Our journey to produce 3D printing filament in Quebec continues to hit milestones. Here is a transparent progress update on where we stand and what comes next in our material development program.
Why We Are Making Filament
Using our own filament means complete control over material quality, consistent color matching across production runs, and reduced dependency on international supply chains. We consume significant amounts of filament monthly across our 200-plus printers. Producing it locally eliminates shipping delays, reduces costs at scale, and supports Quebec manufacturing.
Current Development Status
Our filament extrusion equipment is operational and producing test batches. PLA formulation is in the refinement phase — we are adjusting additive ratios to optimize print quality, surface finish, and color consistency. Early samples show promising results with dimensional accuracy within 0.02 millimeters and consistent roundness across full spools.
Color Matching Challenges
Achieving exact color matches between batches is the most demanding aspect of filament production. We are developing a colorimetry workflow using spectrophotometer measurements to ensure every spool of a given color matches within imperceptible tolerances. This precision matters because customers expect consistent colors when reordering.
Testing Protocol
Every test batch goes through a standardized evaluation: dimensional measurement across 100 random points per spool, tensile strength testing, print quality evaluation on reference models, and color consistency comparison against master samples. Only batches meeting all criteria advance to the next development phase.
Timeline and Availability
We are targeting early 2026 for initial availability of our Quebec-made filament. Launch colors will include our most-used production shades. Commercial license subscribers will receive early access and preferential pricing. Our filament will also be available for retail purchase, extending the 3DCentral brand into the materials market.
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