Spectrum PLA Premium vs THE FILAMENT PLA: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right PLA filament can make all the difference between a flawless print and a different aesthetic finish. Among the many brands available, Spectrum Filaments stands out as a manufacturer trusted for precision and consistency. Within its lineup, two popular options; Spectrum PLA Premium and THE FILAMENT PLA, cater to slightly different printing goals.
Both are designed for everyday 3D printing, but they vary in performance, finish, and usability. Spectrum PLA Premium focuses on accuracy, reliability, and smooth surface quality, while THE FILAMENT PLA emphasizes aesthetic appeal and unique matte textures. In this comparison, we’ll explore how each performs in key areas such as printability, surface finish, mechanical strength, and value — helping you decide which filament fits your printing needs best.
Overview of Each Filament
Spectrum’s PLA Premium is designed as an all-around, high-quality filament suitable for beginners and professionals alike. It’s praised for its ease of printing, reliable layer adhesion, and excellent surface quality. Made from biodegradable raw materials, it combines high hardness and tensile resistance with almost zero shrinkage after cooling, making it ideal for dimensionally accurate parts and prototypes.
Key Features:
- Excellent layer adhesion and minimal shrinkage
- Tight diameter tolerances for smooth extrusion
- A wide color range and glossy finish
THE FILAMENT PLA, on the other hand, delivers good results but with a bit more variability. Its specialty additives (like carbon fibers or matte pigments) can influence extrusion consistency, requiring fine-tuning of nozzle temperature and cooling settings
Key Features:
- Reduced layer visibility for a refined finish
- Designer-friendly color range and soft surface feel\
- Perfect for display pieces, design projects, or artistic applications where appearance takes priority.
Printing Performance and Ease of Use
Spectrum PLA Premium is highly praised for its plug-and-play printability. It performs well on virtually all FDM printers without requiring special hardware or complex settings. The filament extrudes smoothly at temperatures between 185°C and 215°C, adheres well to most build surfaces, and produces clean layer lines with minimal stringing.
Its low shrinkage rate makes it suitable for large prints or parts requiring dimensional precision. Even with intricate geometries or fine supports, Spectrum PLA Premium maintains strong interlayer bonding. In many user reviews, it’s highlighted as a “trouble-free” filament that works consistently across various printer models.
THE FILAMENT PLA performs dependably but may demand slight adjustments depending on the variant. Matte or carbon-filled types can have higher viscosity, meaning you might need to increase the nozzle temperature or reduce cooling slightly to achieve optimal layer fusion. Once properly tuned, however, it can deliver excellent print results with a unique visual character.
Mechanical Strength and Stability
When it comes to performance, Spectrum PLA Premium stands out with its high hardness, good tensile resistance, and stable mechanical behavior. The material is optimized for minimal warping, allowing parts to maintain tight tolerances. It’s suitable for prints that require both detail and durability, such as jigs, fixtures, and mock-up components.
While THE FILAMENT PLA delivers decent mechanical performance, its focus on visual additives (like matte agents or carbon powder) may slightly reduce tensile strength and flexibility compared to Spectrum’s pure Premium formulation. That said, it remains strong enough for decorative, presentation, or light-duty functional parts.
Cost and Value
- Spectrum PLA Premium is slightly more expensive but backed by top-tier consistency and long-term reliability.
- THE FILAMENT PLA may be more affordable or equal in price depending on color and variant, offering excellent value for artistic prints.
Conclusion
Both Spectrum PLA Premium and THE FILAMENT PLA showcase Spectrum’s craftsmanship, but they serve different goals:
- Choose Spectrum PLA Premium if you need consistency, precision, and glossy professional results for everyday or technical prints.
- Choose THE FILAMENT PLA if you want modern matte finishes and visually distinctive prints with minimal visible layers.
No matter which you choose, you’re working with materials from a trusted brand — ensuring your prints perform and look their best, every time.
To know more about SPECTRUM PLA PREMIUM and THE FILAMENT PLA, you can check the link below: