In recent times, the use of incandescent light bulbs has significantly reduced due to their energy inefficiency and short lifespan. However, one aspect of these traditional bulbs that continues to bother many is the frequent need to replace the filament. This issue, known as the "filament curse," has plagued consumers for decades. The filament is a thin wire made of tungsten that produces light when an electric current passes through it. The problem with filaments is their fragility and susceptibility to heat stress. Continuous heating and cooling of the filament during the on-off cycles eventually lead to its failure.
The first review to surface was Around the Town Chicago with Al Bresloff. “Part of what “Adventure” does is make viewing Shakespeare an adventure itself.” I felt a huge sigh of relief. He got right to the heart of the piece. Someone may ask: ‘Why mess with Shakespeare? He doesn’t need your help to write a brilliant play.’ To that I would say: you are absolutely right! Shakespeare’s plays are some of the most remarkable plays ever written; however, he has tragically acquired a bad rap among my generation, so we set out to shake up the lens through which our audience would view Shakespeare, and, well, we wanted to make viewing Shakespeare “an adventure itself.” One down.
Another fear I had was bringing a bunch of Chicago theatre reviewers many of whom are not necessarily our target audience where age is concerned to a dark, seedy, Wrigleyville bar. All of these reviewers saw that opening night performance, but as Ana Klinchynskaya of the Chicago Maroon observed, How do you write a review for a show that changes every night.
Continuous heating and cooling of the filament during the on-off cycles eventually lead to its failure. The filament curse manifests itself in several ways. First, light bulbs often burn out at the most inconvenient times.
May 2023 Model - Here's your sign
Years ago, I became obsessed with the idea of scented filament. Coffee, pine, cinnamon, and rose were all interesting in that they all made a pleasing scent while printing.
We made many experiments with natural materials ground into powders, and at least one less pleasant experience with an artificial pine scent that forever made our shop vac smell like laundry detergent. Oh yeah, and there was bacon…
We’ve mostly shelved the idea of scented filament, though it did make a small, but fun resurgence last year with some friends of Protopasta.
It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work to prepare powdered ingredients. We enjoyed some unique creativity with creations like “toasted meat”. Thanks Pooch! What happened afterwards led to an unfortunate experience, yet entertaining monologue from Zach Freedman.
While we don’t currently make any aromatic filaments, you can still “stop and smell the filament”. Take a load off. Enjoy the moment! Wait, could a phrase like this make a cool sign? How cool would weathered garden signs 3D printed with Protopasta Iron be?
Corey (more about the Protopasta x CM Design Collaboration) ran with that concept to create three wonderful signs that you can download for free from your favorite model platform (by clicking an icon below).
Corey recommends printing face down on a textured build plate for the best possible forward-facing finish. Before oxidizing, Corey roughs up the surface to expose more metal. You can find instructions for metal finishing in the how-to section of our blog or have a look of Corey’s process in our latest video on your favorite social site (linked to icons below).
Which sign is your favorite? What metal(s) will you try? Use MAY4METAL for 10% off all our metal filaments (in 100g, 500g and 1.5kg) at Protopasta.com all May long (no order minimum) to make your own metal signs.
May you have a metal-filled month,
Alex and the Protopasta Team
Don’t Be Lazy: The reason you got into this situation is that you were unwilling to watch the print and change the material before it runs out. Don’t be so lazy and watch the print. However, sometimes this isn’t an option.
It seems that whenever a crucial task requires uninterrupted lighting, the filament decides to break. This can be frustrating and time-consuming for individuals who rely on consistent illumination, such as photographers, artists, or anyone working with delicate materials. Secondly, replacing a filament is not a straightforward task for everyone. Some light fixtures are challenging to access, requiring the use of ladders or professional assistance. Furthermore, the high cost of certain specialized bulbs with unique filament designs can be a burden for those on a tight budget. Another aspect of the filament curse is the environmental impact. Disposing of burnt-out incandescent bulbs contributes to electronic waste. While initiatives promoting recycling and responsible disposal are in place, the constant need for filament replacement generates a considerable amount of waste over time. Fortunately, modern lighting technologies offer alternatives to escape the filament curse. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have revolutionized the market with their efficiency, longevity, and durability. CFLs and LEDs are known for their extended lifespan, reducing the hassle of frequent filament replacement. Additionally, CFLs and LEDs are energy-efficient, which translates into reduced electricity bills. Their increased longevity means fewer bulbs needed over time, resulting in cost savings. These alternatives also produce less heat, making them safer to handle and reducing the risk of accidental burns. In conclusion, the filament curse has long plagued consumers reliant on incandescent light bulbs. However, the advent of CFLs and LEDs has provided an escape from this frustrating cycle. By embracing these more efficient lighting technologies, consumers can bid farewell to the filament curse, benefiting from longer-lasting and environmentally friendly illumination..
Reviews for "The Filament Curse: Debunking Popular Myths"
1. John123 - 2/5 stars - As a fan of fantasy novels, I was disappointed with "The Filament Curse". The story felt disjointed, and the characters lacked depth. The world-building was minimal, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The plot seemed rushed, with important events happening without sufficient explanation. Overall, I found the book to be lacking in substance and failed to capture my attention.
2. EmilyR - 1/5 stars - I found "The Filament Curse" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The plot was predictable, with clichéd storylines that offered no surprises. The writing style was flat, lacking any depth or emotion. The characters were one-dimensional and forgettable, making it difficult to care about their fates. The book failed to hold my interest, and I would not recommend it to any avid fantasy readers.
3. DisappointedReader - 2/5 stars - "The Filament Curse" had potential, but it ultimately fell short for me. The pacing was slow, and the story lacked excitement. The world-building was overstated, providing excessive details that did not contribute to the overall narrative. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to engage with the characters. I wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations.
4. TomJ - 2/5 stars - I found "The Filament Curse" to be a mediocre fantasy novel. The writing lacked finesse, and the plot felt repetitive. The book seemed to rely too heavily on tired tropes and failed to deliver any fresh ideas. The characters were unmemorable, and their actions often did not make sense. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and uninspiring read.