When shopping for 3D printer filament, you quickly notice that not all PLA is the same.
Terms like PLA+, PLA Pro, and Silk PLA pop up everywhere—but what do they actually mean?
Are these just marketing gimmicks? Or are there real differences that affect print strength, flexibility, finish, and ease of printing?
If you want to choose the right filament for your projects—or just understand what you’re paying for—this complete guide explains exactly how PLA+, PLA Pro, and Silk PLA differ, and when you should use each one.
What Is Standard PLA?
Before diving into the variants, let’s quickly review basic PLA.
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is:
- A biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane.
- Low-temperature printing (around 190–220°C).
- Minimal warping, requiring no heated bed (but one helps).
- Easy to print for beginners and professionals alike.
Key Properties of Standard PLA:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Print Temp | 190–220°C |
| Bed Temp | 40–60°C |
| Strength | Moderate |
| Flexibility | Low |
| Surface Finish | Matte or semi-glossy |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy |
| Applications | Prototypes, models, toys, decorations |
PLA’s simplicity makes it the most common 3D printing filament.
But it’s not perfect: standard PLA can be brittle, heat-sensitive, and sometimes lacks the toughness needed for functional parts.
This led to the development of enhanced PLA variants.
What Is PLA+?
PLA+ (often called “PLA Plus” or “Enhanced PLA”) is an improved version of regular PLA.
Manufacturers modify PLA by blending it with additives like:
- Small amounts of TPU (for flexibility)
- Other polymers (to increase impact resistance)
- Toughening agents (for improved durability)
Key Properties of PLA+:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Print Temp | 200–230°C |
| Bed Temp | 50–70°C |
| Strength | Higher than regular PLA |
| Flexibility | Moderate |
| Surface Finish | Smooth, often matte |
| Ease of Use | Still easy, slightly more sensitive to tuning |
| Applications | Stronger mechanical parts, outdoor props, cosplay, tools |
Real-World Differences:
- Less brittle: Can absorb shocks better without cracking.
- Tougher layer adhesion: Parts resist shearing between layers.
- Slightly higher heat resistance (but still weaker than PETG or ABS).
- Easier to sand and post-process.
Typical Brands Offering PLA+:
eSUN PLA+, Overture PLA+, Polymaker PolyLite PLA+.
What Is PLA Pro?
PLA Pro is a marketing name similar to PLA+ but can vary slightly by manufacturer.
In general, PLA Pro = a premium-grade PLA+, optimized for:
- Even higher toughness
- Higher temperature resistance
- Better dimensional stability (less shrinkage)
Some PLA Pro blends mimic the mechanical properties of ABS without needing an enclosure or heated chamber.
Key Properties of PLA Pro:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Print Temp | 200–240°C |
| Bed Temp | 50–70°C |
| Strength | High (stronger than PLA+) |
| Flexibility | Moderate |
| Surface Finish | Matte or semi-glossy |
| Ease of Use | Slightly more sensitive to cooling and speed settings |
| Applications | Functional mechanical parts, drones, RC parts, brackets |
Real-World Differences:
- Greater tensile strength: Withstands pulling forces better.
- Better impact resistance: Less likely to shatter or splinter.
- More heat resistance: Some can survive over 65–70°C before softening.
Typical Brands Offering PLA Pro:
Sunlu PLA Pro, Eryone PLA Pro, 3D Prima PrimaSelect PLA Pro.
Note: Always check technical datasheets, because “Pro” isn’t standardized across all brands.
What Is Silk PLA?
Silk PLA is a cosmetic variant of PLA designed to look stunning, not necessarily to perform better mechanically.
It’s regular PLA mixed with additional polymers that create:
- A high-gloss, shiny, satin-like finish.
- Slightly more flexible parts.
- Weaker interlayer adhesion compared to standard PLA or PLA+.
Key Properties of Silk PLA:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Print Temp | 210–230°C |
| Bed Temp | 50–70°C |
| Strength | Slightly lower than standard PLA |
| Flexibility | Slightly higher |
| Surface Finish | Glossy, silky smooth |
| Ease of Use | Easy, but requires good tuning |
| Applications | Display models, jewelry, cosplay props, vases |
Real-World Differences:
- Absolutely beautiful finishes—ideal for parts where looks matter.
- More prone to layer splitting on tall thin prints.
- Slower printing recommended to prevent visible defects.
Typical Brands Offering Silk PLA:
eSUN Silk PLA, AMOLEN Silk PLA, Hatchbox Silk PLA.
Detailed Comparison Table: PLA vs PLA+ vs PLA Pro vs Silk PLA
| Feature | Standard PLA | PLA+ | PLA Pro | Silk PLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Moderate | High | Higher | Moderate |
| Flexibility | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Slightly higher |
| Print Temperature | 190–220°C | 200–230°C | 200–240°C | 210–230°C |
| Bed Temp | 40–60°C | 50–70°C | 50–70°C | 50–70°C |
| Surface Finish | Matte | Smooth | Matte/semi-glossy | Glossy, silky |
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Easy | Moderate | Easy |
| Layer Adhesion | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
| Best For | Basic prints, prototypes | Stronger functional parts | High-performance parts | Visual display prints |
When to Use Each Type
| Situation | Recommended Filament |
|---|---|
| Everyday models, prototypes | Standard PLA |
| Stronger models needing toughness | PLA+ |
| Mechanical parts under stress | PLA Pro |
| Display pieces, artistic prints | Silk PLA |
Tips for Printing PLA+, PLA Pro, and Silk PLA
1. Dry the Filament First
- Even slightly moist PLA+ or Silk PLA can cause stringing, surface fuzz, or poor adhesion.
- Dry at 40–45°C for 4–6 hours before printing.
2. Tune Your Retraction
- Silk PLA especially benefits from lower retraction speeds and shorter distances.
3. Adjust Cooling Properly
- PLA+ and PLA Pro often prefer slightly lower fan speeds (~50–70%) to improve layer bonding.
- Silk PLA may need 100% fan for the best surface quality.
4. Print Slower for Silk PLA
- Slower speeds (30–45 mm/s) improve the shine and eliminate layer inconsistencies.
5. Use Stronger Bed Adhesion for PLA Pro
- PLA Pro parts are tougher but can lift during printing if the first layer is not perfect.
- Use a PEI sheet, textured glass, or glue stick.
Common Problems (and Solutions)
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Stringing | Wet filament, poor retraction | Dry filament, tune retraction settings |
| Layer Splitting (Silk PLA) | Poor bonding | Increase temp slightly, lower fan speed |
| First Layer Issues (PLA Pro) | Poor adhesion | Improve bed leveling, use adhesion aids |
| Glossy finish ruined (Silk PLA) | Overheating | Reduce nozzle temp and print speed |
| Cracking on strong parts (PLA+) | Cooling too high | Reduce part cooling fan to 50–70% |
Final Thoughts
PLA+, PLA Pro, and Silk PLA all offer real, tangible improvements over basic PLA—but they’re optimized for different goals.
- Use PLA+ when you need strength without sacrificing ease of printing.
- Use PLA Pro when you need even more mechanical toughness or are building functional, semi-load-bearing parts.
- Use Silk PLA when visual beauty and smooth, shiny surfaces are the priority.
Choosing the right type of PLA ensures that your prints look better, last longer, and perform exactly how you intend.
Once you understand the real differences between these PLA variants, you can unlock new possibilities in your 3D printing projects—whether for function, form, or both.