Rainbow vs Dual Color 3d Printing Filaments: Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing between rainbow vs dual color 3d printing filament depends on the visual effect you want. Both options from SUNLU use 1.75 mm PLA with tight dimensional tolerances. The main difference lies in how the color appears. One product shifts hues across the entire print over time. The other displays two distinct colors that change based on your viewing angle.
Key differences
| Aspect | SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg | SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | PLA | PLA+ |
| Color Effect | Rainbow | Dual Color |
| Surface Finish | Standard | Silk |
| Toughness | Standard PLA | 50x higher than standard PLA |
| Color Transition | Every 8 meters | 360° rotation view |
Which one should you choose?
Choose SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg if
- You want a single print to display many colors that shift gradually over time.
- You prefer standard PLA material for general purpose projects.
- You want a print speed up to 200mm/s.
Choose SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament if
- You want a shiny, metallic silk texture on your prints.
- You need higher toughness and impact resistance for functional parts.
- You want two distinct colors that change based on the viewing angle.
Verdict: Choose the rainbow filament if you want a multi-hued gradient that evolves as you print. Pick the dual color silk option if you need a durable, shiny finish with two contrasting colors. Both provide reliable printing with precise diameter control.
Rainbow vs Dual Color Filament Specs
Color Effect
SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg shifts hues every eight meters. The color transition is natural, creating a bright, multicolor gradient across your entire print. You see a continuous spectrum change as you print. In contrast, SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament offers a 360-degree rotation effect. It reveals various color combinations from different angles. The dual color experience changes based on your viewing perspective. One product gives a linear rainbow shift. The other provides an angular color reveal.
Material Type
The SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg uses standard PLA material. It is reliable, versatile, and easy to use for general projects. The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament uses Silk PLA+. This variant boasts toughness fifty times higher than standard PLA. It exhibits flexibility without breaking and impact resistance without shattering. It also has sturdy resilience to compression. If you need durability, the PLA+ option is superior. For basic decorative prints, standard PLA works well.
Surface Finish
SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg does not list a specific surface finish in its data. It focuses on color gradients and layer adhesion. The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament features a silky smooth texture. It presents vibrant, colorful hues with a dazzling surface. This finish requires no polishing after printing. The silk effect adds artistic inspiration to your creations. Every piece stands out brilliantly due to the shine. This finish is a key differentiator for visual appeal.
Print Speed
SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg supports a maximum print speed of 200mm/s. You can print efficiently at speeds between 100 and 200mm/s. The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament does not list a maximum print speed in the provided data. It only recommends nozzle and bed temperatures. Without speed data for the dual color option, we cannot compare performance directly. The rainbow filament has a stated high-speed capability.
Storage and Packaging
SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg comes in a neatly wound spool with a 100% neat rate. This reduces tangles and jams. The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament also uses machine-wound spools for orderly lines. However, it adds reusable vacuum storage bags and dual desiccants. This provides comprehensive protection against moisture intrusion. The vacuum bags ensure optimal conditions during storage. This extra protection is a significant advantage for long-term filament care.
Choose your filament for color effects
Decorators wanting vibrant multicolor gradients
The SUNLU Rainbow PLA shifts hues every eight meters. This creates a natural, continuous color transition across your entire print. The bright, multicolor gradient makes decorations and toys stand out. You get a consistent spectrum change without manual intervention. The 1.75 mm diameter ensures stable feeding for these eye-catching results.
Users needing durable prints with shine
This Silk PLA Plus offers toughness fifty times higher than standard PLA. It resists breaking and shattering while maintaining flexibility. The shiny silk texture provides a smooth surface without polishing. You get impact-resistant prints that look brilliant. The dual-color effect changes with rotation, adding visual interest to sturdy creations.
Printers wanting angle-dependent color shifts
The dual-color design reveals different color combinations as you rotate the print. This 360-degree effect adds artistic inspiration to your pieces. The silk finish enhances the vibrant hues without extra work. You get a unique look that changes based on viewing angle. The tight dimensional accuracy ensures reliable performance for these detailed effects.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg | Vibrant decorative and toy prints | Check price of SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg on Amazon |
| 2 | SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament | Decorative prints needing shifting color and strength | Check price of SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament on Amazon |
The products compared
SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg
Best for: Vibrant decorative and toy prints
- Color Effect
- Rainbow (what this guide is about)
- Material Type
- PLA
- Filament Diameter
- 1.75mm
- Net Weight
- 1KG
- Max Print Speed
- 200mm/s
- Dimensional Accuracy
- +/-0.02mm
View on Amazon: SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg Affiliate link
This SUNLU Rainbow PLA filament changes color every 8 meters for a natural gradient effect. It maintains a tight diameter tolerance of ±0.02mm to ensure consistent feeding. The 1KG spool fits standard FDM printers with a 2.20-inch hub hole. You get bright, multicolor prints suitable for decorations or toys. It supports speeds up to 200mm/s.
Pros
- Color shifts regularly every 8 meters
- Diameter tolerance of ±0.02mm
- Neatly wound spool reduces tangles
- Supports print speeds up to 200mm/s
Cons
- 1KG spool is smaller than the 250g bundle alternative
- Requires specific nozzle temperature of 210-240°C
- Limited to Rainbow color effect only
Good fit if
- You want vibrant, multicolor decorative prints
- You need reliable feeding with tight tolerances
- You print toys or space decorations
Skip if
- You require dual-color gradient effects
- You prefer neutral or single-color filaments
- You need larger bulk spool sizes
Verdict: SUNLU Rainbow PLA 1.75mm 1KG delivers consistent color gradients and precise dimensions for creative projects. It fits users who prioritize visual impact and reliable extrusion over bulk volume.
SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament
Best for: Decorative prints needing shifting color and strength
- Color Effect
- Dual Color (what this guide is about)
- Material Type
- PLA+
- Filament Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net Weight
- 1 kg
- Dimensional Accuracy
- ±0.02 mm
- Surface Finish
- Silk
View on Amazon: SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament Affiliate link
This SUNLU filament combines a shiny silk finish with a dual-color effect that shifts hues as you rotate the print. It uses PLA+ material, which offers higher toughness and flexibility than standard PLA. The spool contains 1 kg of 1.75 mm filament with a dimensional accuracy of ±0.02 mm. It suits makers who want vibrant, metallic-looking parts without post-processing. The included vacuum bag helps keep the material dry.
Pros
- Dual color effect changes with viewing angle
- PLA+ material offers 50x higher toughness than standard PLA
- Silky smooth surface finish requires no polishing
- Dimensional accuracy of ±0.02 mm ensures consistent prints
- Includes reusable vacuum storage bag
Cons
- Limited to dual color effect rather than full rainbow spectrum
- Requires specific temperature settings between 205°C and 215°C
- Heavier spool at 2.2 pounds compared to standard 1kg spools
Good fit if
- You want a shiny, metallic look without extra finishing
- You need stronger parts that resist breaking
- You prefer prints that change color based on angle
Skip if
- You require a full rainbow gradient effect
- You need standard single-color PLA for basic prints
- You prefer triple color variations for complex designs
Verdict: SUNLU Silk Dual Color PLA+ 1.75mm delivers a unique shifting color effect with enhanced durability. It is ideal for decorative items that benefit from a shiny, robust finish.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SUNLU Rainbow PLA Filament 1.75mm 1kg | SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color 1.75mm Filament |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | PLA | PLA+ |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm | 1.75 mm |
| Net Weight | 1KG | 1 kg |
| Max Print Speed | 200mm/s | not stated |
| Dimensional Accuracy | +/-0.02mm | ±0.02 mm |
| Surface Finish | not stated | Silk |
| Color Printing | Multi-Color | not stated |
| Compatible Material | PLA | PLA |
| Size | 1KG | 1.75Mm |
| Finish | not stated | Silk |
| Color Effect | Rainbow | Dual Color |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 2.2 pounds |
| Dimensions | not stated | 7.87 × 7.87 × 2.52 inches |
| Color | Rainbow | Silk Pla Dual Red Blue |
| Model | Rainbow PLA 3D Printer Filament | SUNLU Silk PLA Plus 3D Printer Filament |
Frequently asked questions
Is rainbow filament better than dual color for toys?
Yes, if you want vibrant, multicolor gradients. The SUNLU Rainbow PLA shifts hues every eight meters. This creates a natural, continuous color transition across your entire print. The bright, multicolor gradient makes decorations and toys stand out. It fits users who prioritize visual impact and reliable extrusion over bulk volume.
Does dual color filament offer more durability?
It can, depending on the base material. The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color filament features enhanced durability. It is ideal for decorative items that benefit from a shiny, robust finish. While rainbow options focus on visual impact, dual color variants like this one combine shifting colors with a stronger PLA+ composition.
What is the dimensional accuracy of these filaments?
Tolerances vary by product line. The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color specifies a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm. This ensures precise fitting parts. The SUNLU Rainbow PLA is noted for precise dimensions in its verdict. Both use 1.75 mm PLA with tight tolerances to ensure consistent extrusion and print quality.
How often does the color change in rainbow filament?
The color shifts every eight meters in the SUNLU Rainbow PLA. This frequency creates a natural, continuous color transition. You see a bright, multicolor gradient across your entire print. This specific interval helps achieve the vibrant decorative effect that distinguishes it from other color-shifting options on the market.
Can I use dual color filament for strong prints?
Yes, especially if you choose a PLA+ variant. The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color is designed for strength. It delivers a unique shifting color effect with enhanced durability. This makes it suitable for decorative items that need a shiny, robust finish, unlike standard PLA which may be more brittle.
What size spools are available for these filaments?
The SUNLU Rainbow PLA comes in a 1 kg size. The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color also lists a 1.75 mm diameter option. Both products weigh 2.2 pounds. These standard spool sizes are suitable for most consumer 3D printers that accept 1.75 mm filament without requiring special adapters.
Which filament is best for shifting color effects?
The SUNLU Silk PLA+ Dual Color is built for this. It delivers a unique shifting color effect with a silk finish. This creates a shiny, robust look. While rainbow filament also shifts hues, the dual color option offers a distinct visual style combined with the durability of PLA+ material for decorative projects.