Algix isn’t your everyday filament producer, they produce some very interested filaments, Alga, Dura, OMNI, and the most basic, APLA. Now a nice thing about their entire line is that you can use most of these filaments on a PLA base printer, a printer without a heated bed / chamber and one with a low heat ability. Most of their filaments I printed at around 200c with the exception of Dura that prints lower. Another advantage with Algix is the tolerance, with about 450g of filament between the samples they sent me and what I received in the May Maker Box I never had a problem with tolerance, or even clogs in general and I never experienced warping on my open chamber, glass bed Robo3d R1+ Plus. Now is the narrative Algix sent me they assured that these are all safe and don’t require any special air filtration which until I read that I have to admit, I was nervous about the Alga.
Alga –
Print Settings:
Nozzle: 205c
Bed: 45c
Speed: 45mm/s
Resolution: 250 microns
Alga is a very coarse material that has a very odd smell while printing. The filament is algae based mixed with PLA. Prints come out slightly coarse like the raw material is that gives the finished print a very interesting aesthetic look and feel. I used a glue stick to adhere the print to the bed, would recommend a glue stick to help the print adhere or use BuildTak. With BuildTak and a glue stick and I didn’t have a problem with adhesion and warping. This is personally one of my favorite filaments to use, not just because of how easy it is to print but also the unprocessed finish it has. Check the attached Simplify3d profile for best settings. PROFILE
Dura –
Print Settings:
Nozzle: 190c
Bed: 55c
Speed: mm/s
Resolution: 250 microns
Finished print looks slightly rubbery and has a rubber feel. The prints also have sort of a PLA shine to them, being that they are PLA based. The prints I ran seem to be durable, though I print a skull and a Robo3d printer foot, 90-degree angle. Filament is easy to print with and I never had a problem with the adhesion to the bed, I used a glue stick I and didn’t experience any warping. Check the attached Simplify3d profile for best settings. PROFILE
APLA –
Print Settings:
Nozzle: 210c
Bed: 55c
Speed: 55mm/s
Resolution: 250 microns
Good everyday PLA, did very well with the overhangs on the skull I printed and all around good. If you are looking for a good everyday filament, then check this out!
OMNI (BETA) –
Print Settings:
Nozzle: 215c
Bed: 55c
Speed: 55mm/s
Resolution: 250 microns
The raw material has a matte look but the prints come out very shiny like PLA but has the strength of ABS. During printing I ran into a knot since the filament sample wasn’t on a spool and instead of knotting and breaking, the knot just tightened until it completely pulled the filament out of the hotend. I have found this very easy to print with unlike ABS, but has the suggested properties of ABS without the higher temperature requirements. I have found that very thin prints are very rigid and strong. I used a glue stick to adhere the print to the bed and never had a problem with adhesion and warping. I had a very easy time printing this which is surprising since this is a “beta” phase. Check the attached Simplify3d profile for best settings. PROFILE
Now if you are looking for an exotic filament that doesn’t require high heat, has a nice finish at 250 microns, and has great tolerance then I would highly recommend Algix! If you have any questions / recommendations, please contact me! If you have a filament you would to see tested, please email!
Check out Chrisbrown3d.com for more filament and product reviews!
Youtube Review here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxAhXIgTTe4
