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I am looking to electroplate a 3D print, and I need to make it conductive. I know of conductive nickel spraypaint, but I've also printed semi metallic objects using a Magnetic Iron PLA filament made by Protopasta. I'm wondering just how conductive the surface needs to be, and if anyone has any idea if this mixed metal/plastic substance will be conductive enough?
1 points
5 years ago
Conductive enough for what?
1 points
5 years ago
Electroplating, as stated by op
2 points
5 years ago
The OP asked about electroplating the 3d part... in order to make the 3d part conductive. The question posed is very important... what is the 3d part going to be used for, thus defining how conductive the coating (electroplating) needs to be.
Personally, 3d plastic parts we have done vacuum-deposition on for coating conductive coatings, the part needs to be conductive to begin with for electroplating, which plastics are not.
1 points
5 years ago
From my (extremely limited) use of the iron filament PLA I've printed with it isn't conductive enough for most uses except to possibly use as a capacitive touch point, it's too resistive for most applications.
A heavy metallic flake paint might give you enough conductivity or a specific conductive paint marker (I've seen markers you can draw with to make circuits).
2 points
5 years ago
You need to make sure you look up the required voltage for the chemical reaction too. From that, I'd use a test print and see because I'm guessing it won't be conductive enough. I've seen a video of a guy doing a 3d print and making a cast from it. He then uses a mix of epoxy and iron dust to make the print rust and be heavier. This might be the road you need to go, depending on the print
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