Beginner-friendly choice? Comprehensive review of staple brand 3D filaments
The rise of consumer 3D printing has filled the market with filament choices, which is overwhelming for new immigrants. These include Staples’ in-house branding – an affordable solution with promising reliability and accessibility. After extensive testing of multiple printers (Ender 3, Prusa I3, Ultimaker S3), this is a delving into whether Staples Filement is for amateurs and educators.
Filigree and specifications
Staples mainly offer PLA filaments with a diameter of 1.75mm, which meets the most common consumer printers. Key Specifications:
- Color/material: 15+ colors (vibrant original, metallic, glowing in the dark), based on PLA only.
- Spindle design: Spooler with 1 kg cardboard core. Minimalist tags, but include QR codes linked to the print guide.
- The accuracy of dimensions: ±0.05mm tolerance – consistency between samples (1.74 mm in caliper test).
- Print parameters: Recommended nozzle: 190°–220°C, bed: 50°–60°C (supports unheated bed).
Performance failure
Printing experience
Staples are easy to use:
- Layer adhesion: Good bonding between layers at 205°C; minimal twist on unheated beds.
- String/exudate: Medium – Retraction adjustment is required (optimal 4mm at 45mm/s).
- Bed adhesion: Reliable with standard blue painter tape – PLA does not require glue.
Surface quality
- Matte effect across colors (metal displays a subtle sheen).
- Secondary "pimpling" At higher temperatures (>210°C).
- Bridge/Support: Clean span below 15mm; sagging longer spans.
Value Proposition
- price: $18 – $25/kg – Compete with budget brands like Overture.
- Availability: Pickup boats in stores nationwide within 48 hours.
- Environmental friendly: Cardboard spool (without plastic) edges than competitors. Still using plastic packaging.
Who should use it?
- beginner: The near-zero warping and forgiving settings make it ideal for first-time users.
- Educators: Low cost + easy accessibility classroom environment.
- limit: Not suitable for high temperature/flexible applications. Adhere to functional prototypes/decorative prints.
Conclusion: Stable budget PLA, but know the trade-offs
Staples are a pragmatic choice for casual users to prioritize accessibility and simplicity. Although it lacks the engineering-grade properties of advanced filaments, its controlled flow and adhesion brings consistent results for everyday PLA projects. It’s sad at $20 per kilo – especially when snapping up next to pieces alongside office supplies.
But what if your needs exceed PLA?
If you are making functional metal parts or materials that require industrial strength (nylon, carbon fiber or titanium), consumer wire printers are reaching their limits. This is Great Bridge gaps. As a professional rapid prototyping leader from China, Gremply Leverages is advanced SLM (Selective Laser Melting) 3D Printer Solve complex challenges:
- Metal Prototyping: Create end-use parts from aerospace alloys to biocompatible titanium.
- Post-processing: Including CNC machining, polishing, anodizing – a true one-stop shop.
- Fast Market: Quick quote + 5-day turnover for emergency projects.
Whether it is iterative medical devices or robotic components, Greatlight’s combination of accuracy, scalability (1-10,000+ units) and cost efficiency makes it the first choice for engineers around the world. Are you ready to upgrade from DIY to industrial grade? Ask for a quote on its website today.
FAQ
Q1: Can Staples filaments be used with any printer?
Answer: Yes! Compatible with any FDM printer that supports 1.75mm PLA. Tested according to debris, prusa and Flashforge models.
Q2: Why do printing sometimes have small bumps?
Answer: Smaller moisture absorption. If there is a problem, store it in 45°C for 45 hours in a desiccant package.
Q3: Are Staples PETG or ABS available?
Answer: Not currently. Their lineup is limited. For engineering plastics, explore professional services like Greatlime.
Q4: How are fixed PLA printed parts strong?
A: Functions for lightweight use (hook, housing). Avoid high heating/load applications.
Question 5: When should I choose a metal prototype instead of filament printing?
A: If you need thermal elasticity > 100°C, weight structure, surgical grade sterilization or tight aerospace tolerances. Greglight handles these via SLM.
Q6: Can Greatlight provide mirror finishes or custom textures?
Answer: Absolute. Their post-treatment includes bead blasting, powder coating and custom finishes.
Question 7: Does staple food offer a lot of discounts to schools?
A: Yes – Contact their business unit for more than 10 spools of education pricing.
Is there a metal prototype challenge? Get instant quotes from Greatlight – Speed meets aerospace accuracy.
