SUNLU Vs. eSUN Filament: My Take On 3D Printing Filaments

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I’m a 3D printing enthusiast who’s spent countless hours tinkering with filaments, printers, and designs. When it comes to choosing between SUNLU and eSUN filaments, I know the struggle of sifting through reviews and specs to find what works best.

In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience, breaking down the pros, cons, and key features of both brands. My goal is to help you make an informed choice for your next print, whether you’re crafting a cosplay prop or a functional part.

Let’s get started with a quick comparison.

Feature	SUNLU	eSUN
Price per kg (PLA)	$12.99–$17.99	$15.99–$20.99
Material Options	PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, TPU, Silk, Wood	PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, TPU, Wood, Nylon
Color Variety	60+ (PLA+), 26 (PLA)	26+ (PLA), extensive specialty colors
Print Temperature (PLA)	190–220°C	190–215°C
Bed Adhesion	Moderate, occasional issues	Excellent, minimal warping
Stringing	Minimal with PLA Meta, some with PLA+	Very low, especially with PLA+
Spool Design	Plastic, AMS adapter needed	Cardboard, eco-friendly but AMS issues
Safety Certifications	Limited, some odor concerns	Comprehensive, low odor
Print Speed (Volumetric)	Up to 20 mm³/s (PLA)	Up to 28 mm³/s (PLA+)
Availability	Amazon, AliExpress, SUNLU store	Amazon, eSUN store, Microcenter

Why Filament Choice Matters?

I’ve learned the hard way that filament isn’t just plastic—it’s the soul of your 3D print. A good filament can make your model shine with smooth layers and vibrant colors, while a bad one can leave you with clogs, stringing, or a warped mess.

SUNLU and eSUN are two heavyweights in the filament world, both hailing from China and known for affordability. But they’re not identical twins. Each has its strengths, quirks, and fanbase.

I’ve printed everything from PLA toys to ABS functional parts with both, and I’m here to spill the tea on what sets them apart.

SUNLU: The Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser

When I first started printing, SUNLU caught my eye because of its wallet-friendly price. A 1kg spool of their PLA can go for as low as $12.99, which is a steal for hobbyists like me who burn through filament fast.

But cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful, so let’s break down what SUNLU brings to the table.

Key Features of SUNLU Filament

SUNLU’s lineup is broad, covering PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, TPU, and specialty filaments like silk and wood. Their PLA Meta is a standout—it’s designed for high-speed printing, and I’ve pushed it to 600 mm/s on my Bambu Lab X1C with a 0.4mm nozzle at 220°C. The results? Smooth surfaces and minimal stringing, which is a win for impatient printers like me.

Their color range is massive, with over 60 options for PLA+. I’ve used their vibrant reds and blues for cosplay props, and the colors pop without needing post-processing.

SUNLU also claims a tight tolerance of ±0.02mm, which I’ve found holds up in practice. My prints rarely suffer from inconsistent extrusion, even on long jobs.

Spool design is another talking point. SUNLU uses plastic spools, which are sturdy but need an adapter for Bambu Lab’s AMS (Automatic Material System). I’ve had no issues with spool tangling, unlike some other budget brands.

Their packaging is solid, with vacuum-sealed bags and desiccant to keep moisture at bay.

Pros of SUNLU Filament

Affordability: At $12.99–$17.99 per kg, SUNLU is one of the cheapest reliable options out there. I’ve stocked up during sales and never felt buyer’s remorse.
Color Variety: With 60+ PLA+ colors, you’re spoiled for choice. Their silk PLA is gorgeous for decorative prints.
High-Speed Printing: PLA Meta shines at high speeds, letting me churn out prints faster without sacrificing quality.
Reliable Tolerance: The ±0.02mm tolerance means consistent prints, even on complex models.
Wide Availability: You can grab SUNLU on Amazon, AliExpress, or their official store with fast shipping from EU warehouses.

Cons of SUNLU Filament

Bed Adhesion Issues: I’ve had occasional first-layer problems with SUNLU PLA+, especially on PEI sheets. Tweaking the Z-offset to -0.345 helped, but it’s a hassle.
Odor Concerns: SUNLU’s PLA+ has a stronger smell than eSUN’s, which can be noticeable in small spaces.
Limited Safety Certifications: Unlike eSUN, SUNLU doesn’t boast comprehensive safety certifications, which might matter for health-conscious printers.
Spool Compatibility: Plastic spools aren’t ideal for AMS users without an adapter, and rewinding can be a pain.
Color Consistency: Some batches vary slightly in shade, which bugged me when matching parts for a multi-color project.

eSUN: The Reliable Workhorse

eSUN is a name that pops up in every 3D printing forum, and for good reason. It’s the go-to for many pros and hobbyists, myself included, when I need filament I can trust.

Priced slightly higher at $15.99–$20.99 per kg, it’s still budget-friendly but feels like a step up in quality.

Key Features of eSUN Filament

eSUN’s catalog is just as diverse as SUNLU’s, with PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, TPU, nylon, and specialty filaments like wood and carbon fiber.

Their PLA+ is a fan favorite, and I get why. It prints like a dream at 190–215°C, with excellent bed adhesion and minimal warping.

I’ve printed stackable storage boxes with it, and the layers were so clean I could’ve skipped sanding.

One thing I love is eSUN’s focus on safety. They provide certifications ensuring their filaments are free from hundreds of hazardous chemicals. This matters to me since I print indoors.

Their PLA+ also has a faint, almost pleasant smell compared to SUNLU’s sharper odor.

eSUN’s cardboard spools are eco-friendly, but they’re a double-edged sword. They’re great for the planet but can cause issues in AMS systems due to fragility or improper winding. I’ve had to clean dusty spools before, which is annoying.

Still, their color range is vast, and I’ve fallen for their “fire engine red” PLA+ for its bold, consistent hue.

Pros of eSUN Filament

Excellent Bed Adhesion: eSUN PLA+ sticks like glue to PEI sheets, reducing failed prints.
Low Odor: The mild smell makes it ideal for indoor printing, even in small spaces.
Safety Certifications: Comprehensive certifications give peace of mind for health and safety.
High Print Speeds: I’ve hit 28 mm³/s with eSUN PLA+ on a 0.6mm nozzle, perfect for quick jobs.
Eco-Friendly Spools: Cardboard spools are a green choice, though not without drawbacks.

Cons of eSUN Filament

Spool Issues: Cardboard spools can be dusty or brittle, causing jams in AMS systems.
Slightly Pricier: At $15.99–$20.99, it’s more expensive than SUNLU, which adds up for bulk buyers.
Brittleness: Some spools are more fragile, leading to filament snaps during printing.
Inconsistent Winding: I’ve had spools with loose or tangled filament, which slows down setup.
Limited Specialty Colors: While their range is solid, SUNLU edges out slightly in variety.

Key Differences Between SUNLU And eSUN Filaments

Now that I’ve laid out the basics, let’s compare SUNLU and eSUN on specific fronts to help you decide which fits your needs.

Price and Value

SUNLU is the clear winner for budget shoppers. At $12.99–$17.99 per kg, it’s hard to beat, especially during Amazon sales where I’ve snagged spools for as low as $10.

eSUN, at $15.99–$20.99, feels like a premium option without the premium price tag.

If you’re printing high volumes, SUNLU’s savings add up. But eSUN’s quality justifies the extra cost for projects where reliability is key.

Print Quality

Both brands deliver solid print quality, but eSUN has a slight edge. Their PLA+ produces cleaner layers with less stringing, especially on intricate models like my T-Rex skull print. SUNLU’s PLA Meta is fantastic for speed, but I’ve noticed occasional blobs with their standard PLA+.

If you’re after perfection, eSUN’s consistency is hard to beat, though SUNLU’s silk PLA is a stunner for decorative pieces.

Material and Color Options

SUNLU takes the crown for color variety, with 60+ PLA+ shades compared to eSUN’s 26+. Both offer similar materials, but eSUN’s specialty filaments, like wood and nylon, feel more refined.

I printed a wood PLA planter with eSUN, and the texture was spot-on. SUNLU’s silk PLA, though, is my go-to for shiny, eye-catching prints.

Ease of Use

SUNLU’s PLA Meta is a breeze for high-speed printing, but their PLA+ can be finicky with bed adhesion. I’ve had to tweak settings more than I’d like. eSUN’s PLA+ is plug-and-play, with stock settings (210°C nozzle, 50°C bed) yielding great results.

However, eSUN’s cardboard spools can be a headache for AMS users, while SUNLU’s plastic spools are more forgiving.

Safety and Environmental Impact

eSUN wins hands-down for safety. Their certifications and low-odor filaments make them ideal for indoor use. SUNLU’s lack of certifications and stronger smell are drawbacks, especially in confined spaces.

On the environmental front, eSUN’s cardboard spools are greener, but SUNLU’s plastic spools are more practical for AMS setups.

Community Feedback

I’ve scoured Reddit and forums to see what other printers think. eSUN has a loyal following for its reliability, with users praising its PLA+ for functional parts. SUNLU gets love for its affordability and PLA Meta’s speed, but some complain about bed adhesion and color consistency.

Both brands have their fans, but eSUN feels like the safer bet for pros, while SUNLU appeals to budget-conscious hobbyists.

My Experience With SUNLU And eSUN Filaments

Let me share a couple of stories from my printing adventures. Last year, I needed to print a set of shelf supports for my garage. I used SUNLU PLA+ because it was cheap and I had a spool of grey on hand.

The prints came out decent, but I struggled with first-layer adhesion, even after cleaning my PEI sheet and adjusting the Z-offset. The parts worked, but the surface wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped.

Contrast that with a recent project: a set of cosplay armor pieces using eSUN PLA+. The filament stuck to the bed like magic, and the layers were so clean I barely needed to sand.

I printed at 215°C with a 50°C bed, and the “fire engine red” color was a showstopper. The only hiccup was a dusty cardboard spool that needed cleaning before loading.

These experiences sum up the trade-offs. SUNLU saves you money but might require more tweaking. eSUN costs a bit more but delivers polished results with less fuss.

Tips For Choosing Between SUNLU and eSUN

Here’s my advice based on years of printing:

If you’re on a tight budget, go with SUNLU. Their PLA Meta is great for fast, everyday prints, and the color variety is unmatched.
If safety and reliability matter most, choose eSUN. Their certifications and low-odor filaments are perfect for indoor setups.
For high-speed printing, SUNLU PLA Meta is your friend, but eSUN PLA+ can handle higher volumetric speeds with the right nozzle.
For eco-conscious printers, eSUN’s cardboard spools are a plus, but be ready to deal with potential AMS issues.
For specialty prints, both brands shine, but eSUN’s wood and nylon feel more premium, while SUNLU’s silk PLA is a budget-friendly showstopper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is eSUN a good filament brand?

Yes, eSUN is a top-tier filament brand known for reliable quality, excellent bed adhesion, and safety certifications. It’s a favorite for both hobbyists and pros.

Is SUNLU a good PLA brand?

Absolutely, SUNLU offers affordable, high-quality PLA, especially their PLA Meta for high-speed printing. However, bed adhesion can be tricky with some spools.

Is SUNLU a Chinese company?

Yes, SUNLU is a Chinese company based in Zhuhai, known for producing budget-friendly filaments and 3D printing accessories.

Is SUNLU ABS filament any good?

SUNLU ABS is decent for the price, offering good strength and finish, but it may require more tuning than eSUN’s ABS due to odor and adhesion challenges.

Conclusion: Your Print, Your Choice

You’re now armed with the full scoop on SUNLU and eSUN filaments. I’ve shared my wins and frustrations to help you pick the right one for your next project. SUNLU is your go-to if you want to save cash and still get vibrant, speedy prints.

eSUN is the safer, more reliable choice for pristine results, especially indoors. Whichever you choose, keep tweaking those settings and have fun bringing your ideas to life. Happy printing!