PVA filament is a specialized material primarily used in 3D printing as a dissolvable support structure.
PVA, which stands for Polyvinyl Alcohol, is a soft and biodegradable polymer that is highly sensitive to moisture. This sensitivity is its key characteristic for 3D printing applications.
Key Properties and Use in 3D Printing
The most significant property of PVA filament, as highlighted in the reference, is its interaction with water:
- Water Solubility: When exposed to water, PVA will actually dissolve. This makes it incredibly useful as a support material for complex 3D prints.
- Support Structures: Because it dissolves in water, PVA is a very useful support structure material for 3D printing. In dual-extruder printers, PVA can be printed alongside another material (like PLA). Once the print is finished, placing the object in water will dissolve the PVA supports, leaving behind the main printed part without the need for manual removal, which can sometimes damage delicate prints.
- Biodegradability: As a biodegradable polymer, PVA is considered more environmentally friendly than some other plastics.
- Soft Texture: The reference notes it is a "soft" polymer, which contributes to its flexibility before printing and ease of dissolution afterwards.
How PVA Supports Work
When printing an object with overhangs or complex geometries that require support, a 3D printer with multiple extruders can print the main model material with one extruder and PVA with another to build the necessary support structures.
Here's a simple breakdown of the process:
- Design the model with necessary supports.
- Slice the model using software that designates PVA for support areas.
- Print the model using a dual-extruder 3D printer.
- Submerge the finished print in water.
- Wait for the PVA supports to dissolve completely.
- Remove the finished part from the water and let it dry.
This method is particularly valuable for intricate designs where manual support removal would be difficult, risky, or impossible.
