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Deal.ai › Compare

Spectrum PLA Metal Filament Brass vs Protopasta High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA

Buy the Spectrum PLA Metal if you want a brass look on decorative prints and want to print it like ordinary PLA with no extra steps. Buy the Protopasta Stainless Steel HTPLA if you need a magnetic part, a cast-metal gray finish, or a part that holds up to heat after annealing. The Spectrum is the easier first metal filament; the Protopasta is the more capable engineering material, but it is abrasive, comes on a small 100 g coil, and rewards tuning and heat treating. Owners of the steel HTPLA report strong layer adhesion and easy polishing, with some stringing to dial in.

  • Choose the Spectrum PLA Metal if you want a warm brass finish on display pieces and want standard PLA settings with no annealing.
  • Choose the Stainless Steel HTPLA if you need magnetic parts, a matte steel look, or heat resistance after heat treating.

Prices

  • Spectrum PLA Metal Filament Brass: $40.77 at 3D Printing Canada (last seen Nov 13)
  • Protopasta High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA: $12.00 at Protoplant, makers of Protopasta (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Protopasta High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA is $28.77 cheaper than the Spectrum PLA Metal Filament Brass at the latest prices (Nov 13)
Spectrum
Spectrum PLA Metal Filament - 1.75mm, 0.75kg

Spectrum PLA Metal Filament Brass

Spectrum PLA Metal Filament - 1.75mm, 0.75kg

4(1 rating)
$40.77at 3D Printing CanadaChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit 3D Printing Canada
Pros
  • Brass look with standard PLA print settings
  • Low warping and stable extrusion
  • Sands and polishes to a brighter metallic sheen
  • 0.75 kg spool covers larger prints
Cons
  • Not magnetic and not heat resistant
  • Metal particles can wear a brass nozzle
  • Brass color limits it to decorative work
  • Fill percentage is not published
H
High Density Stainless Steel-filled HTPLA

Protopasta High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA

High Density Stainless Steel-filled HTPLA

4.6(8 ratings)
$12.00at Protoplant, makers of ProtopastaChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Protoplant, makers of Protopasta
Pros
  • 70wt% stainless steel, the denser metal fill
  • Magnetic prints that hold magnets
  • Heat treating raises temperature resistance about 3x
  • Owners report strong layer adhesion and easy polishing
Cons
  • 100 g coil is small for big prints
  • Abrasive; use a hardened nozzle
  • Needs retraction tuning to cut stringing
  • Annealing adds a step for full strength

What separates them

Spectrum PLA Metal Filament BrassProtopasta High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA
Metal fillMetallic additives for a brass look; fill percentage not stated70wt% 400-series stainless steel, the highest stated load of the two
Base polymerStandard PLA, no heat treatmentHTPLA that can be annealed for about 3x the temperature resistance
MagnetismNot magneticFerromagnetic; prints attract magnets
FinishWarm brass sheen; can be sanded and polishedMatte cast-metal gray as printed; brushes, sands and polishes to a real metal look
Spool size0.75 kg spool, suited to larger projects100 g coil, enough for small parts only
Printing easePrints like standard PLA with minimal warpingNeeds slower speeds and retraction tuning; annealing for best results
Nozzle wearMetal particles are abrasive; a hardened nozzle is saferAbrasive steel powder; a hardened nozzle is recommended
Best useDecorative, artistic and presentation piecesFunctional parts needing magnetism, weight or heat resistance

Prices at every store

Spectrum PLA Metal Filament Brass

  • 3D Printing CanadaNew

    In stockShips from abroad · duties may applyReturn policy

    $40.77Checked Nov 13
    Visit 3D Printing Canada
Prices and history →

Protopasta High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA

  • Protoplant, makers of ProtopastaNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $12.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Protoplant, makers of Protopasta
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecSpectrum PLA Metal Filament BrassProtopasta High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA
material composition—70wt% 400-series stainless steel
magnetic properties—ferromagnetic
filament diameter—1.75mm
spool weight—100g Coil
finish type—matte, cast-metal finish
temperature resistance—3x the temperature resistance (when heat treate…

What reviewers say

Spectrum PLA Metal Filament Brass

Owners of Spectrum PLA Metal describe a convincing metallic look and easy printing on PLA profiles. Most criticism centers on nozzle wear and brittleness rather than print quality.

What people mention
  • FinishPraisedOwners say the brass sheen looks convincing and reads as metal rather than painted plastic.
  • PrintabilityPraisedUsers report it prints on standard PLA settings with little warping.
  • Nozzle wearCriticisedThe metal filler is abrasive, and users say brass nozzles wear faster.
  • BrittlenessMixedSome find parts more brittle than plain PLA, fine for display but weak under load.

Protopasta High Density Stainless Steel HTPLA

Buyers call it strongly magnetic and easy to print, with good layer adhesion and a finish that polishes well. Complaints center on stringing that needs retraction tuning and the cost of a full spool.

What people mention
  • MagnetismPraisedOwners say prints hold magnets strongly thanks to the 400-series steel fill.
  • Print qualityPraisedBuyers report clean first prints on multiple machines with strong layer adhesion.
  • StringingMixedSome saw minor string blobs and had to tune retraction to clear them.
  • FinishPraisedThe matte cast-metal look polishes up beautifully into a real metal finish.

Questions and answers

Which is better for decorative prints?
The Spectrum PLA Metal. It gives a brass finish with standard PLA settings and no annealing. The steel HTPLA prints matte gray and is aimed at functional parts.
Which one is magnetic?
Only the Stainless Steel HTPLA. Its 400-series steel is ferromagnetic, so prints attract magnets. The Spectrum brass PLA is not magnetic.
Which handles heat better?
The Stainless Steel HTPLA, once heat treated. Protopasta rates it at about 3x the temperature resistance of PLA-based metal filaments. Untreated, it behaves much like other PLA blends.
Is the steel filament worth stepping up to?
Yes if you need magnetism, weight or heat resistance. If you only want a metal look, the Spectrum is simpler and comes on a much larger spool.
Do either wear out my nozzle?
Both contain abrasive metal particles. A hardened steel nozzle is the safe choice for either, especially for long prints with the steel-filled filament.
How much material do I get?
The Spectrum spool holds 0.75 kg. The Protopasta coil holds 100 g, so plan on several coils for anything large.

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