sealed plastic bag to retain moisture. Heat further accelerates reaction.
Try these techniques separately or combine! Change the order or try something new. If you discover a new technique, make something beautiful, or discover something unexpected, share it! When you've got that perfect, WOW finish, consider preserving it with a clear coat or brush applicable water-based, food-safe, and dishwasher safe coating like Modge Podge. Practice your finishing a on a test piece like Protognome (download here).

Now the only question is, "What will you make?"

Heat Treating & Applications

Heat treating beforehand to firm up HTPLA helps parts hold shape up to near melting (175C). Protect your investment in warm environments or push limits of application by exploring copper's thermal conductivity. There is not enough copper to be electrically conductive, sintered, or plated, but there is a noticeable difference in weight and heat transfer.

Some application ideas include:
  • Faux brick or stone
  • Fixtures or hardware
  • Knobs or buttons
  • Heat sinks or exchangers
  • Fine art & sculpture
  • Emblems, signage, or trophies
  • Jewelry, like pendants or bracelets
  • Cosplay, game pieces, or figurines

Material Data

  • Base resin: HTPLA - Heat Treatable PLA
  • Additive: Real Copper Powder
  • Particle size: less than 250 micron (0.25mm)
  • Odor: low or no
  • Density: Approx. 2.30 g/cc
  • Length (500g): 97m (1.75mm) and 36m (2.85mm)
  • Heat treating: 110C (225F) for 10 min or as required for desired result
  • Total loss of stiffness (before heat treat): 50-60C (Tg)
  • Total loss of stiffness (after heat treat): 150-175C (melting)
  • Dimension change (before heat treat): 0% X/Y/Z
  • Dimension change (after heat treat): 1.5% shrink X/Y and 1% growth Z typical but please calculate and confirm for your specific print and process

Printer Settings

  • Speed: 10-20 mm/s 1st layer, 20-80 mm/s rest of part
  • Nozzle Set-point: 185-215C (hottest on 1st layer for best adhesion)
  • Nozzle Actual: maintain set-point, reduce speed if less than
  • Nozzle Type: Standard or wear resistant for extended use
  • Nozzle Diameter: 0.6mm or larger preferred, 0.4mm okay with 0.25mm minimum for experts
  • Layer thickness: 0.15-0.20mm recommended for a balance of quality, reliability, and productivity
  • Bed Temperature: Room-60C (over 60C can worsen warp)
  • Bed Preparation: Elmers purple disappearing glue stick or your other favorite PLA surface preparation

This material has been flow optimized and has less moisture uptake than standard PLAs, however composites are still sometimes more tricky to print depending on hardware and software settings. The main challenge is to keep mass flow up (larger nozzle + fast speed) and in a single direction (minimal retraction) to avoid heat soak. More on that topic here.


Customer Reviews
4.6 Based on 35 Reviews
5 ★
80% 
28
4 ★
9% 
3
3 ★
6% 
2
2 ★
0% 
0
1 ★
5% 
2
Customer Photos
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Johni
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Caleb B.i
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Caleb B.i
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Matti
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Matti
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Matti
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Luke P.i
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Geoffrey Y.i
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Jack T.i
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Jack T.i
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Jack T.i
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Harley B.i
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From james sharpi
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Filter Reviews:
DQ
09/24/2024
Daniel Q.
United States United States
I recommend this product

Excellent Filaments

The metal infused filaments really do look like metal after a bit of sanding/polishing (and not the brand new, polished kind, more of an old, worn kind that’s very hard to get aside from using real metal).

Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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Was this helpful?  0    0
10/09/2024

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant

The metal filaments are amazing, right?

CT
09/01/2024
Chris T.
United States United States
I recommend this product

Prints exactly like melted cheese tastes

I was very skeptical after watching Zack Freedman’s rating of metal filled pla (no specific brand but very harsh all around) however my experience was nothing like his. This printed the easiest as anything I’ve ever printed. That being said having had a lot of battles with cf pla and cf petg, I figured this wanted similar slow speeds. I didn’t even try anything above 50mm/s. That being said it oddly seemed to like lower temps. The fan didn’t seem to change finish noticeably. I did 215 across the board, 70% fan across except 0% on first 3 layers, and 0% on ironing. I also dropped temps to 200 for ironing. I did .1 layer height (despite recommended.15 minimum) with .45 width on a .4 revo obxidian nozzle on Prusa mini. 100% rectilinear 3 perimeters and 20% overlap. Retract/detract speed of 60ms/s with .2 hop 3mm length (Prusa mini Bowden). It sands ok but not great but I haven’t annealed anything yet. Haven’t forced patina yet either.

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Was this helpful?  0    0
09/03/2024

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant

I enjoy Zack's videos, but I really didn't understand where he was coming from with his opinion regarding metal filament printing. It's pretty awesome for what it is and our customers typically agree. Electroplating is complicated, unreliable, and requires hazardous chemicals. Getting a polished finish is a lot of work work either way. Make sure to consider our polishing paper and blog on metal finishing: https://proto-pasta.com/blogs/how-to/polish-or-patina-for-a-real-metal-finish

A Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant Customer
J
07/23/2024
John
United States United States
I recommend this product

Love the green patina!

Love how the green patina turned out after sanding it and soaking it with hydrogen peroxide and vinegar!

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA Review
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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08/07/2024

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant

Well done! They look antique!!! Wonderful :-)

CB
08/04/2023
Caleb B.
United States United States

Copper Puzzle Box

Awesome product! Even with an old Taz 6 I was able to print this puzzle box for my wife using the copper, steel, and brass. Steel seemed to print the best, followed by copper, and brass was the most challenging. I believe the photos of the finish speak for the beauty and versatility of this filament.

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA ReviewProtopasta, Filament by Protoplant Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA Review
Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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PL
06/15/2023
Phillip L.
United States United States
I recommend this product

Solid Products Everytime

Prints perfectly out of the box.

Copper-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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08/22/2023

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant

Perfect!

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