3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing and creativity as it offers a wide array of materials with unique properties. Among them, the Silk PLA 3D Printer Filament has gained the most attention for its shiny and smooth finishing and ease of usage.
If you want to elevate your 3D printing projects by having a polished and luxurious look, Silk PLA is the best choice for you. In this article, we’ll cover how to get stunning 3D prints, and what are the best settings for Silk PLA, and more.
What is Silk PLA?
Silk PLA is a type of Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament which is enhanced by adding additives to a glossy or silky surface. It usually has a matter like appearance, but it also comes in more reflective or refined looks, which can be used for making amazing projects and leveling up their aesthetics. PLA is a biodegradable plastic which is made from multiple renewable resources such as sugarcane and cornstarch.
It has a low printing temperature and allows ease of use for minimal warping. Silk PLA is good for retaining qualities that enhance the visual appearance of printed objects. It gives the printing a more glossy and finer look. In addition, it also helps to hide any layer lines, making it more neat and giving it a more professional appearance.
Why Choose Silk PLA Filament?
When it comes to why you should use the silk PLA filament, a shiny look isn’t the only justification. Some of the key reasons for why you should choose the silk PLA include:
- Known for being eco-friendly, it is biodegradable and made using plant-based materials.
- It has a smooth and shiny finish, which makes it perfect for creating visually aesthetic prints such as ornaments and vases.
- Just like standard PLA, it is also easy to print and has good adhesion, requiring minimal warping. Most importantly, you don’t need any special hardware for this.
- Despite its elegant and fragile look, it is durable and strong and can be used for a variety of projects.
How to Use Silk PLA
Now that you know what PLA is and why you should be choosing silk PLA over others, let’s look at the steps you need to follow when using it:
- Start by ensuring that your 3D printer is assembled and calibrated correctly and clean the print bed by rubbing it with alcohol.
- Preheat your 3D printer according to the recommended extruder temperature for Silk PLA is between 215°C to 230°C and the recommended bed temperature is 60°C to 70°C.
- Properly load the print filament into the extruder and make sure it’s fed through the extruder gear without any resistance.
- Start the printer and monitor the results to make sure they’re in line with what you intended.
- Adjust the printer as needed if you encounter any stringing or layer adhesion issues.
Tips for Achieving Stunning Silk PLA Prints
Silk PLA printing can be a bit challenging. However, to make things easier, here are some 3D printing tips that will help you get the best silk PLA prints:
- Keep the filament dry at all times, as it is highly sensitive to temperature. It can cause bubbles and imperfections, making your prints rumble and have dry patches after cooling.
- Make sure the first PLA you are printing is at a slowest speed and that your bed level is aligned with it. To ensure the correct size, you can also use a heated bed.
- Although PLA prints already look amazing right out of the printer, if you want to take them to the next level you can add some post processing. This can smoke out imperfections by using different techniques such as vapor smoothing, or using a brush-on substance called Gloop. When you’re done with all this, use a primer spray at the end.
- Keeping a nozzle of 0.4 mm is a standard but you can also experiment with smaller nozzles which have finer results. It can do wonders especially for decorative or artistic items.
Creative Applications of Silk PLA
One of the major reasons that silk PLA is popular is because of its diversity. Here are some of the creative ways in which you can use the filament:
- You can use it for making glossy items such as culture printing vases. A good reflective surface which gives the 3D-printed object a more polished and professional look.
- You can also use it for making cosplay, weapons or armors that require realistic touches. It gives them metallic shine which will be great on camera.
- You can design custom gifts and keychains which shine by using silk PLA. It gives an extra level of uniqueness in your personal project.
- For making eye-catching jewelry such as rings and bracelets you can use silk PLA to mimic the look of precious metals.
How to Store Silk PLA
To ensure the quality and longevity of your Silk PLA filament, proper storage is important. Here are some best practices for maintaining its usability over a long time:
- Seal the Silk PLA with a desiccant that absorbs excess moisture from the substance, as it can cause the filament to become more brittle and affect the print quality.
- Recommended storage temperature is 18°C to 25°C.
- Keep out of direct heat and sunlight. UV light can break down the chemical composition present inside Silk PLA over time. This makes it brittle and reduces its strength.
- If you store the product properly, it can have a shelf life of up to 24 months.
Final Thoughts
Silk PLA 3D Printer Filament is an amazing versatile material for getting stunning 3D prints which have a reflective final look. To ensure the right results, make sure to carefully handle its storage to retain its quality over time. By following best practices, you can achieve high quality prints.
In addition, various factors like optimal printing settings and correct temperature ranges can also help get the desired results. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, Silk PLA gives you an endless range of creative possibilities. Making it an excellent choice for refined and amazing 3D prints.
