Just a quick one to share a cool effect I got from using glow in the dark PLA to replace the transparent PLA in my Ironwood Cyber Tron badge.
This was inspired by the busted lanyard holder pin, which unfortunately happens a lot with 3D prints. I’ve had many keychains and decorative items gradually snap their pins.
IMO it’s a fundamental issue with certain plastics, but PLA is definitely one of the worst for things like bookshelfs suddenly snapping or other load-bearing parts breaking. It’s an accumulation of micro-fractures that eventually catastrophically fails. Replacing PLA with PLA isn’t a solution, I just wanted a quick fix and to try the glow in the dark effect for the style. Aura farming off their sweet badge. 😏
I reached out and was kindly given the STL files to replace these portions of the badge, and it looks absolutely fantastic.
Some more images for the curious….
The yellowish look of the glow in the dark PLA in daylight doesn’t actually mess up the colors, and it looks awesome in a dark room once powered off. Sadly I can’t identify the maker of this specific PLA. They have widely different brightness and print quality however, so try a few.
The STL files! Outer ring STL Inner ring STL
I honestly haven’t gotten the print where I’m perfectly happy with it yet. Skipping supports wasn’t a great idea. Cleaning supports is annoying but it’s much easier than fixing drooping overhangs. I also might need to put in a new nozzle as some elephant foot issues are jamming some sections. I’ll update later when I’ve done more with the thing.
Some links: