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In this article, we\u2019ve listed some of the most notable silk filaments currently available. While forming our list, we took the following into consideration:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Popularity with users, as reflected by comments and reviews<\/li>\n
- Presentation and reputation of the manufacturer<\/li>\n
- Quality of prints, as demonstrated by user photos<\/li>\n
- Unique features<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
All of these factors mean the filaments listed should make a quality purchase and produce beautiful prints. But although no particular problems are expected while printing with this filament type, it\u2019s worth mentioning a couple of differentiating points compared to normal PLA.<\/p>\n
Due to the presence of more elastic additives in the filament, some users have reported problems with\u00a0bed adhesion<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0clogging<\/a>. In fact, the correct bed temperature is a bit of a gray area, as many manufacturers suggest an unheated bed.<\/p>\n
Also, this type of filament could cause problems with\u00a0under-extrusion<\/a>\u00a0and part shrinkage. It seems that these filaments work best with slightly elevated printing temperatures compared to normal PLA, so the print is more durable and less brittle, and to allow the elastomers to melt correctly and give it the signature glossy look. Some good news is that\u00a0warping<\/a>\u00a0doesn\u2019t seem to be a prevalent issue with silk PLA.<\/p>\n
Before we get to our list, if you want something printed in silk filament but don\u2019t have the means or time, consider our 3D printing service marketplace<\/a>. You can be sure you\u2019ll get the best deal and a dazzling final product.<\/p>\n
Now, let\u2019s take a dive into the beautiful world of silk PLA!<\/p>\n
Eryone<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/55250d7d670bc0c7.png\")
A Totoro model printed in Eryone’s spectacular silk rainbow filament (Source: Le Blog 3D)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Eryone is a Chinese manufacturer of uncommon filament blends and accessory parts for 3D printers. Among other things, they offer a line of\u00a0popular silk PLA filaments<\/span>. This material is available in 10 colors.<\/p>\n
The main advantage of their silk PLAs is the reported ease of printing. Like a few other companies, they offer a rainbow silk filament, with a color gradient providing an impressive aesthetic when printed.<\/p>\n
They also claim that their filament is made from starch remnants, but this claim hasn\u2019t been independently confirmed.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$27<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a010<\/li>\n
- \u039dozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0190-230 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0N\/A<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:\u00a0<\/strong>30-60 mm\/s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n \nFiberlogy<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/62045f32e86a3df6.png\")
A bust printed with silk metallic filament (Source: 3Dprintmoney)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n Fiberlogy is a European manufacturer in Poland, specializing in the production of filaments.\u00a0FiberSilk Metallic<\/span>\u00a0is their offer in the category of silk filaments, although they claim that the final look of their prints will be closer to metal rather than plastic.<\/p>\n
The general user sentiment about the printing experience with these filaments is above average, so they should be a safe purchase. Interestingly enough, the company recommends increased cooling during the printing process (which differs from other manufacturers\u2019 suggested settings).<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$27<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.02 mm; 850-g spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a013<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0210-230 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0 50-70 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a035-60 mm\/s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hatchbox<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/09784c404d65ffb8.png\")
This material is great for both smooth and detailed prints (Source: CharlieMBTA via Reddit)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Hatchbox is a reputable filament manufacturer known for making high-quality 3D printing filaments at a low cost, in a variety of materials and appearances. Their\u00a0Silk PLA<\/span>\u00a0is just one popular type of filament in their expansive portfolio, available in seven colors.<\/p>\n
Hatchbox Silk PLA has an impressive diameter tolerance of \u00b10.03 mm, and according to the manufacturer, doesn\u2019t require a heated bed. Reviewers have noted that this filament prints like Hatchbox\u2019s regular PLA, another great filament, but yields a shimmery finish. That said, according to a few users, it can have some adhesion problems, both to the build plate and other print layers.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$20-25<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.03 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a06<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0180-210 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a00-60 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a050-60 mm\/s<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
eSun<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/aa0bc225512a8c9b.png\")
These Christmas trees shine in eSun’s eSilk-PLA (Source: eSun)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n eSun is a well known Chinese filament maker that produces its own silk PLA filament called\u00a0eSilk-PLA<\/span>. These filaments are a rather new addition to its product range and are currently offered in 15 colors.<\/p>\n
The company suggests that due to its appearance and mechanical properties, it\u2019s more appropriate for its silk filament to be used in large models with curved surfaces and practical products, such as furniture accessories and decorations.<\/p>\n
However, according to users, smaller items print well without any particular issues aside from finding the optimal temperatures. For example, eSun claims that there\u2019s no need to heat the bed in order to print, but they also state that if heating is used, the range of temperatures should be between 60-80 degrees. This can be solved with some slight experimentation.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$27<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.03 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a015<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0190-220 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0 No heat or 60-80 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a035-60 mm\/s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sunlu<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/f9da765119f48869.png\")
A golden dragon printed in Sunlu’s silk PLA sparkles (Source: doingbox2 via Reddit)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Sunlu is another well-known maker of filaments originating in China.\u00a0Sunlu\u2019s Silk PLA<\/span>\u00a0is a well-balanced filament and it has by far the widest color selection on this list: 32!<\/p>\n
However, it\u2019s a bit trickier to print than standard PLA as it requires higher nozzle temperatures and the correct bed temperature. These temperature requirements may create some problems with\u00a0overhangs<\/a>\u00a0when longer cooling times will be needed.<\/p>\n
Another issue that might come up is\u00a0blobbing<\/a>, especially towards the end of prints. This could be caused by the elastomers in the filament counteracting the retractions. However, its finish, for the most part, is beautiful: It leaves a shiny and smooth surface, without many visible defects.<\/p>\n
Some other users have reported a problem with the Z seam on the gold and silver filaments, which is corrected by changing the alignment in your\u00a0slicer software<\/a>. Most user comments are extremely positive, which lives up to the reputation of the company\u2019s other products.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$27<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.02 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a032<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0190-220 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0 60-80 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a050-100 mm\/s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
MatterHackers<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/132c087fbb549eba.png\")
An inexpensive option with decent mechanical properties (Source: MatterHackers)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n MatterHackers is a well-known, USA-based online store of all things 3D printing, including printers, tools, replacement parts, accessories, and materials. While the store carries products from many different brands (e.g. Creality, Lulzbot, Ultimaker), MatterHackers also offers its own brand of filament and other 3D printing equipment. MH Build Series PLA is MatterHackers\u2019 take on an affordable, all-purpose PLA filament, and the company also offers a silk version.<\/p>\n
Matterhacker\u2019s Silky PLA<\/span>\u00a0is great for printing mechanical or structurally oriented models requiring decent visual appeal. This filament comes with a diameter tolerance of +\/- 0.05 mm, which isn\u2019t exceptionally good, but works (i.e. doesn\u2019t clog) on most 3D printers.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$20-25<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm, 2.85 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a011<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0190-220 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a025-55 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a050 mm\/s<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Polyalchemy<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/f300de6ecb39b201.png\")
Even the normal Elixir PLA is silkier than most other “silky” filaments (Source: elmins via Reddit)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Polyalchemy is a developer of high-quality, visually focused 3D printing filament, including its\u00a0Elixir Silky PLA<\/span>. And even though this material is Polyalchemy\u2019s official silk option, any of Polyalchemy\u2019s Elixir PLA filaments are considered silkier than most other filament options. As seen in\u00a0many users\u2019 posts\u00a0about Polyalchemy Elixir and Elixir Silky PLA, the filament provides an especially smooth and vibrant finish to prints.<\/p>\n
Polyalchemy Elixir Silky PLA comes in 17 colors and two diameters, so you have a lot of options to fit your project and printer. While these filaments are great visual materials, they still maintain PLA\u2019s easy printability properties, as indicated in\u00a0Filament Review\u2019s analysis<\/a>\u00a0of Polyalchemy\u2019s Elixir PLA.<\/p>\n
As of writing, the 1.75-mm version is out of stock. But given how popular it is, we think it\u2019ll be restocked soon!<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$30-40<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm, 2.85 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 0.75-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a017<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0205-220 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:\u00a0<\/strong>0-60 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a025-40 mm\/s<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
TTY3D<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/07f65c5c65f17711.png\")
A golden Ponyta from Pok\u00e9mon dazzles (Source: SeverePsychosis via Reddit)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n TTY3D Silk filament<\/span>\u00a0is a popular filament with lots of positive comments from users. It needs a trial-and-error process in order to find the\u00a0optimum profile settings<\/a>\u00a0for each printer, but once found, almost all your prints will come out shiny, with vivid colors and very nice layer adhesion.<\/p>\n
As with a few brands on this list, TTY3D has a rainbow filament that has the same chromatic results. A few complaints have been spotted regarding the accuracy of the colors, but this doesn\u2019t apply to the more popular gold or silver filaments.<\/p>\n
Also, some users have reported that after a certain number of spools of this filament, they\u2019ve experienced an excessive buildup of remnants on the nozzle and some resulting bed adhesion issues.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$26<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a014<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0190-235 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 No heat or 50-80 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a035-60 mm\/s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Mika3D<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/23ab0686947c4b32.png\")
The mythical nine-tail fox in Mika3D’s rainbow silk filament (Source: Picuki)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Mika3D\u2019s Shiny Silk PLA<\/span>\u00a0is an interesting filament for several reasons.<\/p>\n
First, it\u2019s considered a quality brand, and therefore it\u2019s quite popular. Second, it\u2019s available as a bundle which includes all 12 colors that the company produces. And lastly, their spools are smaller than the typical weight of 1 kg, which can be good or bad, depending on the situation.<\/p>\n
On the actual printing side of things, this filament is an overall great performer! Again, users need to find the correct settings for their specific machines in order to get the best results.<\/p>\n
Some comments have been made regarding the first layer needing different temperature and speed settings compared to the rest of the print, but this is easily addressed with some experimentation.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$27<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 500-g spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a012<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0195-230 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0 60-80 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a035-60 mm\/s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hello3D<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/873d6f6021e674cd.png\")
Check out the detail in the hair of this statue, printed with Hello3D’s silver and gold silk PLA (Source: Alibaba)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Hello3D is a newcomer in the\u00a0silk PLA<\/span>\u00a0space, but despite this, it\u2019s quickly gained some traction with the filaments it offers. Users report that it prints well, has little to no diameter variation, no clogging, and no particular adhesion problems, resulting in smooth and shiny results.<\/p>\n
An interesting feature about this filament is that it tends to have a threshold temperature of about 200 \u00b0C, under which its final look is \u201cmatte\u201d, and above which it gives the desired shiny look.<\/p>\n
According to its manufacturer (and several users confirm this), it tends to be a more elastic material than normal PLA, meaning it\u2019s more bendable instead of brittle. Although this means better adhesion, it can also create problems with overhangs and in the overall strength of the print.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$25<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.02 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a03<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0190-220 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0 30-50 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a030-50 mm\/s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
CC3D<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/3688baa68017c851.png\")
The king of the jungle looks regal in CC3D’s silk gold PLA (Source: ToriRoz via Twitter)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n CC3D\u2019s silk series<\/span>\u00a0consists of 16 rather unusual colors that give the silk \u201clook and feel\u201d to your models when printed. Users have overall good comments about CC3D\u2019s silk filaments, but there seem to be differences between colors in terms of issues faced; some colors seem to print better than others.<\/p>\n
As usual, you\u2019ll need to experiment a bit with the exact temperature settings within the range that\u2019s recommended by the manufacturer in order to find the combination that works best for this filament.<\/p>\n
A common observation is that this filament seems to be more brittle compared to others, which leads to under-extrusion problems. A possible solution is to try and print it using higher temperatures, between 220 and 230 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$27<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.02 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a016<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0190-210 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0up to 60 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Printing speed:<\/strong>\u00a040-80 mm\/s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Geeetech<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/02\/667d9202b5c6d03b.png\")
You too can create a shiny lizard heart printed in Geeetech’s silk PLA (Source: Myblog-it)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Geeetech Silk PLA<\/span>\u00a0is one of the few filaments that carries the title \u201cAmazon\u2019s choice\u201d, which in general is attributed to products of the highest quality. And indeed, it stands up to its reputation, as there are many happy users that do not report any problems in its use.<\/p>\n
The only possible issue is that, as opposed to other silk filaments, it can\u2019t be used very successfully in\u00a03D pens<\/a>, although it performs brilliantly in desktop machines. Thankfully, its price is comparable to other silk PLA filaments in the market.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$27<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.03 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available colors:<\/strong>\u00a03<\/li>\n
- Nozzle temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0195-220 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Bed temperature:<\/strong>\u00a0 60-80 \u00b0C<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.03 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.02 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.02 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 500-g spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm, 2.85 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 0.75-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm, 2.85 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.02 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.03 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.03 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.02 mm; 850-g spools<\/li>\n
- Available sizes:<\/strong>\u00a01.75 mm; tolerance 0.05 mm; 1-kg spools<\/li>\n
- Average price\/kg:<\/strong>\u00a0$27<\/li>\n