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The Virtual Foundry The Virtual Foundry Basalt Moon Dust Filamet - 1.75mm (0.5kg)

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The Virtual Foundry Basalt Moon Dust Filamet - 1.75mm (0.5kg)
The Virtual Foundry Basalt Moon Dust Filamet - 1.75mm (0.5kg)

The Virtual Foundry's Basalt Moon Dust Filamet™ is a unique 3D printing filament and pellet, composed of 60-62% basalt, designed to replicate the moon's surface. Compatible with any Fused Filament Fabrication 3D printer, it requires minimal equipment for easy printing. Less hygroscopic than PLA, it offers advanced properties and becomes 100% basalt when sintered, with minimal warping. Ideal for lunar construction research and similar applications.

  • High compatibility with FFF 3D printers.
  • Easy printing, minimal equipment required.
  • Transforms into 100% basalt post-sintering, minimal warping.
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The Virtual Foundry Basalt Moon Dust Filamet

Explore the Lunar Frontier

Introducing Basalt Moon Dust Filamet™, a revolutionary filament that brings the essence of the moon's surface to your 3D printing projects. Available in both 1.75mm filament and pellet form, this product boasts a composition of 60.0 - 62.0% basalt, offering high compatibility with any open-architecture Fused Filament Fabrication 3D printer and even 3D printing pens. It's incredibly easy to print with, requiring only basic equipment like a 0.6mm hardened steel nozzle and a Filawarmer, while maintaining advanced properties such as reduced hygroscopicity compared to regular PLA. Notably, once fired in a sintering furnace, it transforms into 100% basalt with minimal warping during printing.

Key Features of the PRODUCT:

  • High Compatibility: Works with any open-architecture Fused Filament Fabrication 3D printer, including 3D printing pens.
  • Easy Printing: Requires basic equipment like a 0.6mm hardened steel nozzle and a Filawarmer, with printing process similar to regular PLA.
  • Advanced Properties: Less hygroscopic than regular PLA, maintaining quality even without filament dryers.
  • Fully Sinterable: Transforms into 100% basalt with minimal warping during printing when fired in a sintering furnace.
  • Special Qualities: Simulates moon dust, making it ideal for lunar construction research and beyond.

Lunar Regolith Simulation

Crafted from a lunar regolith simulant, this filament perfectly mirrors the composition of lunar regolith found in mare regions of the Moon. Its meticulous formulation ensures authenticity, enabling users to immerse themselves in the lunar landscape right from their desktop.

  • Mimics Lunar Composition
  • Educational Value offers unique hands-on experimentation opportunities.
  • Desktop Lunar Immersion

Accessible Lunar Exploration

Designed for compatibility with Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, this filament opens the doors of lunar exploration to enthusiasts and professionals alike. Now, anyone with a compatible printer can engage in the excitement of lunar innovation and experimentation.

  • Compatible with most FFF 3D printers
  • Democratized Innovation empowers individuals to participate in the burgeoning field of lunar exploration and innovation
  • Offers an interactive platform for learning about lunar science and technology

Limitless Creativity and Innovation

With Basalt Moon Dust Filamet™, creativity knows no bounds. From constructing intricate lunar habitats to unleashing imaginative artwork with an otherworldly touch, the possibilities for creative expression and innovation are truly endless. Explore new frontiers and push the boundaries of what's possible with this groundbreaking filament.

  • Boundary-Pushing Designs: Encourages users to think outside the box and explore novel applications
  • Versatile Applications: From architectural models to artistic sculptures, the filament's versatility sparks creativity across a wide range of industries and disciplines.

Technical Specifications:

  • Composition: Basalt Moon Dust Filamet™ primarily consists of oxides of silicon, iron, magnesium, potassium, aluminum, titanium, and calcium, all blended into our standard PLA-compliant binder for optimal performance.

  • Diameter: Available in a fixed diameter of 1.75mm, exclusively offered for this introductory release.

  • Weight Options: Available in spool sizes of 0.25kg and 0.5kg, catering to various project needs and printing requirements.

  • Filawarmer Requirement: Filawarmer is optional for filament usage, providing flexibility in printing setups and environments.

  • Nozzle Compatibility: Compatible with hardened steel nozzles, with a recommended diameter of 0.6mm for optimal printing results.

  • Material Load by Mass: Each filament batch comprises 60-62% of the total mass, ensuring consistent and reliable printing performance.

  • Sintering Capability: Untested: Sintering trials have not been conducted for this product yet, leaving potential applications for future exploration and development. However, we expect the sintering temperature of Basalt Moon Dust Filamet™ to be at or near 1050°C (1922°F).

Getting Started with The Virtual Foundry Filamet:

Materials Needed:

  • Filamet™: Choose from one of The Virtual Foundry's 15+ stock materials or contact us to create something new and unique.
  • Open-Architecture FFF 3D Printer: Direct drive works best but isn’t required.
  • Hardened Steel Nozzle: Optimal nozzle sizes are 0.6mm or 0.8mm.
  • Build Surface: Utilize a Powder Coated Spring Steel build plate, Glass build plate, or Blue Painter’s Tape to cover your build surface.
  • Filawarmer: Recommended for enhanced printing performance.

Printing Guidelines: Filamet™ prints similarly to regular PLA filaments but with a few adjustments:

  • Use a 0.2mm layer height, 70 – 100% infill, and adjust the flow rate to 120 – 135%.
  • Start printing at 210°C (410°F) and fine-tune within the range of 190 – 230°C (374 – 446°F).
  • Maintain the build plate temperature at 40 – 65°C (104 – 149°F), with 65°C (149°F) recommended for glass/G10 build plates.

Debinding and Sintering Requirements:

Materials Needed:

  • Kiln: Necessary for the debinding and sintering process.
  • Heat-Resistant Gloves: Ensure safety during handling of heated materials.
  • Crucible: Used for holding materials during debinding and sintering.
  • Debinding Agents: Al₂O₃ for Bronze and Copper, Magnesium Silicate for sintering Bronze and Copper, and Steel Blend for Stainless Steel 17-4, Stainless Steel 316L, and Inconel® 718.
  • Sintering Carbon: Essential for the sintering process.

Debinding and Sintering Process:

  • Filamet™ debinds solely with heat, eliminating the need for additional debinding equipment.
  • Sintering can be accomplished in any kiln capable of reaching and maintaining the required sintering temperature.
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