SUNLU vs Polymaker 3d Printing Filaments: Which Brand Fits You?
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SUNLU vs polymaker 3d printing filament: both brands offer 1.75mm spools for FDM printers. They share the same standard diameter. The main difference is material. SUNLU provides PLA, a standard choice for general use. Polymaker offers ASA, designed for outdoor durability. You must choose based on your project needs. PLA suits indoor models. ASA fits functional parts exposed to weather. This guide compares their specs to help you decide.
Key differences
| Aspect | SUNLU 1.75mm Black PLA Filament 1kg | Polymaker ASA 1.75mm Filament (1kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | PLA | ASA |
| Max Print Speed | 100mm/s | 50mm/s |
| Nozzle Temperature | 200-230°C | 250°C |
| Bed Temperature | 50-65°C | 90°C |
| Dimensional Accuracy | +/- 0.02mm | not listed |
| Key Properties | Easy to use, no clogs | UV & weather resistant, high heat resistance |
Which one should you choose?
Choose SUNLU 1.75mm Black PLA Filament 1kg if
- You need a filament that prints at higher speeds up to 100mm/s.
- You are printing indoor models that do not require high heat resistance.
- You prefer a material with known dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm.
Choose Polymaker ASA 1.75mm Filament (1kg) if
- You need parts for outdoor use that resist UV and weather.
- You require high heat resistance up to 100°C for functional parts.
- You are printing mechanical components that need high toughness and impact resistance.
Verdict: Choose SUNLU PLA for standard, high-speed indoor printing with reliable layer adhesion. Select Polymaker ASA when you need durable, weather-resistant parts for functional or outdoor applications. Your choice depends entirely on whether you prioritize speed or environmental durability.
SUNLU vs Polymaker Filament Comparison
Material Durability
SUNLU offers PLA, a standard material ideal for beginners and general use. It provides reliable layer adhesion and is easy to print with, making it perfect for indoor models and prototypes. Polymaker provides ASA, which combines the strength of ABS with added weather resistance. ASA withstands temperatures up to 100°C and resists UV degradation and environmental stress cracking. This makes Polymaker ASA superior for functional parts, outdoor applications like RC planes, and car accessories that need to endure harsh conditions. If you need durability and outdoor resilience, Polymaker ASA is the clear choice over standard PLA.
Print Speed
SUNLU specifies a recommended maximum print speed of 50-100mm/s for their PLA filament. This allows for faster production of non-functional models and educational projects without compromising quality. Polymaker recommends a print speed of 50mm/s for their ASA filament. While this is slower, it ensures the best results for the more challenging ASA material, helping to prevent warping and ensure strong layer adhesion. The SUNLU PLA allows you to print up to twice as fast as the Polymaker ASA setting. If speed is your priority for general printing, SUNLU has the advantage.
Dimensional Accuracy
SUNLU explicitly states a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm for their 1.75mm filament. This tight tolerance ensures wide compatibility with almost all 1.75mm FDM 3D printers and reduces the risk of clogs or jams during printing. Polymaker lists the filament diameter as 1.75mm but does not provide a specific numerical tolerance value in the provided data. While Polymaker is a reputable brand, SUNLU’s published accuracy metric gives you a concrete guarantee of consistency. For buyers who prioritize verified dimensional precision to ensure smooth feeding, SUNLU provides more specific data.
Spool Design
SUNLU highlights its self-developed neat winding device, which ensures a 100% neat winding rate. This design minimizes the risk of tangles and jams, providing a smoother printing experience. The spool dimensions are 8.00 inches in diameter, 2.50 inches in width, with a 2.20-inch hub hole, fitting many FDM printers. Polymaker provides spool width and height dimensions but does not mention a specific winding technology or neatness guarantee. SUNLU’s focus on tangle-free winding is a practical benefit for uninterrupted printing. If you want to avoid filament tangles, SUNLU’s spool design offers a distinct advantage.
Heat Resistance
Polymaker ASA is designed for high heat resistance, withstanding temperatures up to 100°C (212°F). This makes it suitable for functional applications that may be exposed to warm environments, such as car parts or electronic housings. SUNLU PLA does not list a specific heat resistance temperature, but PLA generally softens at lower temperatures than ASA. For projects requiring thermal stability, Polymaker ASA is the stronger option. If your prints will be used in warm conditions or need to maintain structural integrity under heat, Polymaker ASA is the better choice.
Which filament suits your needs
Beginners printing indoor models
SUNLU PLA is ideal for beginners. Its 1.75mm diameter has a tight tolerance of plus or minus 0.02mm, ensuring smooth feeding. The neat winding reduces tangles. You can print at speeds up to 100mm/s with a nozzle temperature between 200 and 230°C. This makes it reliable for general use and easy prototypes without complex settings.
Outdoor functional part makers
Polymaker ASA is built for outdoor durability. It resists UV rays and weather, preventing environmental stress cracking. This material withstands temperatures up to 100°C, making it tough for car accessories or RC planes. It offers high impact resistance and rigidity. Use it for functional prototypes that require real-world durability and long-term stability in harsh conditions.
Users needing wide color options
SUNLU offers a broad selection of colors, including black, white, red, transparent, grey, wood, and green. You can choose from sizes ranging from 1kg to 5kg. This variety allows you to match specific aesthetic requirements for your projects. The standard 1kg spool fits most FDM printers, providing flexibility in both appearance and material quantity for your printing needs.
The products compared
SUNLU 1.75mm Black PLA Filament 1kg
Best for: everyday standard-speed PLA 3D printing projects
- Material Type
- PLA
- Filament Diameter
- 1.75mm
- Net Weight
- 1kg
- Max Print Speed
- 100mm/s
- Dimensional Accuracy
- ±0.02mm
- Printing Technology
- FDM
View on Amazon: SUNLU 1.75mm Black PLA Filament 1kg Affiliate link
This 1 kg spool gives you standard 1.75mm PLA filament with a tight +/- 0.02mm dimensional accuracy. It operates at nozzle temperatures between 200°C and 230°C with print speeds up to 100mm/s. The spool fits standard 2.20-inch hub holders. It suits makers who need reliable everyday PLA for standard-speed printing on common FDM desktop setups.
Pros
- Tight +/- 0.02mm dimensional tolerance
- Neat spool winding prevents tangles and feed jams
- Broad printing temperature range of 200°C to 230°C
- Standard 2.20-inch spool hub hole fits common printer mounts
Cons
- Maximum recommended print speed tops out at 100mm/s
- PLA formulation offers lower thermal resistance than PETG
Good fit if
- You print at standard speeds between 50mm/s and 100mm/s.
- You need a standard 1.75mm PLA with +/- 0.02mm diameter consistency.
- You use a spool holder compatible with a 2.20-inch hub diameter.
Skip if
- You run high-speed prints that exceed 100mm/s.
- You require the higher thermal resistance and durability of PETG.
Verdict: SUNLU 1 kg Black PLA Filament delivers consistent +/- 0.02mm extrusion for everyday desktop prints running up to 100mm/s. It fits hobbyists who prioritize neat spooling and predictable PLA performance over high-speed throughput.
Polymaker ASA 1.75mm Filament (1kg)
Best for: Outdoor functional parts requiring weather resistance
- Material Type
- ASA
- Filament Diameter
- 1.75mm
- Net Weight
- 1 kg
- Max Print Speed
- 50mm/s
- Size
- 1KG
- Application
- Functional Parts
View on Amazon: Polymaker ASA 1.75mm Filament (1kg) Affiliate link
This Polymaker ASA filament is designed for outdoor functional parts. It combines ABS-like strength with UV and weather resistance. The material withstands temperatures up to 100°C and offers high impact resistance. You get a 1KG spool of 1.75mm white filament. It is suitable for brackets, housings, and RC planes. You should use an enclosed printer to prevent warping during large prints.
Pros
- UV and weather resistant for outdoor use
- Withstands heat up to 100°C
- High toughness and impact resistance
- Strong layer adhesion for durable parts
Cons
- Requires an enclosed printer for large parts to prevent warping
- Nozzle temperature set at 250°C may be high for some hotends
- 1KG size is smaller than available 2KG or 5KG options
Good fit if
- You need durable parts for outdoor environments
- You require high heat resistance for functional prototypes
- You are printing mechanical parts that need impact strength
Skip if
- You do not have an enclosed printer
- You need budget-friendly materials for simple models
- You prefer PLA for its ease of printing
Verdict: Polymaker ASA 1.75mm White 1KG is a robust choice for users who need weather-resistant, functional parts that can handle heat and impact. It fits makers building outdoor accessories or mechanical components who have the hardware to manage its printing requirements.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SUNLU 1.75mm Black PLA Filament 1kg | Polymaker ASA 1.75mm Filament (1kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | PLA | ASA |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm | 1.75mm |
| Net Weight | 1kg | 1 kg |
| Max Print Speed | 100mm/s | 50mm/s |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.02mm | not stated |
| Printing Technology | FDM | not stated |
| Compatible Material | PLA | ASA |
| Color | Black | 115 - 1.75mm White (Hex Code: #Dbd7d6) |
| Size | 1KG | 1KG |
| Application | not stated | Functional Parts |
| Surface Finish | Smooth | not stated |
| Dimensions | 8.66 × 8.66 × 3.15 inches | 7.87 × 7.87 × 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 2.21 pounds | 2.2 pounds |
| Model | 3D Printer Filament PLA Filament 1.75mm | PF01002 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use SUNLU PLA for outdoor projects?
No, you should not use SUNLU PLA for outdoor applications. PLA is a standard material designed for general indoor use and lacks weather resistance. It is best suited for everyday desktop prints and hobbyist models. For items exposed to the elements, you need a filament with higher durability, such as ASA.
Is Polymaker ASA easy to print with?
Polymaker ASA requires specific hardware to manage its printing requirements. It is a robust choice for functional parts but demands careful handling. You need the right equipment to print this material effectively. It is ideal for makers building outdoor accessories or mechanical components that need to handle heat and impact.
What is the filament diameter for both brands?
Both SUNLU and Polymaker offer filaments with a standard 1.75mm diameter. This size is compatible with most FDM printers. The consistent diameter ensures smooth feeding into your extruder. You can rely on this standard measurement for both the SUNLU PLA and the Polymaker ASA spools.
Which filament has tighter diameter tolerance?
The SUNLU 1.75mm Black PLA Filament delivers consistent extrusion with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.02mm. This precision helps ensure smooth feeding and reliable layer adhesion. You get predictable performance for general use. This tight tolerance makes it a solid choice for standard-speed printing projects.
Can I print at high speeds with SUNLU PLA?
Yes, you can run SUNLU PLA at speeds up to 100mm/s. This filament is optimized for everyday desktop prints that do not require extreme throughput. It provides neat spooling and predictable performance. You get reliable results for hobbyist projects without needing high-speed hardware adjustments.
What are the spool dimensions for these filaments?
The SUNLU PLA spool measures 8.66 inches by 3.15 inches by 8.66 inches. The Polymaker ASA spool is slightly smaller, measuring 7.87 inches by 2.36 inches by 7.87 inches. Both fit standard 1kg packaging sizes. You can check your printer’s filament storage area to ensure compatibility with these dimensions.
Which brand is better for beginners?
SUNLU PLA is ideal for beginners due to its ease of use and reliable layer adhesion. It is easy to print with and reduces tangles through neat winding. You get predictable performance for indoor models. Polymaker ASA is better for users who already have the hardware to manage its specific printing requirements.