Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA

Bronze Metal-Filled PLA Filament

$12.00 USD

HTPC1701-BRO

Introducing Bronze-Filled Metal Composite HTPLA . Using real bronze powder, we've created a premium heat treatable metal PLA filament for 3D prints that finish just like real metal! Our bronze 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 bronze coins or a naturally rustic finish with an acquired patina reminiscent of an aged bronze 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 Bronze-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. 



Brick or cast bronze? Brush, polish, or patina and enjoy!

Introducing Bronze-Filled Metal Composite HTPLA. Using real bronze powder, we've created a premium heat treatable metal PLA filament for 3D prints that finish just like real metal! Our bronze 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 bronze coins or a naturally rustic finish with an acquired patina reminiscent of an aged bronze 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 Bronze 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
4.7 Based on 14 Reviews
5 ★
79% 
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4 ★
14% 
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Customer Photos
Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Zachary B.i
Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Jason P.i
Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Timothy H.i
Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Zayn Q.i
Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Zayn Q.i
Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Zayn Q.i
Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA - Customer Photo From Davidi
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Filter Reviews:
WZ
12/29/2023
William Z.
United States United States
I recommend this product

Excellent filament

Excellent metal filled PLA. Printed on a Bambu X1C without issues. The heavy weight gives the printed parts a premium feel and polishes nicely with some light sanding. A little expensive but you get what you pay for!

Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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Was this helpful?  1    0
05/09/2024

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant

Happy to hear it! Thanks for trying it out!

KF
12/27/2023
Kelli F.
United States United States

Fantastic product and company!!

Love this company and their products!! highly recommend!!

Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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05/09/2024

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant

Thanks for your support, we couldn't do it without customers like you!

LH
04/03/2023
Lee H.
United States United States
I recommend this product

Excellent Product

Product was as represented - makes for a truly unique finish. If one suggestion - finishing or buffing really need to be explained clearer especially on surfaces that are not Flat….other techniques used Wonderful and Unique filament easy to print with.

Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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05/12/2023

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant

We originally tried to explain non-flat surface polishing when releasing steel back in 2015, but it's very challenging and conditional. Power tools can easily overheat the surface and surfaces that aren't exposed are very difficult to polish. Something with a slight curve like a ring can polish well, but again, if using power tools, technique becomes very much an art form to avoid overheating the plastic. For surfaces that aren't flat or exposed, I like to oxidize or blacken for contrast. Anyway, metal finishing is a whole world in itself! Enjoy the exploration!!!

LH
02/22/2023
Lee H.
United States United States
I recommend this product

Great and Unique Product

Very Good and as represented. Would appreciate clearer finishing directions and options. All and all great product

Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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Was this helpful?  1    0
03/07/2023

Protopasta, Filament by Protoplant

Thank you for the feedback regarding finishing. Do you find the following blog adequate? https://www.proto-pasta.com/blogs/how-to/polish-or-patina-for-a-real-metal-finish If not, please email support@protoplant.com to let us know. We welcome your feedback and recommendations. All our best, Alex

DM
03/20/2022
Daniel M.
United States United States

Proto Pasta filament delivery service

exellent! Delivered way sooner than I expected.

Bronze-filled Metal Composite HTPLA
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