PVB

Basic info

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a material designed for easy smoothing with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Thanks to its transparency, it’s suitable for printing vases, lamp shades and other design objects. Print settings are similar to PLA, while its mechanical properties are slightly better.

Recommended nozzle temperature: 215±10 °C

Recommended bed temperature: 75 °C

Heatbed: Smooth PEI or satin TXT sheet will provide the best adhesion.

Description

PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) has similar print settings to PLA, mechanical properties are comparable with CPE or low-tier PETG. Thanks to its translucency and IPA smoothing, it is an ideal choice when you want to make design objects, such as unconventional vases, jewellery, lamp shades and similar objects. The most ideal are models that require partially transparent surface. It’s recommended to tweak print settings, especially layer height, number of perimeters and infill density. We recommend printing with large nozzle diameter and spiral vase mode.

PVB is not suitable for printing mechanical parts. Its dimensional stability is great, tenacity and tensile strength is comparable to CPE (and low-tier PETG) but temperature resistance is similar to PLA.

Since it's an easy-to-print material (similar to PLA), PVB is a great choice for both experienced and new 3D printer users that would like to try something new.

To compare supported material properties, see our material table.

Pros	Cons
✔ Print settings similar to PLA	✖ Low layer-to-layer adhesion
✔ Filament transparency	✖ Hygroscopic filament (absorbs moisture)
✔ Ideal for design parts, vases, lampshades, etc.	✖ Higher price
✔ IPA chemical smoothing
✔ Great surface adhesion
✔ Good tenacity (similar to CPE)
✔ Good tensile strength (similar to PETG)
✔ Low warping (lower than PLA)
✔ Good for using 0.8mm nozzle

Best use

The best use of PVB is for printing transparent models, such as jewelry, vases, lampshades, etc.

Tips for successful printing

Do not use standard powder-coated TXT sheet

PVB adheres well to a clean smooth PEI sheet or satin TXT sheet. A powder-coated TXT sheet might not provide good adhesion.

Use the spiral vase mode

When printing transparent parts that require IPA smoothing, it’s good to print with a larger nozzle diameter (0.8mm) and with the spiral vase mode on. Printing with more perimeters will make layers visible even after IPA smoothing.

Chemical smoothing

The main advantage of PVB is the possibility of IPA smoothing. PVB models can be smoothed out with IPA fumes (smoothing box or professional smoothing station), washing in an IPA bath or direct application (brush or spray). Detailed smoothing description can be found in our dedicated article, general smoothing instructions can be found in our older article.

Keep the filament dry

PVB is very prone to absorbing moisture. Always put the spool back inside the bag with silica gel or let it dry for 8 hours at 45 °C before printing!