Stainless Steel PLA Proto-Pasta

Proto-Pasta

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19,95 €
19,95 €

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Filament offering an appearance and a density similar to stainless steel.

Stainless steel filament is composed of polymer (PLA) and ground pulverized stainless steel filament. This stainless steel powder doesn`t offer more resistance than standard PLA filament, it merely provides a look and a density similar to stainless steel.

PLA Steel
Image 1: Matte and glossy finish. Source: Proto-Pasta.

Although the filament containing steel powder isn´t enough of it to this filament is conductive of electricity. For searching a conductive filament must choose the PLA conductive filament or Graphene.

Once printed piece can opt for two different finishes. You can choose to polish or brush for a brilliant piece or part not try to have a look of molten metal metallic finish. Then the various post-processing techniques are shown:

  • Brushing: You must rub the piece with a stiff wire brush for shine without eliminating the lines of print.
  • Rock polishing: The recommended technique for small parts. They can be used abrasive materials to achieve different finishes. No steel shot is recommended.
  • Grinding Wheel: good gloss is achieved and also the coating lines are removed. You must have this wheel with layers of soft fabric, attached to a bench grinder or a drill.
  • Epoxy Coated XTC-3D: The main against the three techniques above are post-processing complexity. The XTC-3D application is very simple and you can get a glossy or matte cover just completely coating lines. You can learn more about this product on the following link.

Image 2: PLA Stainless Steel. Source: Proto-Pasta.

Image 3: Glossy finish. Source: Proto-Pasta.

It is advisable to use a hardened steel nozzle or Olsson Ruby since the particles of steel are quite abrasives and wears out the brass nozzles.

The filaments with metallic particles of Proto-Pasta; once printed and post-processed, offer a finish with an appearance and density similar to the metal used. However, in no case they will have the properties of that metal.

If metal finishes and parts containing the properties of the metal in question are desired, filaments from The Virtual Foundry Filamet range should be used. Parts printed in 3D with these materials become completely metallic through a sintering process.

It should be noted that Filamet filaments require more knowledge due to their complexity both in the printing process and in the subsequent sintering which, in many cases, is of an experimental nature.

Softening temperature (ºC) 55
Metallic content Metallic content
Fiber reinforced Fiber reinforced
Hide color variations (Hide color variations)

Stainless Steel PLA in filament state is more fragile than the standard PLA so must be handled carefully to avoid breakage. Optimum printing temperature can range between 195ºC and 220ºC according to each 3D printer.

Printing of this filament is just as easy to standard PLA. Although it is not necessary to have a warm bed to print this filament, if she have put it at 50-60 ° C it is recommended. The adhesion of the first layer is key and probably the most important factors for good impressions. so you can use MagigooBuildTak or 3DLac.

General information
Manufacturer Proto Pasta (USA)
Material PLA + Stainless Steel
Format Roll of 125 g
Spool of 500 g
Density 2.3 g/cm3
Filament diameter 1.75 or 2.85 mm
Diameter tolerance ±0.05 mm
Filament length ±22 m (Ø1.75 mm-125 g)
±88 m (Ø1.75 mm-500 g)
±8 m (Ø 2.85 mm-125 g)
±32 m (Ø 2.85 mm-500 g)
Color Grey
RAL/Pantone -
Print settings
Printing temperature 195-225ºC
Print bed temperature 50-60ºC
Chamber temperature Not necessary
Cooling fan Recommended
Recommended printing speed 20-80 mm/s
Mechanical properties
Izod impact strength -
Charpy impact strength -
Elongation at break
Tensile strength -
Tensile Modulus -
Flexural strength -
Flexural modulus -
Surface hardness -
Thermal properties
Softening temperature 55ºC
Melting temperature 150ºC
Specific properties
Transparency  No
Additional Information
HS Code 3916.9
Diameter coil (outer) 205 mm 
Diameter coil (inner hole) 53 mm 
Coil Width 55 mm 


* The typical values detailed in this table should be considered as a reference. Actual values may vary depending on the 3D printer model used, part design and printing conditions. We recommend confirming the results and final properties with own tests. For more information you should consult the technical data sheet of the product.

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