Finding quality PLA filament for a 3D printer can be tough. It seems like filament is similar to supplements, in that just about anyone can start up a company to produce the stuff. One of the safer ways of purchasing filament is from companies like AIO Robotics who also produce their own printers. You can be pretty confident that a company like that has to produce a good quality product, otherwise it will reflect badly on their marquee product.
What you get in the box.
In the past, for my New Matter MOD-t 3D printer, I’ve used both New Matter filament and filament from MakerGeeks.com (you can see some print samples from my TechRadar article). While I had good results from those standard 1.75mm filaments, there was a bit more stringing, particularly from the MakerGeeks.com stuff, than I’d like.
I was very happy with the print quality and overall performance of the filament.
Although my adventures in 3D printing are still in the relatively early days, I do know that it’s difficult to get a good white color. Apparently a lot of the white PLAs out there are more of an off-white than a true white. So, kudos to AIO Robotics right off the bat for creating a nice white shade here with their AIOWHITE PLA 3D Printer Filament.
The completed Desk Headphone Clip. It has an excellent finish.
Of course, looks aren’t everything. Fortunately, AIO Robotics got the performance right too. Using the default settings on the Web interface for the MOD-t, which keeps the nozzle temperature at a modest 210° C when building on its non-heated bed, the output is fantastic. There are few stray filaments and a nice smooth texture on object walls. This stuff is a dream to build with.
The completed Water Twister. Although I was disappointed with how the model actually worked, it was well rendered.
AIOWHITE PLA Key Specifications:
- 0.5 kg (1.10 lb.) size spool (AIO Robotics recommends this size over 1 kg rolls due to reduced weight and improved performance)
- 1.75Mm filament diameter (dimensional accuracy +/- 0.02Mm)
- Comes vacuum packed in a resealable bag with desiccant inside a fitted box
- Recommended extrusion/nozzle temperature 190° C – 210° C (374° F – 410° F)
- Spool Diameter: 8″
- Spool Width: 2″
- Spool Hub Hole Diameter: 2″
The top half of a South Park Kyle Broflovski model. After I print the other half of the model to make a standing figure, I’ll try to paint it with acrylic paint. As you can see, the raw quality is excellent.
Another angle. This was printed at 75% scale to fit on the MOD-t’s print bed.
While I was fortunate to get this particular filament while it was on sale, I’d still happily pay full retail for this kind of performance. As such, I’m happy to give the AIO Robotics AIOWHITE PLA 3D Printer Filament an Editor’s Choice award for 2016.
Armchair Arcade Editor’s Choice Award 2016: AIO Robotics AIOWHITE PLA 3D Printer Filament
Pluses:
- Good white shade
- Great output without special settings
Minuses:
- Nothing!
NOTE: As a nice bonus – at least in my box – was an offer for free filament if you purchase from Amazon and follow the directions indicated. I applied, but as of this writing have not received redemption confirmation.
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