Bronze-filled PLA properties
Data taken from 3 datasheets from manufacturers in Spain, Europe, the United States and China, reviewed on October 26, 2026. The shaded bar marks the median of the declared values and each colored tick is a different datasheet. The scales are the same across the whole library, so you can compare materials at a glance.
Bronze PLA temperature and print settings
| Setting | Typical value | Range in datasheets |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 195–220 °C | 190–230 °C |
| Bed | 50–55 °C | 40–60 °C |
| Print speed | 20–30 mm/s | 20–30 mm/s |
Bronze PLA vs PLA, Metallic PLA, and Wood PLA: comparison
Medians from each material's datasheets. Click a material to see its full range.
Meters of Bronze PLA per spool
Calculated with the median density from the datasheets (2.3 g/cm³). Real spools can vary by a few meters because of diameter tolerance.
What is bronze PLA
Bronze PLA is a PLA composite with a high load of bronze powder, and the same exists with copper, brass or stainless steel. It is not printed metal: it is plastic with metal inside. But the metal shows: it weighs a lot more, feels cold to the touch and can be polished to a shine or aged with patinas.
The 3 datasheets analyzed print it with the nozzle at 195–220 °C and the bed at 50–55 °C.
Density: why a bronze PLA part weighs so much
The median density from the datasheets is 2.3 g/cm³ and the range runs from 2.28–3.5 g/cm³: the densest corresponds to a formulation with about 80% bronze by weight. That is between two and three times a PLA. That is why a 1 kg spool of 1.75 mm holds only about 180 meters, compared with the 300-plus of a standard PLA.
How to print metal-filled PLA
- Hardened or replacement nozzle. Metal powder is abrasive and wears down brass. The datasheets recommend large nozzles because of the high load.
- Brittle filament. Avoid bends and paths with tight curves.
- Low speed and high infill if you want the weight of a metal part.
How to polish and age bronze PLA parts
Sand starting with medium grit, polish with fine steel wool or a metal polish and finish with a cloth. The exposed bronze particles shine like metal. For an antique look, you can darken it with bronze patina products and polish the raised areas again. Some datasheets allow an annealing step that improves heat resistance, at the cost of some deformation.
Frequently asked questions about bronze PLA
Is bronze PLA real metal?
It contains real metal powder, but it is still a plastic. It doesn't conduct like a metal and can't be welded.
How many meters are on a spool of bronze PLA?
With the median density from the datasheets (2.3 g/cm³), 1 kg of 1.75 mm gives about 180 meters, far less than regular PLA.