Can You 3D Print "Aluminum" Extrusions?
In this video, I try to 3D printing my own "aluminum" extrusions using PETG-CF, PPA-CF, and more. Huge thanks to PCBWay for supporting the channel: https://jle.vi/pcbway
You’ve probably seen aluminum extrusion profiles everywhere — in 3D printers, CNC machines, laser engravers, workbenches, enclosures, camera rigs, and more. These modular aluminum extrusions are the backbone of DIY engineering and maker projects, offering strength, rigidity, and endless flexibility for building just about anything.
But do we really need all that strength and weight for every application?
In this video, I put that question to the test. I dive deep into whether you can 3D print your own extrusion profiles using today’s advanced composite filaments. I'll show you the experimentation process, the failures, the unexpected wins, and whether printed alternatives can actually replace real profiles for your functional DIY projects. Along the way, you'll learn about different 3D printing filaments, especially carbon fiber filament like PPA-CF, ASA-GF, PETG-CF, and more! We'll even look at the performance of PPA-CF filament vs. Aluminium!
Whether you're a 3D printing n00b, or someone who already has experience with advanced 3d printer filaments like pa-cf and PPA-CF, this video is packed with insights, experiments, and lessons learned - especially about the IdeaFormer IR3 V2 and the SnapMaker Artisan! So... can we 3D print aluminum extrusions? Or will I just waste a bunch of high-end carbon fiber filament trying? Let's find out...
🤫 Get my custom filament and printer profiles, buyers guides, and much, much more on Patreon: / thenextlayer
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🎥 IN THIS VIDEO: 🎥
00:00 Introduction
01:20 The Challenge
02:17 PETG-CF
05:33 ASA-GF
07:25 ASA + Magigoo
11:04 PA-CF + Magigoo PA
13:40 PA-CF + TPU
15:06 PPA-CF
18:41 Will They Actually Work?
20:06 Future Improvements
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO: 🔗
👉 Atomic Filament: https://jle.vi/atomicfilament
👉 Sovol SV08 Max: https://jle.vi/sovol
👉 Ideamaker IR3 V2: https://jle.vi/ideaformerks
👉 HOTO tools (Compressed Air Capsule & others): https://go.hototools.com/TheNextLayer use code "JONATHAN15" for 15% OFF
👉 Siraya Tech Filament: https://siraya.tech/
👉 Magigoo - my favorite 3D printing accessory: https://jle.vi/magigoo
👉 Polymaker - my favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker
👉 Snapmaker Artisan: https://jle.vi/snapmaker use code THENEXTLAYER5 for 5% OFF
👉 yxPolymer PA-CF Filament: https://geni.us/yxPolymerpacf [AMZ]
👉 Creality K2 Plus: https://jle.vi/creality
👉 Sunlu E2 Filament Dryer: https://jle.vi/sunlu
👉 DryWise Filament Dryer: https://drywise.co/
👉 My previous video where I explored the Sovol SV08 Max: • Do You Actually NEED a Bigger 3D Printer?
👉 My previous video where I tried out the Ideamaker IR3 V2: • Belt 3D Printers FINALLY Catch Up!
👉 My previous video where I 3D printed custom speakers using the Snapmaker Artisan: • I 3D Printed Speakers from AliExpress. How...
👉 My previous video where I shared why shared why I switched to Orca Slicer: • I Switched 3D Printing Slicers & You Shoul...
🎨 STLs and MODELS USED IN THIS VIDEO: 🎨
🎨 2020 Aluminum Profile Collection: https://www.printables.com/model/1319...
🎨 TPU Seals for Extrusions: https://www.printables.com/model/1365...
🎨 TPU Seals for Acrylic: https://www.printables.com/model/1365...
🎨 Clicky-Clacky Door Mod: https://github.com/tanaes/whopping_Vo...
🛒 RECOMMENDED GEAR: 🛒
📍 Complete list of 3D Printing accessories: https://kit.co/jlevi/3d-printing
📍 Complete list of my videography gear: https://kit.co/jlevi/content-creation
📍My favorite thing to 3D Print: https://jle.vi/multiboard
📍My recommended electronics & control boards: https://jle.vi/bigtreetech
📍 My favorite 3D printing "accessory": https://jle.vi/magigoo | https://jle.vi/whambam
📍 My favorite 3D printing filament: https://jle.vi/polymaker
📍 Check out the official TNL merch: https://shop.thenextlayer.com/
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