Rainbow PLA filament comes in a variety of different colors, but changes while printing. This means each time you print, it will look different – even though you do not change the filament. The effect is random but smooth and no two prints are exactly alike.
It’s a popular choice among many makers because of its ability to impart colour without additional effort. The surface finish remains as usual PLA, with a colour shift giving it more life. The material is user friendly and is suitable for novice printers and advanced printers alike. The colour shift is not constant for all prints made with rainbow PLA filament, but will increase with the amount of filament used in the print, therefore it is more pronounced in larger models.
During printing, the properties of Rainbow PLA Filament change.
Rainbow PLA filament is similar to regular PLA when you are printing with it. It can melt at a similar temperature and adheres properly to most print beds. The primary difference is that the spool’s color flow inside the spool itself.
As the print runs, colours slowly move from one shade to another. Depending on the model size, some prints exhibit soft changes, others exhibit sharper changes. If the colours don’t display on smaller objects, they will usually be full blends on larger prints.
Maintaining a consistent print speed and temp is important as it can slightly alter the surface appearance. It is generally stable and easy to use, even on the simplest of computers.
The trick to smooth results is finding the correct setting.
It’s common knowledge that a constant nozzle temperature in the range of 190°C to 210°C can be used for the best results with this type of PLA filament. A heated bed (around 50°C – 60°C) is not always needed, but can help with bed grip.
The speed of printing will remain moderate. Too fast and the layers may not fuse together as well and the colour change may appear uneven. Cooling fans also help maintain the sharpness of edges, particularly for detailed models.
Also, it’s a good idea to avoid any abrupt changes of settings while printing, as there is greater colour movement in a consistent flow. Stable settings are more important when working with PLA filament that comes in a rainbow color.
The smart, chic, and versatile use of PLA filament prints includes the following:
Such filaments are frequently employed in show models, toys, decorative items, and items for the desk. It’s also used for gifts; after all, each print will be a little more personal thanks to the colour change!
It is suitable for vases, figurines and artwork where look is more important than strength. It can be used for light load parts, but it is not suitable for heavy load parts. It’s most popular for its visual impact.
Rainbow PLA filament is also widely used for educational purposes and hobbyist printing, as the bright color shifts can create a visually striking design without the need for painting.
To get a better finish and colour flow:
If you want a better effect, use a model that is taller and the colour shift will be more apparent. If the print is too small, the change might not be as noticeable.
Additionally, by keeping the filament dry, surface problems are avoided. Moist filament can form rough layers or small bubbles, impacting the final appearance. It’s easy to store it in a sealed bag if it’s not being used.
With red PLA filament, it is also beneficial to consider the size of the model, depending on the level of color differences desired. Larger prints will last longer in terms of colour cycles, and smaller prints will shift colour faster. This little planning step can help with the overall outcome.