Filamentive is pleased to announce the launch of our refill filament line for UK 3D printing operators. This post explores the reasons for introducing MasterSpool filament products and explains the rising market demand for spool-less refill filaments.
Why was Refill Filament and Masterspool disregarded before?
Back in 2018, the MasterSpool by RichRap was first proposed as an idea for filament to be supplied just on simple coils, without the spool.
This concept soon gained traction in the 3D printing market and so, as a UK filament brand which prides itself on being customer-centric, the MasterSpool idea was put to our user base via a 2019 survey. The key question in the survey asked respondents what their preferred alternative to plastic filament spools is, giving them the option of recyclable cardboard spools, filament refills and ‘other’.
At the time, almost two-thirds of the 2019 survey participants favoured cardboard spools, which was the primary driver in our decision to not launch refill filaments at that time.
Understanding our customers’ sentiments, we concluded that cardboard spools were the best choice, offering 3D printer users recyclability and a strong, durable base that protected the filament during transit and storage. Additionally, being 10% lighter than plastic, cardboard spools offer shipping efficiency and generally, lower environmental carbon footprint.
In conclusion, despite recognising the benefits of MasterSpool at that time, cardboard proved to be the more sustainable and efficient option.
The rise of Bambu Lab and AMS Compatible 3D Printer Filament
Bambu Lab ranks among the most exceptional 3D printers available in 2024, thanks to its remarkably fast print speed and overall quality. Bambu Lab printers are renowned for their innovation in the budget and mid-range market, and according to Chris Connery at Context, Bambu Lab significantly contributed to the overall growth of desktop 3D printing, boasting a remarkable 3,000% sales increase in 2023.
The Bambu Lab AMS (Automatic Material System) is an accessory for Bambu Lab 3D printers, that automates filament feeding. It allows for automatic switching between different filament types or colours, enhancing efficiency and flexibility, useful for long or complex prints.
According to a recent Filamentive survey, 82% of respondents said they use the AMS with their Bambu Labs 3D printer. This is pertinent to a filament brand like Filamentive prioritising cardboard spooling because this very decision is potentially an issue for Bambu Labs AMS. Specifically, cardboard can leave residue on the AMS rubber rollers, leading to clogs and potential spool deformation, which might cause feeding or retraction issues.
Bambu Lab prefers refills because they designed their entire filament feeding system around a reusable spool, claiming to reduce plastic waste by at least 20% in the process.
Which Filament Spooling Type do Bambu Lab Users prefer?
In a recent survey sent to UK Bambu Lab users, 100% of respondents indicated a preference for refill filaments over traditional filament reels, including both plastic and cardboard spools.
This finding starkly contrasts with the 2019 survey, which showed a clear preference for cardboard spooling over filament refills at that time.
What are the Main Reasons for Choosing Refill Filaments?
The same Bambu Lab survey then asked 3D printer operators their primary reason for the refill preference.
Sustainability Benefits (50%): Half of the respondents cited sustainability as their main reason for preferring refill filaments. By reducing spool waste, users contribute to a more environmentally-friendly 3D printing, aligning with growing awareness and efforts to minimise plastic waste, especially considering two-thirds plastic filament spools are not reused or recycled.
Bambu Lab AMS Compatibility (32%): Nearly a third of the respondents prioritised compatibility with the Bambu Lab AMS (Automatic Material System). The AMS is designed to streamline the filament feeding process, enabling automatic switching between different filament types or colours. Refill filaments ensure smooth operation without the issues associated with residue or deformation that can occur with cardboard spools.
Cost-Savings (18%): The remaining 18% of respondents highlighted cost savings as their primary motivation. Refill filaments are generally less expensive than standard spooled filaments, mainly due to eliminating the cost of the filament reel, making them an economical choice for users who want to reduce their overall 3D printing costs.
Do UK 3D Printing users want Filamentive Refill Filaments?
As with any major product development decision, it is important to look at the data when deciding if there is a business case to release a certain product, in this case, refill filaments.
The final question of the Bambu Lab User survey asked 3D printer operators what would be their primary preference when buying filament from Filamentive, giving the options of 100% AMS-compatible cardboard spool versus refill filament.
As the chart shows, there was a clear preference, with 90% of Bambu Lab UK 3D printer operators preferring refill filament. This strong inclination towards refill filaments underscores a significant market demand, reflecting the users’ priorities for sustainability, AMS compatibility, and cost-efficiency when buying Bambu Lab 3D printer filament in the UK.
Shop Refill Filaments for 3D Printing in the UK
Whether you’re looking for sustainable 3D printing filament, materials for your Bambu Lab or AMS compatible filament, ReFill PLA offers a range of solutions for 3D printing operators in the UK.
Filamentive is excited to meet this growing demand by offering high-quality refill filaments that align with the needs and preferences of our customers. Explore our new refill filament line today and experience the benefits of sustainability, compatibility, and cost-efficiency.