MakerBot Releases New Photochromatic PLA Filament – Changes Colors in Light

Do you remember those days when you could only 3D print objects in one color at a time, using only two different types of plastics? It seems as though we are seeing new 3D printing compatible materials hitting the market on a daily basis. Whether it is the BronzeFill filament from ColorFabb, the Timberfill wood filament from Fillamentum, or new 3D printer extruders like the Discov3ry extruder which are capable of printing in materials we find in our homes, the options are increasing daily.

Today MakerBot has released an entirely new type of PLA filament to their ever-growing line of specialty filaments. Magenta Photochromatic and Blue Photochromatic are capable of changing colors when exposed to sunlight or another UV light source.

The new light-responsive filament changes from natural white, to either magenta or blue, depending on the product you order, and could be used to fabricate some very unique 3D printed objects.  It can be purchased in small spools (0.22 kg) for $25, or large spools (0.9 kg) for $65.

If these sell well enough, it can be expected that we will see even more photochromatic filament options coming from MakerBot in the future. What do you think this color-changing filament could be used for? Do you have any designs in mind? Discuss in the MakerBot photochromatic filament forum thread on 3DPB.com.