Description: This article contains some of the most frequently asked questions about Wood filament in Summer 2019.

Q: What is Wood filament?
A: Wood filament is filament that has a PLA/PHA base with real wood fibers mixed in. It is used for prints you do not want to look like plastic, such as wooden cups, wooden figurines, etc. It is mainly used for décor. Using this filament ensures it is difficult to tell whether or not your model was 3D printed.

Q: Why would I use Wood filament?
A: It contains real food fibers and produces different shades of brown depending on what temperature you use. The higher the temperature, the darker the brown it will be. Changing temperature stimulates the trees growth ring effect. You can decorate and post-process it (cutting, grinding, and painting).

Q: Why wouldn’t I use Wood filament?
A: It is softer and weaker compared to true PLA. It has reduced flexibility and tensile length, and thus can break easily.

Q: What temperatures do I print Wood filament at?
A: While the exact temperature will vary based on your printer, the filament you are using, and your preferences, the recommended range of temperature for Wood filament is 200-260°C, and 90-110°C for the bed temperature.

Q: What sizes of filament do I need?
A: The size of filament that you need will vary based on your printer. Currently there are 1.75mm and 2.85mm filaments available. Usually printers will only support one of these sizes, so ensure you are using the correct size.

Q: Why is there 3.0mm filament listed online?
A: 3.0mm filament is another name for 2.85mm filament. It was originally used as an easier way to purchase filament, rather than using a rather specific number of 2.85mm. However, over time some manufacturers did not realize this and started making 3.0mm filament, so be sure to check the size in the specifications for the filament. This will normally be listed as true diameter and should be listed as 2.85mm rather than 3.0mm. 1.75mm filament however does not have this issue, and you can purchase it without any inconveniences.

Q: What print speed should I use when printing with Wood filament?
A: The exact speed will vary based on your printer and your personal preference, however typically 30mm/s - 40mm/s is the recommended print speed.

Q: What retraction settings should I use?
A: Retraction settings (speed and length) will vary greatly based upon your printer, what type of extruder you are using, and what filament you are using. To fine tune this based on your printer, you can follow this guide: https://www.matterhackers.com/articles/retraction-just-say-no-to-oozing.