TimeMass Carbon Nanotube Filament is an innovative 3D printing material that combines Timeplast’s water-soluble polymer matrix with a 1% (by mass) infusion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The base polymer is a time-programmable, dissolvable plastic made from environmentally benign ingredients. The addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (extremely thin, conductive carbon fibers) endows the filament with enhanced mechanical strength and electrical functionality, while still retaining the full water-solubility of the matrix. The result is a composite FDM filament that not only is compatible with standard fused deposition modeling processes, but also introduces novel 4D-printing behavior (object transformation or degradation over time) and the multifunctional benefits of nanomaterials.

Applications Across Sectors

Because of its unprecedented combination of properties (water-solubility, CNT-enhanced strength/conductivity, and FDM compatibility), the TimeMass Carbon Nanotube filament opens up a vast array of applications. Researchers and innovators in many fields can leverage this filament for novel solutions. Below is an overview of possible applications across various sectors, demonstrating the filament’s versatility:

1. Electronics & Smart Devices: The CNT-infused filament allows for 3D-printed electronic components that can be either permanent or transient. For example, one can print conductive traces, interconnects, or even simple circuits directly into a 3D object. These printed electronics could function as sensors (e.g. a strain gauge or a touch sensor printed onto a device housing) or as EMI shielding inside enclosures. After use, the circuits could be dissolved to securely destroy them or to recycle the base material. The filament’s water-soluble nature is ideal for making temporary electronics such as short-lifespan IoT sensors or dissolvable RFID tags and security seals . Imagine a smart label on a package that transmits data and then dissolves away with water – leaving no electronic waste. Additionally, embedded sensors in critical structures can be printed (to monitor stress, humidity, etc.) and later washed out when the product is retired, avoiding hazardous e-waste. The percolative network of CNTs in the filament provides the electrical pathways needed for these applications , essentially enabling structural electronics (objects that are both load-bearing and circuitry) and printed sensors in one step. This could spur advances in wearable electronics (e.g. a dissolvable health monitor patch), environmental sensors, or disposable diagnostic devices.

2. Mechanical & Structural Components: In the realm of engineering and construction, this filament can create parts that are strong yet sacrificial. One application is printing temporary support structures or molds. For instance, complex scaffolds for construction or manufacturing can be printed to support assembly or serve as molds for casting, and later simply washed away with water . The added CNTs mean these scaffolds are stronger and stiffer than typical PVA supports, allowing them to bear greater loads or span larger gaps. They can even be designed to monitor loads: a CNT-doped scaffold could sense stress or deformation in a construction element during curing (by changes in its electrical resistance), then dissolve when the concrete or resin sets, leaving behind no inclusions. The filament can also produce lightweight structural parts (with the benefit of CNT reinforcement) for uses where the part only needs to last a certain time. For example, drones or aerospace components that degrade after deployment are conceivable . A small surveillance drone printed from this material could self-decompose in water or rain to avoid leaving technology behind. The CNT content would improve the drone’s stiffness and could serve as built-in antennas for communication, or as heaters for de-icing the drone’s wings, etc. Similarly, automotive parts like temporary jigs, fixtures, or prototypes can be printed and later dissolved to avoid clutter – the CNT reinforcement ensures these parts can withstand mechanical use during their short life. Even in permanent composites, the filament can be used as a sacrificial core: for instance, print an internal support for a hollow composite part, and once the composite cures, dissolve the core. The nanotubes might remain as a thin lining, possibly providing an antistatic interior or sensor network inside the composite structure.

3. Biomedical & Healthcare: (Research use of this filament in biomedical fields is particularly exciting, though subject to safety evaluations due to CNT presence.) The water-soluble base makes it akin to a biodegradable polymer, suggesting uses in temporary medical implants or supports that harmlessly dissolve in bodily fluids. For example, one could 3D print a dissolvable tissue scaffold for regenerative medicine – the scaffold could provide initial support for cell growth and also deliver carbon nanotubes which have been shown to promote cell differentiation (e.g., encouraging bone or nerve cell growth) . Studies have demonstrated that adding CNTs to 3D-printed bone scaffolds increases mechanical strength and supports bone tissue regeneration . Thus, a TimeMass CNT scaffold could help heal a bone defect and then dissolve, leaving only a percolated nanotube network that the body might gradually absorb or which remains to provide ongoing stimulus for bone growth. Another application is dissolvable electronics for health monitoring – for instance, a temporary pacemaker or diagnostic sensor that operates for a few weeks and then dissolves inside the body to avoid a second removal surgery. The CNTs would lend the device the needed electrical conductivity for sensing or stimulation, while the polymer would safely dissolve. Additionally, drug delivery devices could be printed: a capsule that slowly breaks down to release medication, where CNTs aid in guiding the capsule via magnetism (since CNTs can be functionalized or heated by electromagnetic fields) or even act as nano-heaters to trigger drug release on command. It’s worth noting that any biomedical use of CNTs must consider biocompatibility and clearance from the body – multi-walled CNTs are being researched for targeted treatments but can be toxic in uncontrolled forms . Therefore, current applications may be limited to external or research use (like lab-on-chip devices or dissolvable supports in surgeries that are washed out). Nonetheless, the filament’s ability to dissolve without residue and its CNT-induced functionality make it a strong candidate for future bioresorbable devices, temporary implants, and tissue engineering scaffolds that benefit from a conductive or mechanically enhanced framework.

4. Environmental & Water Treatment: Environmental engineering can benefit from this filament in two major ways: reducing pollution via temporary materials and active water treatment via nanomaterials. The dissolvable nature aligns with producing zero-waste products – for instance, single-use packaging or containers that can be thrown into water to dissolve after use . A medicine bottle or detergent pod made from this material could safely melt away in water, leaving only benign minerals, thus eliminating plastic waste. Now, with CNTs in the mix, these dissolvable items could also serve a function while they exist. For example, intelligent packaging could be made that monitors temperature or humidity (using the CNT’s sensing ability) to ensure food or pharmaceuticals remain in safe conditions, then the package dissolves for easy disposal. In water treatment, carbon nanotubes are highly prized for their ability to adsorb contaminants and act as nano-filters . One could print a filter structure with this filament, use it to capture pollutants from water, and then dissolve the structure to release the pollutants for analysis or safe disposal. Alternatively, the structure could dissolve slowly in water, releasing CNTs that scavenge pollutants in situ (though care must be taken since free CNTs might need recapture). Researchers have been developing CNT-based membranes and sponges that remove organic, inorganic, and biological toxins from water . The filament allows easy fabrication of such membranes in any shape – e.g., a 3D printed water filter that, after its life, dissolves so that no plastic frame remains (only the trapped contaminants and CNT sediment to dispose of). In agriculture, a smart water-release system could be envisioned: print a CNT-loaded reservoir that slowly dissolves to irrigate crops; the CNTs could detect soil nutrient levels or even deliver nanoscale nutrients (since this filament concept has parallels with Timeplast’s Plant Vitamin filament which releases minerals) . Summarily, the TimeMass CNT filament offers an eco-friendly platform for environmental devices – from marine uses like dissolvable sensor buoys (that prevent adding junk to oceans) to air and water quality sensors that degrade after their data is collected.

5. Aerospace & Defense: The aerospace sector often requires materials that are lightweight, strong, and sometimes transient or stealthy. The CNT-reinforced dissolvable filament could address niche needs here. For instance, the military or space explorers might use dissolving drones or reconnaissance devices – devices that perform their mission and then can be commanded to disintegrate (preventing enemy retrieval or avoiding space debris). The CNT content provides the strength for flight-worthy structures and also can serve as built-in circuitry (antennas, communication lines, or heating elements). CNTs’ ability to absorb electromagnetic waves (they are often used in radar-absorbing coatings) means a device printed from this filament could have a low radar signature, useful for stealth operations. Additionally, printed camouflage materials could slowly degrade in the environment to avoid leaving traces . In spacecraft applications, a dissolvable material could be used as a deployment mechanism: for example, a satellite could have printed covers or fasteners that dissolve when exposed to water or another solvent in orbit, freeing a solar panel or antenna – using CNTs to generate heat when a current is passed, to initiate the dissolution at a precise moment. The EMI shielding property from CNTs is valuable in aircraft and spacecraft to protect sensitive electronics; one could print a custom-fit, lightweight shield or housing that can be removed by dissolution after testing or send it up as a non-permanent fixture. The filament might also produce temporary fixtures/tools for aerospace manufacturing that need high strength (from CNTs) but easy removal (dissolve away without residue). This reduces labor in disassembling support structures from complex assemblies. Overall, the multi-functionality (mechanical + electrical) and “programmed mortality” of this material fit the cutting-edge demands of aerospace and defense projects.

6. Art, Fashion & Design: Artists and designers are constantly looking for new materials to realize creative visions. The TimeMass CNT filament offers a medium for creating art that evolves or vanishes over time, with an added twist of interactivity from the nanotubes. Interactive art installations could be made that respond to touch or heat (thanks to the filament’s conductivity) – for instance, a 3D-printed wall art that lights up or makes sound when you touch it, and perhaps after a month on display, it slowly dissolves as part of the artistic message about ephemerality. The material could be used to print sculptures that dissolve with rain, as a commentary on environmental issues, where CNTs provide structural integrity so the piece holds its form until the first rains come. In fashion, one could imagine avant-garde wearables that change or disintegrate: a dress or accessory that dissolves when sprayed with water, or conductive fibers in textiles for a one-time interactive performance. The CNTs could enable elements like heating (a garment that warms up when powered) or sensing (fabric that reacts to the wearer’s vitals), combined with the temporary nature – after the event, the garment can be washed away. Designers might also exploit the optical properties of CNTs (deep black coloration) to create stark visual contrasts or even incorporate light elements; for example, printing a lattice that guides light (in combination with a TimeMass Light filament) and using CNT sections to absorb light in patterns, producing dynamic visual effects. Additionally, educational design projects can use this filament to demonstrate concepts: students can print a structure and then watch it disappear in water, or create circuits that exist only briefly – blending science and art. The dissolvable, time-based aspect has already inspired artworks and installations , and adding CNTs only broadens the palette by introducing electrical and interactive capabilities.

7. Research & Development: Lastly, it should be emphasized that this filament is a researcher’s dream material for exploring new ideas. In materials science, having a dissolvable nanocomposite allows for experiments in self-assembling nanostructures (by printing and dissolving, as discussed), or studying the effect of nanotubes in complex print geometries. It can be used to prototype responsive systems – for example, printing a small actuator or muscle that bends with electrical current (CNTs will heat under current, possibly enabling thermal actuation of the polymer) and then dissolves as a failsafe. In microfluidics and lab-on-chip development, one could print sacrificial networks that leave behind microchannels lined with CNTs, which could function as electrodes or filtration elements. The filament also offers a platform for studying degradation behavior: by tweaking infill or print parameters, researchers can observe how water infiltrates and breaks down structures, which is valuable knowledge for designing time-dependent materials. Furthermore, combining this CNT filament with other TimeMass variants (like those containing nutrients, magnetic particles, or photovoltaic additives) can yield multi-functional 4D prints – for instance, a structure that not only dissolves but while intact can conduct electricity, deliver a chemical, and respond to light. The possibilities are expansive, and the filament invites cross-disciplinary R&D (from electronics to biotechnology to architecture) to push the boundaries of what additive manufacturing with smart materials can achieve.

The TimeMass Carbon Nanotube filament represents a convergence of 3D printing, nanotechnology, and sustainable design. By embedding carbon nanotubes into a water-soluble, time-programmable polymer, it unlocks capabilities ranging from printing dissolvable supports and electronics to creating stronger, smarter prototypes in virtually any industry. Carbon nanotubes serve as the versatile enhancer – boosting mechanical strength, imparting electrical and thermal functionality, and enabling new uses like printed sensors and conductive networks . Meanwhile, the dissolvable Timeplast matrix ensures that creations can be temporary by design, dissolving with no lasting plastic waste . This filament could find use in everything from eco-friendly packaging to aerospace missions, medical devices to interactive art, embodying the idea of “planned obsolescence” for good – where objects perform their duty and then gracefully disappear . All told, TimeMass CNT filament is a powerful tool for innovation in the 3D printing space, inviting makers and researchers to imagine applications where today’s print is tomorrow’s solution, and gone the next day – with only the benefits (or a sprinkle of nanotubes) left behind.

Click here to access our new and improved TimeMass GPT Assistant. Just tell it your printer model and the TimeMass filament you're using—it will instantly recommend the exact parameters you need to start printing successfully.

1. Introduction
These parameters are designed to help avoid printing issues; however, temperatures and speed timings can be adjusted based on your specific goals. For example, if you prefer a less rigid result, we recommend using a lower temperature. This section outlines a complete slicing and printing profile for TimeMass, tailored for printers with a 0.8 mm nozzle. If the print is not being successful, please lower the nozzle temperature by 10°C and start over until an optimal print is achieved. Please check the manual for printing parameters.

2. Temperature Settings
2.aNozzle Temperature: 230°C — Optimal for flowability while avoiding decomposition (which begins around 250°C).
2.bBed Temperature: 75°C — Ensures strong first-layer adhesion and prevents moisture bubbling.
2.cNozzle Temperature Range: 230–245°C — Timeplast melts around 165°C but prints best at 240°C for precise viscosity control.

3. Cooling Settings
3.aNo Cooling for First Layers: 3 layers — Prevents shrinkage due to rapid cooling of moisture-rich filament.
3.bFan Minimum Speed: 0% for the first 100 seconds — Allows heat retention during early layers.
3.cFan Maximum Speed: 15% starting at 8 seconds — Avoids overcooling that can lead to warping.
3.dKeep Fan Always On: OFF — Allows vapor to escape and avoids internal fogging.
3.eSlow Down for Cooling: ON — Improves surface finish with controlled cooling.
3.fForce Cooling for Overhangs: OFF — Overcooling can deform bridges in Timeplast.
3.gFan for Overhangs: 15% — Only for essential cooling in complex areas.
3.hPre-Start Fan Time: 2 seconds — Minimizes pressure differential during the first layer.

4. Volumetric Flow
4.aMax Volumetric Speed: 12 mm³/s — Based on a melt flow index of ~15 g/10min, allows high-speed printing.
4.bRamming Speed: 3 mm³/s — Prevents bubbles or popping from pressure spikes.

5. Retraction and Flow
5.aRetraction Distance: 0.4 mm — Minimal retraction required for soft filaments to avoid stringing.
5.bRetraction Speed: 15 mm/s — Slow enough to avoid pulling molten plastic.
5.cPressure Advance: 0.05 — Compensates for nozzle lag at high flow rates.
5.dFlow Ratio: 92% — Slight under-extrusion avoids swelling and surface artifacts.

6. Precision Settings
6.aGap Closing Radius: 0.1 mm — Tolerant of gaps in thicker walls.
6.bArc Fitting: ON — Reduces G-code size and smooths curve transitions.
6.cElephant Foot Compensation: 0.1 mm — Offsets squishing in the first layer caused by large bead sizes.

7. Walls and Shells
7.aWall Loops: 2 — Minimum for strength when using a 0.8 mm nozzle.
7.bDetect Thin Walls: ON — Ensures tight geometries aren’t skipped.
7.cTop/Bottom Shell Layers: 3 — Provides good coverage; increase if watertightness is needed.
7.dTop/Bottom Thickness: 1.2 mm — Equals 1.5x the nozzle size for solid strength.
7.eTop/Bottom Pattern: Monotonic — Distributes tension evenly and improves surface finish.

8. Geometry and Movement
8.aWall Order: Inner before Outer — Creates cleaner outer surfaces.
8.bInfill First: OFF — Maintains precise outer dimensions.
8.cSmooth Speed Transition: ON — Prevents ringing caused by abrupt speed changes.
8.dSmooth Coefficient: 80 — Ideal damping for soft materials.
8.eAvoid Crossing Wall: ON — Minimizes stringing across part walls.
8.fMax Detour for Crossing: 10 mm or 5% — Balances time with print cleanliness.

9. Layer and Width Settings
9.aLayer Height: 0.3 mm — Optimal for strength and resolution using a 0.8 mm nozzle.
9.bInitial Layer Height: 0.35 mm — Slightly higher to improve adhesion.
9.cLine Widths (all): 0.8 mm — Matches nozzle diameter for consistent extrusion.

10. Seam Settings
10.aSeam Position: Aligned or Back — Use aligned for mechanical consistency, back for visual appeal.
10.bSmart Scarf Seam: ON — Automatically adjusts seam location to reduce visual impact.
10.cSeam Angle: 155° — Standard seam angle for clean transitions.
10.dSeam Steps: 10 — Smooths seam path and improves visual finish.

11. Infill Settings
11.aWall/Infill Overlap: 10% — Prevents infill from deforming soft exterior walls.
11.bInfill Combination: ON — Consolidates paths for efficiency.
11.cDetect Floating Shells: ON — Ensures unsupported vertical structures are printed reliably.
11.dSparse Infill Density: 20–25% — Balanced rigidity vs. material use.
11.eSparse Pattern: Grid — Stable and efficient for flexible geometries.

12. Speed Settings
12.aTravel: 160 mm/s — Fast but safe against backlash.
12.bInitial Layer: 15 mm/s — Prevents nozzle from skimming and ensures bed adhesion.
12.cOuter Wall: 60 mm/s — Controlled speed for surface quality.
12.dInner Wall: 90 mm/s — Slightly faster without compromising control.
12.eSmall Perimeter: 35 mm/s — Reduced speed for detailed geometry.
12.fTop Surface: 40 mm/s — Improves finish on topmost layers.
12.gInfill: 100–120 mm/s — Takes advantage of high flowability.

13. Acceleration Settings
13.aNormal Print: 2000 mm/s² — Prevents ringing in soft filaments.
13.bTravel: 4000 mm/s² — Enables fast movement without harsh transitions.
13.cInitial Layer: 300 mm/s² — Gentle movement prevents lifting from the bed.
13.dOuter Wall: 1500 mm/s² — Improves outer surface clarity.
13.eInner Wall: 2000 mm/s² — Balanced for structural components.
13.fTop Surface: 1500 mm/s² — Ensures smooth detailing.

14. Adhesion and Brims
14.aSkirt Loops: 2 — Helps prime nozzle and start cleanly.
14.bBrim Width: 6 mm — Helps hold soft materials down.
14.cBrim Gap: 0.15 mm — Allows for easy removal without tearing.

15. Prime Tower and Flush Settings
15.aPrime Tower: ON — Purges moisture and early flow inconsistencies.
15.bTower Width: 40 mm — Prevents collapse due to heat.
15.cBrim Width (Tower): 4 mm — Adds stability to the purge base.
15.dFlush Into Support: ON — Discards unwanted early flow safely.

16. G-Code Start Script

M900 K0.05 ; Pressure Advance M106 S0 ; Fan off G92 E0 G1 E15 F300 ; purge line G92 E0

17. Additional Notes
17.aDry filament at 155 F for 2 hours before use.
17.bStore with desiccant.
17.cKeep extruder door open to allow vapor to escape.
17.dAvoid long dwell times at high temperatures.

If you need any other assistance, feel free to reach out to us anytime at timeplast@timeplast.com — we’ll be happy to help.