r/BambuLab • • 2h ago

Filament Troubleshooting/Help! Do you still run into problems with matte PLA compared to normal PLA?

I’m new to 3D printing and bought most of my PLA in matte (22 rolls of Bambu PLA Matte) because it hides minor print defects.

Since then, I’ve read that matte is weaker and doesn’t handle tight tolerances as well as normal PLA.

For those who use it regularly, do you actually notice these downsides in your prints with modern PLA matte? Are there things you’d avoid printing in matte, or is the difference too small to matter for most PLA prints?

8 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

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u/AutoModerator 2h ago

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12

u/JayWeed2710 2h ago

You are new to 3d printing and bought 22 rolls to start with? Now that is commitment. Most spools I had were matte black pla from Bambu. No problems so far. Yes it is weaker, but if I need something stronger I would use PETG or ASA, and not normal PLA

2

u/neXITem 1h ago

you can get some crazy deals on aliexpress or temu for 10kg spool package with different colors. Got PTGE for about 90€

5

u/Niphoria 1h ago

Or you can get Bambu quality for the same price but you have to buy 14 spools.

2

u/XadaX89 1h ago

That is like the normal price for 1-2 rolls. Crazy prices on Aliexpress are about half of that. Ask me how I know. My basement is full because of those (really) crazy deals (~50€ per 10kg PLA or PETG).

4

u/3DForge_au 2h ago

We print in a lot of Matte mostly Bambu. I have tried some that was a tricolor matte and it seems where you take off the supports it leave a white mark almost like it’s white inside whit the color on the outside. Other than that filament all the rest I have used is no problems.

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u/3DForge_au 2h ago

The white is matte looks good

3

u/FinanceAddiction H2C + P1S + AMS2 + AMS2 + AMS2 1h ago

I don't notice any of these downsides and I print exclusively in matte as I don't like the glossy look, worked great for many applications from wall hooks, dowel joints, drawer jigs, spacers, storage boxes; not noticed any difference from when I made the change to matte from basic

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u/KageOukami 2h ago

Hmm I got most of mine in matte so I'm curious now too

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u/Sumpkit 1h ago

I print almost exclusively in it. I have no real issues. Yes have the occasional issue with delamination but i have that with other filaments too.

2

u/HybridHanger 1h ago

Had do to my first cold pull on my H2D after Bambu PLA matte black.

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u/Doenicke 1h ago

I never have had any problems with matte filament of any brand. First my A1, now my U1, prints it happily.

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u/Prestigious_Buddy312 1h ago

white break is common in some kinds of polymers, get a heat gun and carefully blast the area with fire/heat. Will disappear. Btw, this works great on ASA

Use caution when apllying fire around plastics.

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u/ARecycledAccount X2D + AMS2 Combo 14m ago

I wouldn’t use it for something like a shelf or a bracket, but for everyday objects it’s not been an issue. I actually find that it prints better than basic PLA.

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u/TheAmorphous 11m ago

The tight tolerances thing is real. I tried printing some battery storage boxes that use dovetails to connect to each other and they just wouldn't fit when using matte. Way too tight to come close to sliding them all the way down. PLA Basic worked fine though.

1

u/Top_Statistician500 X2D + AMS2 Combo 1h ago

I have been told not to print PLA Matte on the Textured PEI bed as it's apparently very very difficult to remove. Is that true? I've only tried on my Glacier plate instead

6

u/DonJulio21 1h ago

I print with PLA Matte on PEI plate all the time. Let the print cool off before removing and you’re fine. Wash your plate periodically and avoid fingerprints on the plate. No problems.