Metal filament often referred to as metal 3D filament, metal 3D printer filament, or metal-filled filament has become a popular choice among hobbyists and professionals who want the look, weight, and feel of real metal without the complexities of metal sintering machines.

Whether you’re printing jewelry, artistic models, functional mechanical parts, or decorative items, metal filament for 3D printing offers a unique blend of aesthetics and performance. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore what metal filament is, how it’s made, how to print it, where it works best, and how to choose the right 3D metal filament for your project.

What is Metal Filament?

Definition and Composition

Metal 3D filament is a composite material made by blending real metal powder (such as copper, bronze, brass, or stainless steel) with a base plastic like PLA or PETG. The result is a metal-filled filament that prints on normal FDM 3D printing printer but provides the look, shine, density, and texture of real metal.

It’s also called:

• metal 3D filament

• 3D printer metal filament

• 3D metal filament

• metal 3D printer filament

• metal filament 3D printer compatible

These filaments often contain 30–60% metal powder depending on the brand and material.

Role of Metal Filament in 3D Printing

Metal 3D filament bridges the gap between plastic-based prints and full metal manufacturing techniques like SLM or DMLS.
It allows users to achieve:

• Metallic shine

• Realistic weight

• Polished, brushed, or aged metal finishes

• Better stiffness compared to regular PLA

• Premium aesthetics for display pieces

Without needing a 3D printer for metal 3D filament sintering, this material provides an accessible path to metal-like prints using standard FDM hardware.

How Metal Filament is Made

Raw Material Blend

Manufacturers mix finely powdered metals such as:

• Copper

• Bronze

• Brass

• Aluminum

• Stainless steel

with a thermoplastic binding agent.

PLA is the most common base because it is easy to print, but PETG and nylon versions also exist for higher durability.

Extrusion Process

The mixture is melted, homogenized, and extruded into 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm filament. Because metal powder is heavy, this filament is denser than standard PLA.

Popular types include:

• Copper-filled metal filament

• Bronze-filled filament

• Brass-filled filament

• Stainless steel-filled filament

• Aluminum-filled filament

Each produces different visual and mechanical effects.

Properties of Metal Filament

Density and Weight

Metal 3D filament is significantly heavier than PLA, giving prints a premium, realistic metal feel.
This is ideal for sculptures, statues, cosplay accessories, or any design requiring weight.

Surface Appeal

Because it contains real metal particles, prints can be:

• Polished to a shine

• Sanded for smoothness

• Aged with patina chemicals

• Brushed for a matte metal texture

Mechanical Strength

While metal filled filament is stiffer than PLA, it is also more brittle because of the metal content.
It is not ideal for high-impact functional parts but works great for decorative or semi-functional objects.

Thermal Behavior

Most metal 3D filaments print at 200–220°C (PLA-based) or 235–250°C (PETG/nylon-based).
Heat conduction is higher, meaning layers cool differently than pure PLA.

Printing Tips: How to Print Metal Filament Successfully

Using metal filament requires careful settings. Here’s a complete guide:

Nozzle Requirements

Because metal particles are abrasive, avoid brass nozzles. Use:

• Hardened steel nozzle

• Nozzle X

• Ruby nozzle

Recommended nozzle size: 0.4 mm or larger
Smaller nozzles can clog due to metal powder.

Print Settings

• Nozzle Temperature: 200–220°C (PLA-metal), 230–250°C (PETG-metal)

• Bed Temperature: 50–70°C

• Fan: 20–50%

• Speed: Slow (30–50 mm/s for clean details)

Filament Drying

Metal material filament absorbs moisture slower than nylon but should still be kept dry to avoid:

• Bubbles

• Weak layers

• Rough surfaces

Dry at 50°C for 3–4 hours before printing.

Post-Processing

Metal material filament shines with finishing:

• Wet sanding

• Polishing with a rotary tool

• Steel wool buffing

• Chemical patinas (for bronze/copper)

This gives a true metallic appearance that plastic cannot match.

Common Metal Filament Issues and Solutions

Pros and Cons of Metal Filament

Pros

Real Metal Appearance

Provides authentic shine, texture, and weight.

Easy to Print on Standard FDM Printers

No special metal 3D printer needed.Any metal filament 3D printer setup works.

Excellent for Art and Display Models

Perfect for statues, jewelry replicas, architectural models, and miniatures.

Polishable and Finish-Friendly

Can be sanded or polished like real metal.

Cons

Abrasive – Wears Out Nozzles

Needs hardened steel nozzles always.

Brittle Compared to Pure PLA

Not ideal for impact-heavy parts.

Higher Cost

Metal powder makes it more expensive.

Heavier Spools

May require good extruder tension settings. Choosing the Right Metal Filament

Metal Type

• Copper Filament: Warm tone, ages beautifully

• Bronze Filament: Bright, strong shine

• Brass Filament: Yellowish, elegant

• Steel Filament: Industrial look

• Aluminum Filament: Lightweight, matte silver

Base Material

• PLA-metal – easiest to print

• PETG-metal – stronger

• Nylon-metal – durable but more difficult

Printer Compatibility

Make sure your printer can handle abrasive materials.
Any standard 3D printer for metal filament is usually enough.

Tolerance & Quality

Choose filaments with:

• ±0.02–0.05 mm tolerance

• Vacuum-sealed packaging

• Manufacturer data sheets

Applications of Metal Filament

Best Uses

• Jewelry prototypes

• Art statues and sculptures

• Miniatures and figurines

• Cosplay props

• Premium decorative pieces

• Mechanical display models

• Weighted handles or knobs

Where Not to Use It

• High-stress mechanical parts

• Outdoor environments (prone to oxidation unless sealed)

• Extremely thin features

FAQs

Is metal filament real metal?

Yes. Metal filament contains real metal powder blended with plastic, giving prints metallic weight, shine, and texture.

Does metal filament require a special nozzle?

Absolutely. Use steel, hardened steel, or ruby nozzles to avoid wear.

Is metal filament strong?

It is stiff but more brittle than PLA because of metal particles.

Can metallic filament rust or age?

Some types (like copper or bronze) naturally develop patina over time.Metal filament is an excellent way to achieve the look and feel of real metal using a standard FDM 3D printer. It opens doors for artistic, decorative, and premium-quality prints that are impossible with regular PLA or PETG.

Whether you choose copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, or steel-filled variants, this guide helps you understand how to print them correctly and get stunning, professional results from your 3D metal filament.

For 3D printing projects, quotes and more information visit KAD 3D