Thermochromic filament changes colour as its temperature moves through a transition range. Printing temperature and part geometry affect the result. Use a controlled profile and verify colour after cooling.
Understand the range
- Colour starts changing at a material-specific temperature.
- It may return as the part cools.
- Dwell can create local differences.
Control printing
Avoid the upper end of the temperature range, minimise dwell and use controlled cooling. Test thick and thin areas because heat retention differs.
Validate
- Reference colour.
- Cooled appearance.
- Transitions.
| Factor | Effect | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temp | Transition | Test part |
| Dwell | Local colour | Path |
| Cooling | Return colour | Time |
| Thickness | Heat retention | Geometry |
Common engineering mistakes
- Judging while hot.
- Using maximum temperature.
- Long dwelling.
- No reference.
- Promising exact sensing accuracy.
Buyer checklist
- Is the transition range known?
- Is dwell controlled?
- Is colour checked after cooling?
- Is geometry representative?
- Are limits explained?
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