CAI LAB Wiki
PLA Silk TDS
A PLA-based filament with a bright, silk-like finish for decorative prints and models.
Basic information
| Property |
Data |
| Material name |
PLA Silk |
| Density |
1.26 g/cm³ |
| Moisture content |
0.42% |
| Test standards |
ISO 527, ISO 178, ISO 180, ISO 75, GB/T 3682, GB/T 37643 |
Key features
PLA Silk is a modified PLA-based filament with a bright, silk-like finish, suited to decorative models, gifts, trophies and other appearance-focused prints. Lighting, temperature and speed can affect its color and gloss. When aiming for high gloss, monitor stringing and adjust settings for the model.
Mechanical properties
Tensile · ISO 527
| Property |
Y |
X |
Z |
Unit |
| Tensile strength |
60.245 |
44.303 |
16.665 |
MPa |
| Breaking elongation rate |
8.020 |
7.145 |
3.126 |
% |
Bending · ISO 178
| Property |
Y |
X |
Z |
Unit |
| Bending strength |
100.110 |
45.822 |
22.477 |
MPa |
| Bending modulus |
3425.994 |
2984.781 |
2364.907 |
MPa |
Impact · ISO 180
| Property |
Y |
X |
Z |
Unit |
| Impact strength |
5.763 |
5.521 |
2.357 |
kJ/m² |
Thermal properties
| Property |
Direction / condition |
Data |
Unit |
| Heat deflection temperature |
X Axis |
53.2 |
°C |
| Melt index |
190 °C / 2.16 kg |
11.96 |
g/10 min |
Recommended printing parameters
Reference settings for a Bambu Lab P1S; adjust for your printer, model and requirements.
| Setting |
Reference |
| Nozzle temperature |
190–230 °C / best: 220 °C |
| Print speed |
<300 mm/s |
| Maximum volumetric flow |
14.5 mm³/s |
| Nozzle diameter |
0.2 / 0.4 / 0.6 / 0.8 mm |
| Build plate |
PEI Plate / Smooth PEI Plate |
| Bed temperature |
35–45 °C |
| Cooling fan |
50–100% |
| Retraction distance |
0.6–1.0 mm |
| Retraction speed |
20–40 mm/s |
| Ambient temperature |
25–45 °C |
| Printing & storage conditions |
<20% RH; avoid direct sunlight, tightly sealed with desiccant |
Specimen printing conditions
| Setting |
Data |
| Nozzle temperature |
220 °C |
| Bed temperature |
55 °C |
| Wall layers |
2 layers |
| Top and bottom layers |
Top 5 layers / Bottom 3 layers |
| Infill |
100% |
| Ambient temperature |
23–25 °C |
| Cooling fan |
100% |
| Printing speed |
45 mm/s |
| Nozzle diameter |
0.4 mm |
All specimens were printed on a Bambu Lab P1S. The TDS advises against annealing because of limited performance gains and potential deformation, especially in complex geometries.
Notes on these values
The TDS states that typical values come from tests on standard CaiLab specimens and are for reference and comparison, not design specifications or quality assurance criteria. Actual performance depends on printer, settings, geometry, part design and operating conditions. Users should assess suitability, safety, legality and disposal for their intended use. See the original TDS for the complete disclaimer.
