PVB Filamente
Polyvinyl Butyral
PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) is a specialty filament that prints with settings very similar to PLA but can be post-processed with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to melt away layer lines and produce a smooth, glossy surface. The most widely known brand is Polymaker's PolySmooth, which is designed to work with their Polysher device, though a spray bottle or damp cloth with IPA achieves similar — if slower — results. PVB is primarily a display and presentation material. Its mechanical properties are modest — layer bonding is lower than PLA, and it is not suited to structural or load-bearing uses. The alcohol-smoothing capability makes it attractive for figurines, concept models, and any print where layer lines are cosmetically unacceptable.
Wofür wird PVB verwendet?
- Display models and presentation pieces requiring a smooth surface
- Figurines, busts and artistic prints
- Transparent vases, lampshades and light-diffusing parts
- Design prototypes where surface finish is a priority
PVB drucken
Print PVB at 190–220 °C with a bed at 25–70 °C (Polymaker PolySmooth specification). A standard PEI or satin sheet works well. No enclosure is required. Keep the part-cooling fan on, similar to PLA. PVB is more hygroscopic than PLA — store with desiccant and dry at 45–50 °C for 8 hours if the spool has been left open. For the IPA smoothing step, apply isopropyl alcohol evenly across the surface (spray, brush or vapour), then allow 30–60 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate fully before handling.
Vorteile
- Alcohol-smoothable — eliminates visible layer lines
- Prints with near-PLA difficulty settings
- Low warping, no enclosure needed
- Good transparency in clear grades
- Non-toxic post-processing (IPA is widely available)
Grenzen
- Not suitable for structural or load-bearing parts
- More hygroscopic than PLA — careful storage required
- Limited colour range compared to PLA
- Requires an extra post-processing step for its main advantage
- IPA fumes require ventilation during smoothing