Operation 8-Bit: Testing Printed Solid Filament for Retro Computer Projects

In this episode of Operation 8-Bit Nibbles and Bites, host Tony Landy explores the world of 3D printing with a focus on finding the perfect filament to match the iconic colors of retro computers like the Commodore 64. Join Tony and Sparky as they share their experience testing the Printed Solid PLA filament named Jesse, aimed at replicating the nostalgic hues of classic computing devices.

The Quest for Color Matching Filament

After the struggles of finding a suitable khaki-colored filament for a previous project, the team sought a closer color match for their C64 Mini. Discovering a promising lead on Twitter, they ordered the Jesse filament from Printed Solid, a US-based company known for its quality products.

Introducing Jesse: A Filament with Character

Named after the CEO's dog, Jesse comes in enticing shades like Tan 64 and Beige 500, tailored to mimic the aesthetics of Commodore computers like the Amiga and C64C. Despite initial skepticism, the team was intrigued by the color accuracy claims associated with this filament.

Testing and Troubleshooting

To put Jesse to the test, the team embarked on a printing journey, starting with a scale model of the 1541 floppy drive. However, initial attempts were marred by under extrusion issues, leading to subpar results. A temperature tower test revealed that printing temperatures between 200-230 degrees Celsius yielded optimal outcomes.

Color Match Verdict

Upon completing the prints, a side-by-side comparison was done, scrutinizing the colors against the C64 Mini and other retro gadgets like the Amiga. The results were impressive, with the Jesse filament almost perfectly mirroring the classic hues of the retro computers.

Pros and Cons

While the color accuracy and print quality of the Jesse filament impressed the team, the shipping costs slightly dampened their enthusiasm due to the limited shipping options and associated charges. Overall, the team found the Jesse filament to be a worthy investment for future retro computing projects.

Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In conclusion, the team expressed their satisfaction with the Printed Solid Jesse filament and hinted at using the Beige 500 for upcoming projects. Despite the higher cost compared to other filaments, the color accuracy and print quality justified the expense, especially for replicating the retro vibes of 80s and 90s computers.

Meta description: Explore the journey of testing Printed Solid's Jesse filament for replicating the vintage colors of retro computers. Follow the team's quest for color accuracy and the troubleshooting process, leading to impressive results and future project plans.

Keywords: 3D printing, filament testing, retro computers, color accuracy, Printed Solid, Jesse filament, troubleshooting, vintage technology

Meet Tripo

Discover the capabilities of Tripo and unlock a world of possibilities:

Draft Model Generation: Instantly spark inspiration with our fastest models. Perfect for rapid prototyping and conceptualization, this feature lets you explore various designs or perspectives before diving into detailed modeling. Accepts both text and image input.
Refine Draft Models: Elevate the quality of your initial draft models into finely detailed creations. Seamlessly transition from conceptual drafts to high-resolution models, streamlining your creative workflow.
Model Animation: Bring your creations to life with automated animation. Transform static models into dynamic animations, enhancing presentations or digital experiences effortlessly.
Stylization and Conversion: Customize and convert your models with unparalleled ease. From transforming models into lego-like or voxel-based versions to supporting format conversion (USDZ or FBX), Tripo offers unique stylization options, ensuring compatibility across platforms and applications while injecting a creative twist into your projects.