If you’re into 3D printing, you need filament that delivers without breaking the bank. Inland filament, Micro Center’s house brand, is my go-to for vibrant, reliable prints. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker, its PLA and PETG options offer precision, ease, and quality that rival pricier brands.
In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience, break down the pros and not-so-great bits, compare it to competitors, and give you maintenance tips to keep your prints flawless.
Trust me, Inland’s a game-changer—grab some and start printing!
My Journey With Inland Filament
I remember the day I decided to give Inland filament a shot.
I’d been wrestling with a roll of Hatchbox PLA that seemed determined to clog my Ender 3 Pro at every turn.
Frustrated, I wandered into Micro Center, drawn by their reputation for quality gear.
There, I spotted Inland’s 2-pack PLA bundle—black and red, 1KG each, for a price that made my wallet sigh with relief.
I figured, why not? If it’s terrible, I’m not out much.
Loading the black PLA spool was my first pleasant surprise. The filament felt smooth, not gritty like some budget brands I’d tried. I set my nozzle to 215°C and bed to 60°C, as recommended, and started printing a storage drawer I’d designed.
Usually, I’d babysit the first layer, expecting stringing or adhesion issues. Not this time. The filament gripped my magnetic bed like a champ, laying down a glossy first layer even when my leveling was slightly off. I tweaked a low spot mid-print, and it still came out flawless.
What blew me away was the consistency. Layer after layer, the infill was perfect—no gaps or uneven lines like I’d seen with other filaments. I stepped away, half-expecting to return to a tangled mess.
Nope.
The drawer printed perfectly, with clean edges and a vibrant finish. Encouraged, I tried a 20-hour print of a complex model. Same result: no clogs, no warping, just a smooth, professional-looking piece. Even the red PLA from the bundle performed identically, which isn’t always a given with multi-color packs.
Then there was the glow-in-the-dark Inland PLA I snagged on a whim. I’m a sucker for luminous stuff, but past experiences with glow filaments were dismal—clogging, weak glow, you name it. This one? It printed like a dream and glowed so bright I could read by it in the dark.
After 30 hours of printing, my brass nozzle showed no noticeable wear, a relief after abrasive filaments I’d used before. Inland filament turned my printer from a finicky beast into a reliable workhorse, and I was hooked.
The Pros of Inland Filament: Why It Shines?
- Affordable Without Sacrificing Quality
Let’s talk money. Inland filament is dirt cheap—often under $20 per 1KG spool.
Compare that to premium brands like Prusament, which can hit $30 or more, and it’s a no-brainer.
But here’s the kicker: you’re not getting bargain-bin quality.
The PLA I used printed with the precision of filaments twice its price.
Vibrant colors, smooth extrusion, and no clogs? That’s value you can’t ignore. Whether you’re churning out prototypes or decorative pieces, Inland lets you print more without emptying your savings.
- Precision That Delivers Clean Prints
Inland’s dimensional accuracy is a standout. With a tolerance of ±0.03mm, it feeds smoothly through your printer, reducing jams and ensuring consistent layer lines. I printed intricate models with fine details, and every line was crisp.
This precision is a godsend for functional parts or high-detail minis. Even on my budget Ender 3 Pro, Inland made my prints look like they came off a high-end machine. If you’re tired of tweaking settings to compensate for sloppy filament, Inland’s got your back.
- Clog-Free and Bubble-Free Performance
Nothing kills a print faster than clogs or bubbles. Inland’s PLA is pre-dried for 24 hours and vacuum-sealed with desiccant, so moisture isn’t an issue. I’ve run through multiple spools without a single jam or blob. The filament extrudes evenly, and layer adhesion is rock-solid.
I used to dread long prints, expecting failure halfway through. With Inland, I can start a 20-hour job and walk away confidently. It’s like having a printer that finally listens to you.
- Vibrant Colors and Fun Options
Inland’s color range is impressive for a budget brand. From classic black to translucent magenta and glow-in-the-dark, there’s something for every project. The red PLA from my bundle popped with a rich, glossy finish, and the glow-in-the-dark spool was a showstopper.
Unlike some brands where colors fade or look washed out, Inland’s hues stay bold. Whether you’re printing a functional bracket or a glowing figurine, these filaments add flair without compromising performance.
- Beginner-Friendly and Versatile
If you’re new to 3D printing, Inland is a fantastic starting point. Its PLA works with most FDM printers, and the recommended settings (215°C–230°C nozzle, 60°C–80°C bed) are easy to dial in. I had great results with minimal tweaking, even on my less-than-perfectly-calibrated printer.
But it’s not just for newbies—seasoned printers will appreciate its reliability for complex projects. From prototypes to cosplay props, Inland handles it all with ease.
The Not-So-Good Parts: Where Inland Falls Short?
- Inconsistent Labeling Can Cause Confusion
One hiccup I ran into was the labeling. My black PLA spool was marked “PLA,” but it printed better at higher temps, suggesting it was PLA+.
A tiny “+” on the label confirmed it, but the main branding didn’t make it clear.
This threw me off initially, as I used standard PLA settings and got some stringing.
Once I adjusted to 215°C with less retraction, it was fine, but clearer labeling would save new users some trial and error.
- Cardboard Spools Can Be a Hassle
Inland’s cardboard spools are eco-friendly, but they’re not my favorite. On one spool, the filament was wound so tightly that the spool deformed slightly, causing minor feeding issues. It wasn’t a dealbreaker—I loosened the filament manually—but it’s something to watch for.
Also, cardboard doesn’t hold up well in humid environments or filament dryers. If you’re printing a lot, you might prefer brands with sturdy plastic spools like Prusament or Hatchbox.
- Limited Availability Outside Micro Center
Here’s a bummer: Inland is a Micro Center exclusive. If you don’t live near one or want to order online, you’re at the mercy of their shipping times, which can take up to two weeks.
I’m lucky to have a Micro Center nearby, but if you’re in a rush, brands like Overture or SUNLU on Amazon are more convenient. This limited distribution makes Inland less accessible than competitors, especially for international printers.
- Slightly Stringier PETG
While Inland’s PLA is a dream, their PETG can be a bit stringier compared to premium brands like Prusament. I noticed this when printing a functional part—small wisps of filament required cleanup with a heat gun.
Adjusting retraction settings helped, but it took some fiddling. If you’re printing PETG for aesthetics, you might need extra post-processing. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s worth noting if you’re switching from PLA.
Tips: Keeping Your Inland Filament In Top Shape
- Store It Right to Avoid Moisture
Inland’s PLA and PETG are hygroscopic, meaning they soak up moisture like a sponge. To keep your filament pristine, store it in a sealed bag with the included desiccant after every print. I use airtight containers with silica gel packs for extra protection.
If you live in a humid area, consider a filament dryer. I once left a spool out for a week, and the prints started popping and stringing. A quick dry at 50°C for a few hours fixed it, but prevention is easier.
- Check Your Spool Before Printing
Before loading a new spool, inspect the winding. Inland’s cardboard spools can sometimes be tightly wound, leading to tangles. Gently unwind a bit of filament and secure the end in the spool’s holes to prevent knots.
I learned this the hard way when a tangled spool caused a print to fail halfway through. Taking a minute to check saves hours of frustration. Also, ensure your spool holder rotates smoothly to avoid feeding issues.
- Fine-Tune Your Printer Settings
Inland’s recommended settings are a great starting point, but every printer is unique. For PLA, I found 215°C and 60°C bed worked best on my Ender 3 Pro. For PETG, I lowered retraction to 0.5mm to reduce stringing. Experiment with small test prints to dial in your settings.
If you notice under-extrusion or stringing, tweak temperature or retraction in small increments. Keep a log of what works—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
- Clean Your Nozzle Regularly
Inland’s filaments are generally smooth, but any filament can leave residue over time. Clean your nozzle every few spools to prevent clogs. I heat my nozzle to 220°C, wipe it with a lint-free cloth, and run a cleaning filament through it.
For stubborn buildup, a cold pull with nylon filament works wonders. This keeps your prints crisp and extends your nozzle’s life, especially if you’re using glow-in-the-dark or specialty filaments.
- Monitor Nozzle Wear with Specialty Filaments
Inland’s glow-in-the-dark PLA is awesome but can be slightly abrasive. After heavy use, check your brass nozzle for wear—look for uneven extrusion or rough print surfaces. I switch to a hardened steel nozzle for abrasive filaments to avoid frequent replacements.
If you’re sticking to standard PLA or PETG, a brass nozzle should last, but it’s worth inspecting every 50 hours of printing to be safe.
Comparing Inland To Other Brands: How It Stacks Up?
I’ve put Inland up against four popular filament brands—Overture, Kingroon, SUNLU, and ELEGOO—to see how it holds up. Each comparison dives into key aspects like quality, price, and usability, based on my real-world printing experience.
- Inland Vs. Overture: Price vs. Accessibility
Inland and Overture are both budget kings, with Inland spools often under $20 and Overture hovering around $18–$22 on Amazon.
Inland’s PLA prints with exceptional smoothness and vibrant colors, matching Overture’s quality for detailed models.
However, Overture’s PETG is slightly less stringy, requiring less retraction tweaking.
The big difference?
Accessibility. Overture’s Amazon availability means next-day delivery, while Inland’s Micro Center exclusivity can mean a week’s wait online. Inland’s cardboard spools are eco-friendly but flimsier than Overture’s plastic ones. For quality and price, they’re neck-and-neck, but Overture wins for convenience.
- Inland Vs. Kingroon: Consistency vs. Specialty Options
Kingroon is a lesser-known brand, often found on AliExpress for $15–$20 per spool.
Its PLA is decent for basic prints, but I’ve had spools with inconsistent diameters, leading to under-extrusion on my Ender 3 Pro.
Inland’s ±0.03mm tolerance ensures flawless feeding every time.
Kingroon offers unique filaments like wood-infused PLA, which Inland lacks, but their standard PLA feels grainier and less vibrant.
Inland’s glow-in-the-dark PLA outshines anything Kingroon offers in specialty filaments.
If you need consistency and reliability, Inland’s the clear winner, though Kingroon’s niche options might tempt experimenters.
- Inland Vs. SUNLU: Reliability vs. Availability
SUNLU is a go-to for budget printers, with spools at $17–$20 and wide Amazon availability.
Its PLA prints well, but I’ve had hit-or-miss spools—some perfect, others prone to tangling or moisture issues despite vacuum sealing.
Inland’s pre-dried, tightly controlled PLA outperforms SUNLU in clog-free reliability, especially for long prints.
SUNLU’s plastic spools are more durable than Inland’s cardboard, and their color range is slightly broader.
However, Inland’s layer adhesion and vibrant finishes give it an edge for professional-looking results. SUNLU’s great for quick buys, but Inland’s quality tips the scales.
- Inland Vs. ELEGOO: Quality vs. Brand Trust
ELEGOO, known for its printers, also sells filament at $20–$25 per spool. Its PLA is smooth and reliable, with slightly better layer adhesion than Inland for PETG prints.
ELEGOO’s packaging is top-notch, with resealable bags and sturdy plastic spools, compared to Inland’s flimsier cardboard.
However, Inland’s PLA matches ELEGOO’s for precision and color vibrancy at a lower price.
ELEGOO’s brand trust and wider distribution (Amazon, their site) make it more accessible than Inland’s Micro Center-only model.
For budget-conscious printers, Inland delivers near-identical quality for less, but ELEGOO’s availability is a plus.
Inland holds its own against these competitors, offering unmatched value and reliability for the price. Its biggest hurdle is availability, but if you can get it, Inland’s a budget printer’s dream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Inland is Micro Center’s house brand, exclusively sold through their stores and website. It’s widely believed to be manufactured by eSUN, a reputable filament producer, which explains the consistent quality. Micro Center enforces high quality control standards, ensuring Inland meets expectations despite its low price.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your needs. Prusament is top-tier for quality and consistency but pricey. Hatchbox and Overture are great for reliability and availability. For budget printers, Inland and SUNLU shine. I lean toward Inland for its balance of cost and performance, especially for PLA.
Inland PLA is not explicitly certified as food-safe. While PLA is generally nontoxic, additives or colorants in the filament may not meet FDA standards. For food contact, use PETG from a reputable supplier with food-safe certification, and avoid porous prints that can harbor motheRs. Always verify with the manufacturer before using Inland PLA for food-related applications.
Inland PETG is solid for the price, offering durability and decent printability. It’s stronger than PLA but can be stringier than premium brands like Prusament. With proper settings (e.g., 230°C nozzle, 0.5mm retraction), it produces clean, functional parts. It’s a great budget option for outdoor or load-bearing projects.
Conclusion: Inland Filament Is Your 3D Printing MVP
Look, if you want filament that’s affordable, reliable, and versatile, Inland’s got you covered. Its PLA and PETG deliver vibrant, clog-free prints that rival pricier brands, making it perfect for beginners and pros alike. Sure, it has quirks—cardboard spools, tricky PETG—but the pros far outweigh the cons.
I’ve printed everything from glowing figurines to functional parts with ease, and I’m hooked. Head to Micro Center, grab a spool, and see why Inland’s the budget-friendly MVP your 3D printer needs!