PLA meaning polylactic acid, the most popular filament in FDM 3D printers and PLA 3D printers. It’s easy to print and has remarkable material properties. PLA filaments offer various applications due to their diverse composites and colors.
Besides, silky shiny PLA prints just as well as regular PLA, and you might be able to use your slicer’s standard PLA settings. 3D prints made from silky shiny PLA affect their physical properties slightly.
Undoubtedly, many brands offer their spin on the same material. However, choosing the perfect shiny PLA at an affordable price with no quality compromise can be tricky. You don’t need to buy the cheapest filament that’ll give you lousy 3D prints. Also, you don’t have to buy an expensive one when a cheaper one would have been just as good.
This post will focus on different considerations to help you select the perfect, high-quality silky shiny PLA.
Considerations When Choosing Silky Shiny PLA
The best silky shiny PLA filament for your PLA 3D printer can be determined by looking at the factors likely to matter with your 3D prints. These factors include:
Quality of the PLA Filament
To ensure final 3D print quality, a silky PLA must be high quality. This PLA filament must have a smooth, glossy finish without any blemishes or inconsistencies. The filament surface should be smooth to the touch, and the sheen should be consistent throughout the entire filament. Further, to check the qualities of filaments, colors also matter. The color should be consistent, and the shade should ideally match the manufacturer’s specifications. Any variations in shade or color can lead to a lower quality of filament.
The filament’s diameter should be consistent throughout the length and according to the manufacturer's recommended range. Any fluctuations in diameter can cause extrusion issues and affect the quality, accuracy, and overall finish of the 3D prints. Moreover, the varying diameter can result in uneven 3D printing and poor-quality 3D prints.
Bed Adhesion
Silky PLA filament’s ability to adhere to the print bed is also an essential factor to consider. A filament that adheres well to the print bed will create better 3D prints without curling or wrapping, resulting in a smooth and flawless 3D print. Always consider using a density of PLA of around 1.24g/cc filament with a built-in adhesive or a separate bed adhesive product to ensure good adhesion.
Print Temperature
A silky shiny PLA filament requires a specific printing temperature range to achieve the desired 3D print finish. Be sure to choose a PLA filament with a 50-55 degrees Celsius temperature range and recommended settings compatible with your PLA 3D printer. Too high a temperature can cause over-extrusion, and too low a temperature can lead to under-extrusion.
Color Consistency
The PLA filament's color can significantly impact the final appearance of the 3D print. PLA filaments are available in a range of colors and surface finishes. It’s essential to choose a PLA filament with consistent color throughout the spool that complements the printed object's design.
By working with these easy-to-use filaments, you can give a clean and shiny finish to your 3D prints using a polishing machine. Further, apply isopropyl alcohol to soften the layer lines and create a shiny effect. But for a silky effect you must use a silky shiny PLA filament. This PLA filament gives your 3D prints a soft finish and is perfect for elegant, highly decorative pieces.
Additionally, you can add elastomers to your silky PLA filament to make it a little flexible and stretchy but highly durable and resistant to cracking.
It All Starts With Silky Shiny PLA
Based on the above considerations, it is easy to see why many architects, civil engineers, and designers prefer this PLA material. Moreover, PLA is a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic polymer. It is made from renewable resources such as sugarcane or cornstarch. This way, it is often considered more eco-friendly than other traditional plastics made from non-renewable resources.
Final Thought
A perfect, silky shiny PLA filament can give shiny, glossy 3D prints. So, considering these factors, you must focus on the PLA filament when purchasing. These top 5 considerations will help you choose a high-quality PLA filament for your PLA 3D printer. A high-quality PLA filament is solid and durable enough to withstand the stresses of 3D printing, resulting in long-lasting and robust 3D-printed products. Buying 3D filaments from reputable brands with a record of producing high-quality products is also recommended.
If you want silky shiny PLA filament covering these factors, visit the Flashforge shop.
