PLA vs Silk PLA
Compare PLA and Silk PLA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Silk PLA
BShiny PLA
Very shiny for show pieces
Detailed Comparison
Property
PLA
Silk PLA
Tier Rating
Tier A
Tier B
Family
PLA
PLA
Nozzle Temp
185-235°C
190-220°C
Bed Temp
50-60°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
not needed
not needed
Cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
moderate
moderate
Strengths Comparison
PLA Strengths
- Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
- Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength
Silk PLA Strengths
- Very shiny for show pieces
- Supports can be easier to remove
Considerations
PLA Caveats
- Creeps under sustained load
- Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
- Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups
Silk PLA Caveats
- Weaker than PLA
- Can puff/popcorn and jam (especially with hot-air intake or multi-material single-nozzle)
- Can 'trash' AMS/MMU
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PLA or Silk PLA better for 3D printing?
PLA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Silk PLA (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: PLA is best for Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal, while Silk PLA is best for Very shiny for show pieces.
What are the temperature differences between PLA and Silk PLA?
PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed. Silk PLA prints at 190-220°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do PLA and Silk PLA need an enclosure?
PLA: not needed. Silk PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: PLA or Silk PLA?
Both PLA and Silk PLA are beginner-friendly options.