What is the difference between Copperfill/Bronzefill PLA by Colorfabb and Proto-Pasta Stainless Steel? I want to know things like how brittle they are? Is one stronger than the other? Is one easier to paint? Which one is better for wear and tear applications? What are other metal-like filaments like this? Thanks so much.
TypeR
2
Why would it NOT be legal ??
Of course you can compare products between manufacturers. People compare products all the time.
But I have found it is difficult to compare filaments based on the information manufacturers make public. Materials are tested to different standards and even when the ones used are the same, the technical details are not easy to translate into life applications.
Mirth
3
Hi,
My understanding of these metal fill filaments is that they’re particles of the metal suspended in the plastic. As such theres no really any strength advantages, more aesthetic. One could even argue that the impurities would weaken the filament. As for quality I can’t say, there’s a few videos by MakersMuse on Youtube which may help though. For ease of paint they’re probably about equal but the particles are more for aesthetics. Say you printed in bronze fill, you could then tumble or scour the piece until the top coat of filament is removed, exposing the bronze and giving the piece a nice finish.
For wear and tearI wouldn’t say they’re any good. You’d want something like the carbon fibre or polycarbonate filaments.
Not sure what you’re application is but I hope this helps 
Thanks so much! The title is just to bring people into the thread 
I want to print a full scale iron man helmet. This would not be able to fit in a conventional tumbler. I will look into the other materials you listed. Are they a lot stronger?
Which material would be better for an iron man helmet for wear and tear and visual, carbon fiber or a polycarbonate filament? What are polycarbonate filaments?
Mirth
7
Polycarbonate is probably cheaper. It’s basically the mother of all impact resistant thermoplastics.
If you’re adamant to print I’d do polycarbonate for all of the main helmet and bronzefill for the faceplate.
Though really a cheap ABS or PLA print smoothed out would make a great master. You can cast as many pieces as you want from it and if one breaks just make another.
I really want the realistic property of Copperfill but the strength of ABS. Is there a solution?
