PLA SILK | Spectrum
PLA SILK is a PLA-based filament material with color concentrates that gives printed items a satin texture. The satin texture of printed items reduces the visibility of layers on the printed item's side surface. Using a specially developed pigment, Spectrum managed to retain the classic properties of PLA, such as simple and efficient printing, while obtaining a very low shrinkage rate and relatively high tensile strength. As a result, the material is intended for those who value simple printing and high aesthetic qualities.
Technical informations
How to store filaments
Humidity and UV light can decrease the filament quality and weaken its mechanical properties. We strongly recommend storing open filaments in a dry and dark place. You can find a complete guide on how to properly store your filament here
Where to throw print fails and supports?
We kindly ask our customers to cope with plastic waste responsibly. Failed prints, support material, rafts, or brims should be liquidated according to the local guidelines. Paradoxically, in most cases, it is better to throw this waste in the regular trash can, as most of the material waste created in 3D printing is not identified, which causes more problems than benefits in the waste sorting facilities.
PLA SILK | Spectrum
PLA SILK is a PLA-based filament material with color concentrates that gives printed items a satin texture. The satin texture of printed items reduces the visibility of layers on the printed item's side surface. Using a specially developed pigment, Spectrum managed to retain the classic properties of PLA, such as simple and efficient printing, while obtaining a very low shrinkage rate and relatively high tensile strength. As a result, the material is intended for those who value simple printing and high aesthetic qualities.
General information about PLA :
PLA is a great material with awesome printability, it is great for novice printers and perfectly works with any printer. Depending on the brand and the type, it mostly differs in mechanical and thermal resistance, and as you may think color. 3D PLA filaments are the most widely printed because of their ease to use and so the producer did want to catch a market share by offering colors beyond the rainbow's colors. PLA was until recently a weak filament with only 50°C heat resistance and very poor mechanical properties. The demand for PLA made producers overengineer the material and some firms managed to put seriously increase this once hobby-only material.
Differences in PLA price usually mean better color consistency, lower in-filament humidity rate, better diameter tolerance, higher thermal resistance (see Volcano PLA from FormFutura), and better stiffness (up to 9x like PolyMax from PolyMaker).
Printability of PLA filament
PLA is the easiest to print material. It is very forgiving and usually, most slicer predefined settings will work well. PLA doesn't warp, has great overhang capabilities, and has a great interlayer adhesion. Most of the time, PLA doesn't even require an adhesive to stick to the hotbed.
PLA mechanical and thermal properties
Regular basic PLA is stiff and not very tough meaning that it can break easily. Its main disadvantage is that it starts softening at 50°C. It is mostly suited for visual prototypes and non-functional models. Because of its ease of print, most brands have modified and pushed the PLA boundaries further making some PLAs suitable for functional prototypes.
Tips and other notable benefits
PLA is so-called "eco-friendly" and is widely used for compostable cutlery. "So-called" because its compatibility is not what you would expect from this word.
Browse all PLA filaments in stock in our warehouse in Senec, Slovakia. For comparison, see also PETG and ECO.
Spectrum is one of the largest filament manufacturers in Poland, with one of the broadest portfolios of 3D printing materials. It covers everything from easy desktop PLA to engineering polymers and fibre-reinforced composites. JustCreate3D stocks over 30 Spectrum products in its warehouse in Senec, Slovakia, ready for fast dispatch.
Spectrum selects its raw materials carefully and uses modern production lines that let it colour filaments while keeping their key mechanical properties. Every spool comes with an individual quality report from Spectrum's own Verify Your Spool system. The range is split into three segments: easy-to-use desktop materials, industrial-grade engineering thermoplastics, and high-performance compositions for professional users.
Spectrum filaments at JustCreate3D
- PLA – PLA MATT, PLA SILK, PLA Glow in the Dark, PLA Carbon and GreenyHT™, a PLA with higher heat resistance.
- PETG and PCTG – PETG Premium, PETG MATT, PET-G Glitter, PETG Glow in the Dark, PETG HT100™, PETG FX120™, PETG 10% PTFE, PETG Carbon and PCTG.
- ASA and ABS – ASA 275, ASA Kevlar, ASA-X CF10™, ABS Kevlar and ABS Medical.
- Engineering materials – PA6 Low Warp™, PA6 Low Warp CF15S, PA6 Low Warp GF30™, PA6 CS20 FR V0, PC-PTFE and PPS AM230™.
- 5PACK sets (5 × 0.25 kg) – ASA 275, Carbon Set, Material Mix 1 and 2, PCTG Premium and PLA SILK, handy for testing several materials or colours.
Who is Spectrum for?
Spectrum is a good choice for beginners who want reliable PLA and PETG in many colours, and for advanced users who need technical materials such as low-warp nylon, ASA for outdoor parts or PPS. The 5PACK sets are a practical way to try a new material before buying a full spool.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Verify Your Spool report?
It is Spectrum's own quality system: each spool has an individual report with its quality data, so you can check the batch you received.
Which Spectrum filament should I start with?
Start with PLA (MATT or SILK for a nicer surface) or PETG Premium for tougher parts. For outdoor use, ASA 275 is the usual next step.
Do Spectrum composites need a hardened nozzle?
Yes. Carbon, glass fibre and Kevlar filled materials are abrasive, so use a hardened steel nozzle with them.
Browse all Spectrum filaments in stock.