PLA vs Silk PLA: cost compared
Silk PLA costs a little more and prints slower, so time is the real premium. It pays off where the look sells the product.
| PLA | Silk PLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per 100 cm³ of solid part | $2.48 | $3.00 |
| Example print (preset) | $6.70 | $7.57 |
| Typical spool price | $15–25 per kg | $18–30 per kg |
| Density | about 1.24 g/cm³ | about 1.2–1.3 g/cm³ |
| Nozzle / bed | 190–220 °C / 50–60 °C | 200–230 °C / 50–60 °C |
| Enclosure | Not needed | Not needed |
Typical published ranges and mid-range prices. Example prints use each page's calculator preset. Cost per volume accounts for density: a lighter filament gives more parts per kilogram.
Choose PLA for
Speed, strength and lowest cost
- It softens around 55–60 °C, so avoid products for hot cars or dishwashers.
- Its UV resistance is limited for outdoor items.
Choose Silk PLA for
Vases, gifts and photo-friendly decor
- Layer adhesion is weaker than standard PLA, so it's not ideal for load-bearing parts.
What changes the comparison
- At $20/kg, every 100 g of PLA costs about $2.00.
- Low bed temperature keeps the electricity cost low, usually only a few cents an hour.
- Slower print speeds lengthen print time. Enter your real slicer time.
- Dual- and tri-color silk spools are often priced at the top of the range.
More comparisons
Know your cost. Now check the demand.
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