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Filament Compatibility (VAAPR)

While AutoFarm3D software doesn't care what filament you use, VAAPR works better with certain materials than others. If you plan to use VAAPR, we recommend using the materials listed below.

Materials that work well​

These materials work great with the VAAPR bed. They stick well, and release easily when cooled down. We recommend these materials for most applications, even parts that are large and flat. No additional adhesives are required, and no cleaning is required between prints.

  • PLA
  • ABS*
  • ASA*
  • HIPS*
  • Nylon* (PA)
  • Polycarbonate* (PC)
  • FR-ABS*
  • ABS-PC*

For specific brand recommendations and print settings, please check here.

info

* = These materials may need an enclosure if you want to print large parts with a footprint larger than 100x100mm.

Materials that may need some tweaking​

PETG​

PETG is a great material, but some brands can be very particular and need specific slicer settings and a well maintained machine. Here are some tips for printing with PETG:

  • Use an additional Z offset of +0.1-0.2 mm. This will reduce the first layer "squish" and help the PETG release from the bed.
  • Try a range of bed temps (65, 70, 75, 80)
  • Try a slower and colder first layer (5-10 mm/s, 220C)
  • Use PolyLite PETG from Polymaker. This material is well tested, and releases well from the VAAPR bed.
  • In general, the closer it is to pure PETG (fewer additives and modifiers) the better it'll adhere and release.

ToughPLA​

ToughPLA can also be a bit too sticky for the VAAPR bed. Here are some tips for printing with ToughPLA:

  • Use an additional Z offset of +0.1-0.2 mm. This will reduce the first layer "squish" and help the ToughPLA release from the bed.

Polypropylene (PP)​

PP is a wonderfully tough material but it warps easily. Here are some tips for printing with PP:

  • Make sure to use an enclosure when printing with PP. This will avoid warping
  • Avoid printing large parts with a footprint larger than 100x100mm. Warping will be harder to contorl with larger parts.
  • We have tested Centuar PP from FormFutura, and it works great once the settings are dialed in.

Materials that need a raft​

TPU and TPE​

The only materials that don't work with the VAAPR bed are highly flexible materials like TPU and TPE. They stick fine, but they will not self-release like other materials. For an alternative, we recommend Polypropylene (PP) which is quite flexible, and has good adhesion and release.

Tip

TPU can also be automated by printing with a dual-extruder setup, and using a PLA raft. This is a more advanced setup, and requires a printer with dual extruders. Contact us for more information.

More info​

The VAAPR bed is optimized to work with most common 3D printing materials, and many high-performance engineering materials. For extra details on material compatibility, and specific brand recommendations, please see our Material Compatibility Page.