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May 2016

Are metal filled filaments stronger than normal plastic or is it just for the metal look?

In my experience they’re actually weaker and more brittle. Used some tungston filled filament and accidently forgot to change my settings. Printed it with 1 shell and it crumbled like eggshell when I put any pressure on it.

But it sure looks good.

Walnut shells? I haven’t heard that one. That tumbles metal? Gonna have to give that a try.

the nutshells make the surface smoother - in theory

I am not sure if this is really necessary. Sometimes things help, allthough they only exist in your imagination :wink:

I heard that any additive that disrupts the “plastic matrix” makes it weaker. So I would imagine that the metal powder just messes with the strength of the plastic. But it sure does look pretty!

11 days later

sorry that I missed your reply for some reason.

the idea is to use the walnut shells for the last shine and polish.

so first of all you should use a more abrasive media, like brass screws, ceramic pyramids, etc.
afterwards tumble your parts with walnut shells.

btw: i didn’t mean entire shels - they have to be crushed to small pieces like 3 - 5mm

Hope this helps