Definition of TPE and TPU

The scientific names for these two materials are thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). While they might sound similar, they have some unique differences that make them great for different 3D printed objects and parts.

What Is TPE

TPE  is the name given to a broad category of materials that use thermoplastics. Many subgenres of materials stem from the umbrella term, such as TPU, TPV, SEBS and more. Therefore, all of these materials share some common features, such as elasticity, while still being machinable due to the plastic elements. TPE is often used for phone cases or gaskets for instance due to the soft and flexible properties.

What Is TPU

TPU is a filament that actually branches off TPE filaments, which is produced by cross-linking the chemical structure in a very specific manner. This results in a semi-rigid material that has excellent wear resistance and is extremely durable. It is typically less soft than TPE, but lasts better. Because of these properties, TPU is an excellent material for tires or protective equipment.

Technological Process of Production

Both materials are produced in a somewhat similar manner, since both materials are made by melting and shaping the material into 3D printing filaments. However, TPE is made super soft and bendable by adding more raw materials with rubber properties, while TPU is made stronger and tougher by adding a special mix of chemicals.

Key Differences Between TPU and TPE Production

Looking at the chart below, we have highlighted a few of the key differences between the two processes for creating TPU and TPE filaments. And looking at the scale, it is clear that thermoplastic polyurethane filament is better if you require a wear-resistant product, while TPE is better for more bendable objects.

Properties: TPE VS TPU

Below we have provided another table for a quick overview of the different properties of TPE and TPU 3D print filament, which are both popular materials. Use this to guide your next design, based on which properties you wish your object to have.

Comparing the properties of both materials, it is clear that there are some applications that might be better suited for one over the other. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is typically easier printing with TPU, which you can learn more about in this TPU Filament Guide blog post.

Recycling: TPE VS TPU

Many consumers are increasingly concerned with sustainability, and being able to safely recycle the 3D printing filaments is a great additional bonus for any hobby enthusiast who cares about the environment.

TPE is generally a bit easier to recycle, as it can be melted down and extruded into new filament for instance. TPU is recycled through a more mechanical process, and therefore should be sorted and separated correctly before being disposed of.

Both filaments can be reused for other products, so there is no difference in the final waste. Recycled TPU is often used as a material for insulation, industrial parts or even flooring. TPE has a wider application as recycled materials can be used in many different consumer goods.

Applications: TPE VS TPU

Looking at TPE vs TPU by exploring their applications is a great way to apply what we have learned about the TPE and TPU 3D printer filament properties.

TPU is used for many different soft yet durable products, such as phone cases, footwear, shoe soles, gaskets, seals, automotive parts, medical devices, flexible hoses and sports equipment. These objects can be expected to last a long time, while also being flexible enough to be useful for the purpose.

TPE is also used for phone cases, however, they generally are a bit less protective, but due to their better flexibility, they can fit the phone even better. Other uses are toys, hoses, tubing, seals, straps, insoles, grips for equipment and more.

Conclusion

Whether you wish to print with filament made from TPU material or TPE material, you should always consider the overall properties of each type, and how you will use your printed object once it is completed.

TPU 3D filament lasts longer and is better for outdoor use, while TPE filament is better suited for softer products that should be safe for children or perfectly fit another product or object requiring high conformity. But as a material for 3D printing, TPE is harder to print than TPU. TPU is more suitable for beginners. Regardless of what you choose, both materials are safe for the environment and great options. Happy printing!

What Is ABS Filament?

Before we get to deep into the specifics and settings, let us first make sure we are on the same page regarding ABS 3D printer filament and what it actually is. In short, ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is a thermoplastic material that many of us already know well, since it is among other things what the world famous LEGO blocks are made of.

Therefore, it is a safe material that has been tested over many decades. It provides great strength properties that lends itself well to many applications, and it is also highly resistant to heat, making it a solid contender for prints that should not deform due to heat. Furthermore, you can drill and sand the heat resistant 3D printer filament as well, and even use acetone for a clear and smooth finish. Geeetech filament uses enhanced versions of the basic ABS material, known as ABS+ filament which is even better for 3D printing with the improved overall properties.

ABS Print Settings

In order to help you make the most of your 3D filament, and answer common questions, such as what temperature does ABS print at, we have made a quick overview in the table below. Use this as a starting point for your ABS 3D printing projects, but feel free to modify the values if you believe it will work better. These settings have been extensively tested with our very own Geeetech filament ABS+, which allows for optimal 3D printing with ABS plastic projects.

What Support Material Is Required for ABS?

Since ABS is an extremely strong and tough material, sometimes it can be difficult to remove the self-supports when printing those with ABS as well. Instead, some users use specialized support materials like PVA, HIPS or Breakaway Supports in combination with the ABS plastic filament, in order to get the best of both worlds. See the table below for inspiration.

Post-processing

One of the major advantages of using ABS filament for your 3D prints, is the ABS temperature resistance properties, that allows for many different post-processing techniques without ruining the look or compromising the structure of your newly printed models.

Applications

In order to provide you with some inspiration for what is possible using ABS 3D printing techniques, we have gathered some very different ideas below, to help you get started with your next project or just inspire you for your own designs. All of these are made by 3D printing with ABS plastic.

Car Interior Panel

BMW provides MINI owners with personalized interior customization services.Owners can choose different patterns and colors of interior panels according to their personal preferences, which are manufactured and loaded into the car through rapid 3D printing.

ABS 1/4 inch Barbed Connector

This filament is also great for DIY connectors for your garden hose or other similar types of equipment and tools. Due to the strength and heat resistance, it can be used for many years outside without issue.

Wheel for your office chair

Have you ever had to throw out your favorite chair because one of the wheels broke? Or perhaps you just want to save some money and not purchase a replacement wheel? Then ABS can help you out as well! Look online for different designs that are universally adaptable to any chair.

Phone stand

ABS is also a great option for a phone stand, as the durable and solid material will not bend or flex, making it the perfect companion for late night binge-watching, or perhaps as a holder for your video shoots.

Conclusion

ABS is one of the best 3D printer filament types currently available to consumers, as it offers many different advantages and allows for durable, heat-resistant, and versatile prints. As long as you use the correct 3D printer filament settings, and optionally use our ABS+ filament, then you will get perfect results every time!

What Is Marble PLA?

As the name suggests, the PLA filament itself is made out of PLA, but where the magic happens is with the addition of fine marble powder, which is essentially crushed real marble stones. This produces a unique look and results in a stone filament.

The Properties of Marble PLA

Marble filament shares a number of aspects with regular PLA, but also has some significant differences. In order to find out whether marble 3D printer filament is for you, please refer to the table below in order to learn more.

If you want to know more comprehensive PLA properties, please refer to our other blog post: How to choose the best 3d printing PLA filament?

How to Print with Marble PLA?

At Geeetech we love experimenting with different types of filament and optimizing the print settings to achieve the best results. We have used Geeetech Marble filament in order to find the below settings to produce some beautiful prints without compromising on quality, durability or printing time.

It is important to note, that since Marble PLA filament contains actual marble particles, there can sometimes be issues with clogging during printing. Furthermore, the nozzle itself is also put under more stress due to these particles, which is why we recommend a sturdy metal nozzle that can be cleaned repeatedly, and which will not be damaged as easily.

A few users printing with other brands of marble PLA have also experienced issues with layer adhesion due to clogged nozzle, where the typical suggestion would be to increase the nozzle size to 0.06mm. However, during our tests with Geeetech Marble PLA, we found that our own brand of filament works just fine with a nozzle size of 0.04mm.

What Is Marble PLA Filament Used for?

This unique stone PLA filament is typically used in designs where there is a decorative element involved, since it produces a realistic-looking marble texture and effect. Therefore it is especially useful for statues and busts, where you can recreate famous sculptures and art pieces that have been digitally scanned and made available, to create your own mini museum.

Alternatively, you can use it for architectural models and miniatures that also benefit greatly from the unique texture. As seen in the images below, the details and fidelity that regular PLA offers are still visible with marble filament, allowing for highly detailed prints that work great no matter the size of your print.

We also recommend that you try geological models of terrain and topology, perhaps an aerial shot or height map of your hometown, for a unique and personalized print that can decorate your favorite area of your home.

Conclusion

Marble PLA is a great 3D printer filament that can be used to achieve a realistic-looking print, resembling real stone found in nature. It is relatively easy to use in your existing 3D printer, as long as you follow a few guidelines. If you are planning to print with this filament a lot, you might want to invest in a metal nozzle to keep your printer running without issues. Thanks for reading!

What Is TPU Material?

TPU is a thermoplastic 3D filament that is known for its transparency, elasticity and flexibility, as well as being resistant and durable. It is closely related to TPE which is one of the most used types of plastics for consumer products. For an in-depth discussion on the two, please read another blog: TPE VS TPU.

TPU filament does require a bit more attention to detail when choosing 3D printer settings, but other than that, it is a great filament to work with.

The Properties of TPU

Below, you will find an overview of some of the properties that make up TPU filament. Hopefully, this will guide you in the right direction when considering whether TPU is a good fit for your specific print design in the future.

If you want to know how the properties of TPU compare to other types of materials, please refer to our other blog where we have an overview of the most popular types of 3D printing filaments: The Different Types of 3D Printer Filament.

How to Print with TPU?

When it comes to using TPU Geeetech filament or other types of 3D filament made of TPU, it is worth reading up on the best settings to print TPU properly. It is known to be a little trickier than printing with PETG or PLA, so be sure to read the details below, and refer to any other settings on your specific filament.

Applications

TPU filament is commonly used in many different applications and areas.  Due to the flexibility of TPU 3D printer filament, it is often used to print objects and designs that can move or stretch a little during use. So if you are looking for ideas to print with TPU 3D filament, then keep reading for some inspiration and practical applications.

Industrial Products

For instance, it is a popular material for producing gaskets, seals and bushings for cars and other mechanical products. Tires for toy cars and robots are another popular application for this material, as the rubber-like quality is a perfect fit for wheels and more.

You can also print some great phone cases and tablet covers with TPU as the shock-absorbing properties work well in this case. It is also widely used in the medical industry, where the softness is great for making braces or splints, ergonomic tools and more.

Consumer Products

TPU filament is also an excellent option if you want to print consumer products, especially those for children. TPU soft printing is a great technique, where you can print flexible figurines and soft toys that are safe, durable, and child-friendly.

It is also great for sports and recreational equipment, such as shoe soles, cleats and grips for sports gear like bike handles and racket grips. Not only is TPU flexible and soft to the touch, but it is a non-toxic material that is resistant to wear and tear, and can withstand being outside conditions.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this quick guide to TPU 3D printer filament has helped you learn more about the properties, the best settings to print TPU with, and given you some inspiration for specific types of prints you can design and enjoy with this material.
While it is not the most common or popular material in general, it is certainly one of the best when it comes to specific types of products that require a combination of flexibility, durability and impact resistance.

With this article, we will cover the basics of storing 3D printer filament, including filament dry bags, mention some of the best vacuum storage bags, storage boxes and more. So if you are looking for filament storage ideas keep reading. Enjoy!

Why Should You Keep Filament Dry?

Most filaments can absorb moisture from humidity in the air and other environmental factors, which can lead to many different issues once the filament is heated up and used in your 3D printer.

Such common problems can be stringing or oozing, where the 3D filament fails to adhere properly once it comes out of the nozzle. You might also have issues with the layers being inconsistent as the moisture can have an impact on the way the material cools down and settles.

There can also be issues with the final prints having blobs or zits that protrude out from the layers, as the air will create small bubbles that can ruin the look and texture of the models. In some cases, people even have problems with the nozzle clogging due to the extra moisture.

Finally, depending on how badly the filament has been affected by the moisture, some models might even be less durable and can even have a cloudy or hazy look to the exterior, that can not easily be fixed by polishing the models. So it is important to keep your filament dry if you want the best results every time.

How to Dry Wet Filament?

If your 3D filament has been exposed to moisture and is causing issues, you can often salvage it by carefully drying it. There are various 3D printer filament drying methods available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Desiccant

Storing your 3D filament in airtight boxes goes a long way in keeping your filament ready to use. And if you add desiccant bags to your boxes, they will not only keep already dry filament good but can even help remove excess moisture from the already damaged filament. It will take some time, however, so if you are in a hurry and want to print soon, keep reading below.

Dryer

Next, you can also use a 3D filament dryer. These are commercial machines that typically take a single roll of filament at a time, and dries the material effectively. They allow for better control over the temperature and other options for different types of filament, such as PLA, ABS and so on, allowing you to set the perfect PETG drying temperature every time. You can even use the dryer to store your filament rolls when not in use.

Oven

Finally, using your basic oven at home can be a quick and easy solution to dry wet filament, but it will be more risky and less precise. Typically you will set the temperature around 50-60 degrees Celsius, in order to remove the moisture and avoid melting the plastic polymers. You can keep the oven door slightly open and stick in a thermometer to make sure the temperature stays correct. It should be heated this way for 1-4 hours, depending on the amount of moisture and types of material.

How to Store 3D Printer Filament Properly?

You can make use of specialized PLA filament storage containers, vacuum bags or more, in order to keep your filament properly sealed to nip wet in the bud and avoid having to make use of 3D printer filament drying methods ( excess drying work ).

Vacuum bag

A vacuum bag is an effective solution to keeping your 3D filament rolls safe and sound. They come with a small hole in the bag, and a suction pump that will remove all the air from inside once you have sealed the top.

This way no air will get in or out, ensuring that your filament keeps dry. It is important to only add 3D printer filament that is already dry, as the vacuum bags will not also remove any moisture that is already present in the rolls.

These can be reused and cleaned for many years and make a great addition to your cart, especially when purchasing more Geeetech filament. They are easy to use and the transparent bags makes it quick to see which roll you want to use next.

DIY storage box

Next up we have a DIY filament storage box that you can design yourself. The basic principle behind these boxes, is to have an airtight/sealed lid that prevents air from entering or leaving. You can buy premade containers for food, or make your own special prints.

On top of that, you can find designs from 3D model websites that include access points that make it easy to use when printing, without removing the individual rolls from their storage units. Some designs even include humidity sensors that can alert you if anything is critical.

Conclusion

That wraps up this article where we covered some different filament storage ideas, that you hopefully can make use of in the future. We also hope to have inspired you to try one of the 3D printer filament drying methods that we mentioned, in order to save your existing materials. Have fun and happy printing!

What Is Resin 3D Printing?

As the name suggests, this technology uses resin for printing 3D models. The resin is liquid when printed, but will become hardened once the print is finished and subjected to UV lights.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Resin 3d printing works make it possible to achieve very good results when it comes to precision and specific details. This is because each new printed layer will blend well with the previous ones.

However, the technology is not as quick compared to other methods such as plastic or polymer filaments. And the cost for the resin also tends to be higher per weight unit. Some types of resin are also toxic or dangerous to handle without proper care.

What Is Filament 3D Printing?

This is the type of 3D printer material that most people are familiar with. It uses some form of filament, which can be made from a wide variety of different ingredients. For instance, Geeetech filament is biodegradable, safe for coming in contact with food, and suitable for extreme temperatures.

Advantages and Disadvantages

On the positive side, the technology is well developed now, with high production efficiency resulting in effective cost control, so you can find cheap 3D printing filament.

That being said, there are also some possible things to consider, such as the slightly worse precision and details for FDM printing. The surface can sometimes require people to sand or smooth it for a more polished finish.

Comparison of Resin and Filament 3D Printing

Below you can see an overview of both Resin 3D printing and FDM printing. We have compared both methods on a number of different aspects.

Print Operation

Overall Filament 3D printing is easier for people to use. It does not require a complicated process with the resin vat, UV curing and chemical cleaning.

FDM printers are also easier to maintain over time, and they are less messy since plastic filament is easy to handle compared to liquid resin.

Print Speed

One of the main advantages of FDM printers is their greater speed. In general, 3D printing can be quite slow, especially for larger objects. So, having roughly twice the speed can save users many hours and even days or months over the long run.

Print Quality

Maintenance of Resin vs Filament 3D Printer

Overall it is easier to maintain an FDM printer due to the less amount of upkeep required, along with lower maintenance costs and not needing to replace mechanical parts over time.

Applications

Conclusion

To conclude, 3D printing liquid resin models can deliver more precision and detail, at the cost of a more expensive model, slower production and overall more care and maintenance involved. It is still a viable option if you need the best quality possible or want to sell your items for the highest price possible.

Filament 3D printing is the best option when it comes to prototyping your own 3D printed designs and models, giving you quick and cheap results compared to Resin printing. The 3D printing machine types on the market are also cheaper and have fewer replacement parts needed.

PLA Filament

With PLA you can expect to see many different colors, as the filament is easy to customize. You can even find filament that looks like wood grain, marble stone or comes with a glossy silky finish.
Click here to explore the magic of silk PLA.

What Is PLA?

We recommend this type of 3D printer filament if people are looking for the best overall material. It requires no special printer settings and can be used for most types of prints that you find on common 3D model websites.

The Properties of PLA Filament

For a more detailed guide about PLA filament, check here.

PETG Filament

Next on the list is PETG, which is fairly easy to print with. You can find transparent filaments or glossy filaments with color depending on what you prefer. An advantage here, is that it can be in contact with food. If you want to know more details, please read our PETG filament guide.

What Is PETG?

PETG is often used in 3D prints designed to be placed outdoors. This is because the impact of the sun or temperature changes does not affect PETG as much as other types of filament.

The Properties of PETG Filament

ABS Filament

For special types of prints, you might want to consider ABS. Read more below about its properties and uses.

What Is ABS?

When using ABS filament you will get results that are able to stretch during printing, making it optimal for vase mode and other similar settings on your 3D printer. It gives you long-lasting prints that are durable.

The Properties of ABS Filament

TPU Filament

TPU filament is not used as much as some of the other filaments on our list, but for applications where you need it to be soft or bendable, it can be an amazing option.

What Is TPU?

TPU can be used to make flexible and pliable parts such as connectors, belts, springs, phone covers, etc. The highly flexible material makes it possible to make prints with soft rubber properties, resulting in a flexible and elastic print.

The Properties of TPU Filament

Which 3D Printer Material Is Right for You?

Please keep in mind, that you are free to experiment and try out new combinations. This is just a guideline.

Which Material Is the Most Eco Friendly?

PLA is the clear winner here. It also uses less heat and therefore wattage for printing.

What Size 3D Print Filament Is Most Commonly Bought?

Typically, older 3D printers use a thicker filament, but newer technology has become more precise over the years, so 1.75 is now the standard.

Conclusion

The tables above mainly used reference products from Geeetech filament types, so different manufacturers might vary slightly in their values. All in all, the options above are considered among the most used for 3D printing filament types around the world and offer great value for money and print quality.

PETG VS PLA : Definition

To explain the differences, let us look at the basic filament definition​ for each material below.

What is PLA?

PLA is a biodegradable type of plastic. When you heat it up in your 3D printer nozzle, it becomes flexible and once it cools down it will maintain its new shape. It is often made of ecologically friendly materials and has a reputation as being perfect for beginners.

What is PETG?

For people looking for a more solid material that can withstand high temperatures or is suited for outdoor use, PETG filament is a great alternative to PLA. Beginners will also be able to use it without issue, and more advanced people can experiment with settings to get a strong and durable print.

PETG VS PLA : Advantages

Every PETG filament is different, so today we will be looking specifically at Geeetech PETG filament, and examining those advantages compared to PLA filament in particular. You might have read that PETG is stronger than PLA, but it is also great for 3D prints that use complex geometry, such as multiple bends or thin vases for instance.

PETG VS PLA : Disadvantages

Unfortunately, PETG is not a 3D printing filament that only offers up positives. Some users have experienced poor results with their prints because PETG is susceptible to moisture. This can be fixed by either storing the filament in sealed containers when not in use, or by drying the filament before use. Here is a guide of 3d filament storage and drying.

PETG VS PLA : Printing

Cheap 3D printer filament can lead to poorer models and imperfections, as well as bad adherence to the printer bed itself, maybe even ruining your print altogether. So remember to look out for a trusted manufacturer with good reviews, such as Geeetech, when purchasing your filaments.

Print Settings

Since the PLA melting point is typically around 150 to 160 °C, we will at least need that temperature for our nozzle. Different manufacturers use slightly different ingredients and mixtures so for Geeetech filament, the below values can be used as recommendations for PLA filament:

For PETG filament you can use the below recommendations:

Print Quality

The above print settings should provide you with good print quality as a base point. It is a good idea to also check the description of the model you are printing, if you download it from a public website. There you will typically find tips and tricks for settings to further improve your print quality. Of course, the quality and surface of the prints can also be changed through post-processing.

PETG VS PLA: Pricing

Using Geeetech filament as an example, there are no meaningful difference in the price:

PETG VS PLA: Applications

Let us look at both types of 3D printing filament and some new applications in which they have seen adoption in recent times.

The Applications of PETG Filament

Since PETG filament is a durable material that can resist extreme temperatures and environments, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) has recently adopted it to meet the demands of that industry. This is just one example of how PETG is being used in cutting-edge heavy industries.

The Applications of PLA Filament

PLA filament is biodegradable, but not really recommended or suitable for outdoor use as PETG. This has led to innovations where PLA is used to help with medicine storage, food packaging and other areas where safety is critical and eco-friendliness helps the material see new adoptions regularly.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, many prints are possible with both PETG filaments and PLA filaments from Geeetech, and PLA is especially great for beginners and indoor projects, while PETG is a logical next step for people requiring a filament for more demanding projects or prints that will use a 3D printing filament to be used outdoors. When to use PETG vs PLA therefore relies on each specific project and it can be a good idea to have stocked up on both materials.

This is why we have written our guide, so we can help you get beautiful results that will last you a lifetime and become a part of your holiday memories. So sit back and relax, while we guide you through some of the best materials and ideas for this Christmas. Enjoy!

3D Printed Home Decor

One of the first things to decide on when wanting to print any type of design is which material to use. For indoor use we highly recommend PLA filament, as it has great properties, is among the more affordable options, comes in many colors, and with the invention of glow in the dark filament in the form of Geeetech PLA, you can even create ornaments that will look great at night too.

In order to help you decide, we have chosen a few examples below, that we will examine closer to determine what makes them great options and help you decide the best 3d printer filament. You can also design your own 3D print Christmas tree for instance, and use Christmas PLA to get the best results.

Christmas Tree

One of our favorite 3D printing ideas is to design with a glow in the dark PLA filament to create beautiful Christmas trees that can be placed anywhere in the house for a lovely ornament that gently lights up the area.
If you want to display your Christmas tree during the day, the standard green PLA filament would be a good choice.
You can also get a lot of details on your prints, due to the smooth surface and slightly glossy surface. It is also a fairly strong material once printed, meaning your ornaments and decorations will last many years.

Christmas Reindeer

Another favorite of ours is the Christmas reindeer prints. The image above is printed with an affordable and easy-to-use sand gold PLA filament, while the image below has used a red PLA filament.

This gives the models a nice sheen, plenty of detail and due to the PLA material, they are also environmentally friendly, meaning you can print many models without worry. They are mainly suitable for indoor use, so place them in your windows, shelves or hang them on your Christmas tree directly.

3D Printed Tools

Ornaments are not the only 3D printing ideas that spring to mind when in the holiday spirit. Using Christmas PLA you can also create some amazing pieces of tools and containers that can help you hold up your Christmas socks, store small presents and much more.

Gift Box

This gift box for instance uses a combination of 2 colors, a simple green or red PLA filament, and then a silver or gold silk PLA for the ribbon on top. This creates a fantastic reusable gift box, that can be used for years to come and looks fantastic.

With this design you can even save money on wrapping paper, as the lid comes off and reveals the present inside. While you could print the ribbon with a normal PLA filament, we highly recommend using a silk filament in order to get a lovely shine that feels high quality and fits the spirit of Christmas even better.

Cookie Mold

Since PLA filament is safe to use in food products, this gives you the option of designing your very own cookie molds and trays. Let your children enjoy their favorite animals, movie characters or other designs, and make a lovely family activity out of this simple print.

All you need is some creativity, some PLA 3D printer filament and a few hours to get started. There are already many different designs available online for you to download and print directly, or you can spend some more time designing your very own 3D models in a simple style.

Guide for Christmas Sale

If you are looking for good deals on 3D printer filament, you might want to consider Geeetech and its special Christmas sale. Currently, Geeetech offers some of the best 3D printer and filament sales available and provides quick shipping and a large selection of colors to choose from.

Most Affordable Sale

Currently, Geeetech offers big bonuses and sales on a number of items in its store. For instance, you can become the new owner of an FDM 3D printer for as little as $244, which has been discounted from its original price of $599 and is among the best 3D printer for beginners!

PLA is one of the best options for your Christmas decorations. It has a low melting point which makes it work well with the majority of standard 3D printers, and does not warp much since it cools down quickly. And luckily, you can get it on sale right now in PLA bundles for as low a price as $55.20 for 6 kilograms!

And if you are looking to print beautiful Christmas ornaments to hang on your Christmas tree, then consider the tricolor silk PLA filament bundles that are also on sale for a great price.

How to Get the Discount?

1. All you need to do, is visit Geeetech and choose items that you need, such as Geeetech filament or something else.

2. Then click on your desired item, to visit the detailed page.

3. Next, locate the discount code that you find on the product image.

4. Select your location from the top menu to see your shipping options.

5. Now you can proceed to checkout, by clicking “Buy Now”

6. Click “check out”.

7. When you click “check out” the system will ask for logging in to the account so that you can track your orders easily. If you already have an account you can log in, if not, please create a new account for new customers.

New customers will get a $5 coupon sent to their email address, which can be used for any future purchases.
By the way, the coupon for new customers can’t be used with the Christmas coupon together. So if you want to get the biggest discount, you can separate your order to use both coupons once you log in.

8. Finally, enter the Christmas code to get the discount, and confirm the order to receive the items as soon as possible. Merry Christmas!

What Is Silk PLA?

At its core, Silk PLA is just like PLA filament, except it has been modified slightly with the addition of ingredients that make it more shiny and smooth, giving it a silk-like appearance. Geeetech filaments of this type provide a great alternative to other options and can make your prints much more exciting to look at and handle.

The Definition of Silk PLA

As mentioned above, Silk PLA is one of the 3D printer filament types that has been produced in order to provide users with a glossy print that has a beautiful sheen. It can be used for most types of 3D print materials and designs, and there are often many colors to choose from as well.

The Composition of Silk PLA

Overall the main building blocks of Silk PLA remain similar to PLA, keeping it biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Besides that, manufacturers typically add selected additives to make the filament shiny and silky smooth, as well as different colors. Silk PLA can even be pearlescent!

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Silk PLA?

Silk PLA looks way more shiny and smooth compared to the matte look of PLA. It is great for prints that are designed to impress. It is still easy to use in your own 3D printer, and the Geeetech PLA options available are also affordable.

It will however require proper print settings in order to produce good results, and depending on where you buy your Silk PLA, you might experience issues with strings in your prints.

Silk PLA vs PLA​

We have already covered the main differences between the two types of filament. So let us look specifically at Geeetech filament in order to find more specific differences. The price of Silk PLA is around 40-50% higher compared to the normal Geeetech PLA filament, so it might be something to consider.

The PLA Silk strength vs PLA is roughly the same, so there should be no issues in terms of the durability of your prints.  Moreover, you also get access to many different types of colors, as well as dual or tricolor filaments with multiple colors on the same strand of Silk PLA filament, making it possible to create truly unique prints with ease.

How to Print Silk PLA?

When you print with Silk PLA it is a good idea to choose a filament that has anti-warping properties, as this will improve the overall quality of your designs. Other features to look out for include filament that will deliver accurate results without bubbles.

Print Settings Guidelines

Below you will find some general print settings for Silk PLA. These are based on the Geeetech filament, and can be used to give you beautiful prints every time. You can experiment with the 3D print settings as well, in order to get even better results, but use these as a guideline.

Does Silk PLA Need Different Settings Comparing with Other Filaments?

Typically you will need a slightly warmer hot bed temperature for Silk PLA compared to regular PLA filament. The nozzle/printing temperature will typically also be around 5 to 10% hotter. However, every manufacturer has different requirements, so check your specific product.

Applications of Silk PLA Filament

Many users have been designing exquisitely beautiful Christmas decorations with Silk PLA filament, as the colors and the shine fit perfectly into the holiday spirit. It is a great way to print your own ornaments for the Christmas tree, or even print larger objects designed to hang in your windows or be showcased outside during the relatively short period of celebrations.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Silk PLA filament is a fantastic choice for vibrant designs since it will show a beautiful glossy shine that makes your designs look and feel spectacular. It is especially suited for decorative designs and can be a creative inspiration for your next project.