The Ultimate 3D Printing Test: Comparing 7 Different PLA Filaments! | Bambu Lab P1P Project

Summary

In this video, the creator tests seven different PLA filament brands and colors in 3D printing, all using the same settings. The results vary in terms of print quality, detailing, and aesthetic appeal. Brands such as Bambo Lab, Ean, Anicubic, Sunlu, and Polymaker are compared. Key takeaways include the importance of calibrating filaments and adjusting settings for optimal results. The creator highlights standout filaments like Bambo Lab's green and Polymaker's black for print quality, while Polymaker's silk bronze shines for aesthetics. The video underscores the impact of filament choice on print outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Filament brand and color can significantly affect 3D print quality, even when using the same settings.
• 😀 Bamboo Lab PLA Green filament offers smooth layers, sharp details, and no stringing, making it a top performer.
• 😀 Ean PLA Yellow filament produces a bright, eye-catching print but shows slightly more visible layer lines compared to other brands.
• 😀 Anicubic PLA White filament can be challenging due to its tendency to show imperfections, but it still delivers a solid result.
• 😀 Sunlu PLA Blue filament provides clean prints with sharp edges and minimal stringing, proving that budget brands can deliver quality results.
• 😀 Sunlu PLA Red filament has a similar quality to the blue version, with a slightly shinier finish but no significant difference in print quality.
• 😀 Polymaker Polylite Pro Black filament offers tight layers and a solid feel, providing smooth prints even with typically detail-dimming black filaments.
• 😀 Polymaker Silk Bronze filament has a shiny, almost metallic finish, but it can struggle with overhangs and fine details.
• 😀 Silk filaments, such as Polymaker Silk Bronze, are abrasive, requiring the use of a strong nozzle to avoid damage.
• 😀 Each filament brand and type behaves differently, so it's essential to calibrate settings for optimal results when switching between filaments.
• 😀 Aesthetics, like the shiny look of silk filaments, can affect the choice of filament, even if it introduces minor imperfections.

Q & A

How does filament brand affect 3D printing results?

The filament brand can have a significant impact on print quality. Each brand may have different material properties like consistency, softness, and color pigmentation, which can affect layer smoothness, detail sharpness, and the final appearance of the print.

What differences were observed between the Bamboo Lab PLA green and other filaments?

The Bamboo Lab PLA green produced clean, smooth layers with sharp details and no stringing or layer issues. It stood out for its consistency, which was not always observed in other filaments.

Why does the Ean PLA yellow show more visible layer lines compared to the Bamboo Lab PLA green?

The Ean PLA yellow filament is slightly softer, which can cause more visible layer lines compared to the Bamboo Lab PLA green. Softer filaments are more prone to inconsistencies during printing.

How does white PLA, like the Anycubic PLA white, tend to perform in 3D printing?

White PLA can be tricky as it tends to show imperfections more easily, making it harder to achieve crisp details. Despite this, the Anycubic PLA white still produced a solid result with acceptable quality.

What distinguishes Sunlu PLA blue from other Sunlu filaments in terms of print quality?

The Sunlu PLA blue came out with sharp edges, minimal stringing, and a clean print, showing that Sunlu’s budget-friendly options can still provide high-quality results. It stood out as one of the cleaner prints in the comparison.

Was there any noticeable difference in the quality of Sunlu PLA red compared to Sunlu PLA blue?

While the Sunlu PLA red had a slightly shinier finish, its print quality was nearly identical to the Sunlu PLA blue. Both produced clean prints, and the difference was mainly in appearance rather than print quality.

What challenges were encountered with black PLA, such as Polymaker Polylite Pro black?

Black PLA, like Polymaker Polylite Pro black, tends to show fewer details, but the print was surprisingly smooth. The filament performed well, with tight layers and a strong, solid feel.

How does Polymaker’s Silk Bronze filament differ from other filaments in terms of aesthetics and print quality?

Polymaker Silk Bronze filament offers a shiny, almost metallic appearance, which is highly eye-catching. However, it’s more prone to issues with overhangs and fine details. Despite these imperfections, the Silk Bronze was considered the most aesthetically pleasing print.

What advice is given for using silk filaments like Polymaker Silk Bronze?

Silk filaments, such as Polymaker Silk Bronze, are highly abrasive, so it’s important to use a durable nozzle or replace the nozzle regularly to avoid wear and tear.

Why is it important to calibrate filaments in 3D printing?

Calibrating each filament is crucial because different filaments can behave differently, even with the same printer settings. Proper calibration ensures the best possible print quality, reducing the risk of defects or unexpected issues.