The term terracotta is Italian for “baked Earth.” This is a fitting descriptor because terracotta refers to the technique of taking a porous natural clay, molding it, and putting it in the hot sun, an oven, or a kiln until it is hard. The result is a vessel or sculpture that is orange-brown and sometimes reddish. As a result, the term has also come to represent anything that displays this color, even if it is not made of the traditional clay.
This method of pottery/sculpture dates back to at least 24,000 BCE. A sculpture dating back this far was found in Moravia, which is in the modern-day Czech Republic. So to say that terracotta is a sign of timeless beauty would be an understatement, to say the least.
If you are looking to create beautiful terracotta art but do not want to go through the hassle of, you know, 1000° heat or muddy hands, you are in luck. This PLA-based filament by FormFutura is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to 3D print their own “terracotta” planters. Here are a few of the great features:
- PLA gravimetrically filled with 50% of powdered stone
- Slightly denser and heavier than standard PLA
- Matte finish with stony texture
- For indoor planters and pots
This is a great material for projects such as terracotta pots, replicas of terracotta art, and for anything that you want to have a “natural” look of red clay. Or of course, the next time you want to throw a Moravia-themed party, you are in luck!
3D Printing Notes
The manufacturer recommends cleaning the nozzle immediately after printing with this filament. To do so, use about 20 cm of regular or glow-in-the-dark PLA to flush out any fillers. Due to the stone powders, this filament will have a slightly abrasive effect on brass nozzles. So if you are using this material long-term, we recommend using ruby nozzles.
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