ChromoFilament: Designing a Thermochromic Filament for Displaying Malleable States

Abstract

The 3D pen has become a popular crafting tool where hands-on deformations are largely engaged. However, as malleable states are invisible, users might be burnt, or their fabrication might fail. We designed a thermochromic 3D filament, ChromoFilament, that displays the malleable states in three different colors according to the associated temperatures. From color design workshops, we identified proper stages of malleability and design considerations for color combinations, which are applied to ChromoFilament. Next, we depict a way to fabricate ChromoFilament from customizing thermochromic ink to extruding with the coated pellets. Finally, we illustrate the users’ distinctive behaviors with ChromoFilament to imply the effects of visible malleable states. We believe that our material-perspective approach, design process, and a series of findings could not only inspire supporting creativity through thermoforming but also heat-based processing in 3D printing.