eSUN PLA+ HS: Print Settings, Tips & Tricks for High-Speed Printing
High-speed 3D printing is no longer just for industrial machines. With the right filament, even a tuned consumer printer can push 150–300mm/s without sacrificing quality. eSUN PLA+ HS is engineered specifically for this — but getting the best results requires dialling in your settings correctly. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is eSUN PLA+ HS?
eSUN PLA+ HS (High Speed) is a modified PLA+ formulation with a lower melt viscosity, allowing it to flow freely at high print speeds without under-extrusion or poor layer adhesion. It retains the ease-of-use and surface quality of standard PLA+ while being optimised for printers like the Bambu Lab X1/P1 series, Creality K1, Voron, and other high-speed capable machines.
Key characteristics:
- Optimised for print speeds of 150–300mm/s
- Lower melt viscosity than standard PLA or PLA+
- Excellent surface finish even at high speeds
- Good dimensional accuracy and detail retention
- Available in a wide range of colours
Recommended Print Settings
These are starting-point settings — you may need to fine-tune based on your specific printer, hotend, and cooling setup.
General Settings
| Parameter | Recommended Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 220–240°C | Higher end for faster speeds; start at 230°C |
| Bed temperature | 55–65°C | PEI or textured plate works best |
| Print speed | 150–300mm/s | Start at 150mm/s and increase gradually |
| First layer speed | 30–50mm/s | Always slow down the first layer for adhesion |
| Layer height | 0.15–0.25mm | 0.2mm is a good all-round starting point |
| Cooling fan | 80–100% | Maximum cooling is critical at high speeds |
| Retraction (Bowden) | 4–6mm at 40–60mm/s | Reduce if you see grinding or gaps |
| Retraction (Direct drive) | 0.5–1.5mm at 30–45mm/s | Less retraction needed with direct drive |
Tips for Best Results
1. Increase Nozzle Temperature for Higher Speeds
As print speed increases, filament spends less time in the melt zone. Raise your nozzle temperature by 5–10°C for every significant speed increase to ensure complete melting and good layer adhesion. If you see under-extrusion or rough surfaces at high speeds, temperature is usually the first thing to adjust.
2. Maximise Cooling
High-speed printing deposits layers faster, leaving less time for each layer to cool before the next is applied. Run your part cooling fan at 100% from layer 2 onwards. If your printer has a dual-fan or auxiliary cooling setup, use it. Poor cooling at high speeds leads to drooping overhangs and poor bridging.
3. Calibrate Your Flow Rate
High-speed filaments can behave differently from standard PLA in terms of flow. Run a flow rate calibration (print a single-wall cube and measure wall thickness) before starting a large print. A flow rate of 95–100% is typical for eSUN PLA+ HS.
4. Use a Quality Hotend
Standard brass nozzles work fine for PLA+ HS, but a hardened steel or plated copper nozzle will give you better longevity and more consistent results at sustained high speeds. A high-flow hotend (like a Bambu Lab hardened steel nozzle or a Volcano-style hotend) is recommended if you're regularly printing above 200mm/s.
5. Keep It Dry
Like all PLA variants, PLA+ HS absorbs moisture from the air. Wet filament at high speeds is particularly problematic — the steam causes inconsistent extrusion that's hard to diagnose. Store your spool in a sealed bag or airtight container with desiccant when not in use. See our guide on how to store filament to prevent moisture damage for full details.
6. First Layer Adhesion
Always print your first layer slowly (30–50mm/s) regardless of your overall print speed. A well-adhered first layer is the foundation of a successful print. Use a clean PEI sheet or textured build plate for best results — no glue stick needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Under-extrusion at high speed | Nozzle temp too low | Increase temp by 5–10°C |
| Stringing | Temp too high or wet filament | Lower temp 5°C or dry filament |
| Poor overhangs | Insufficient cooling | Increase fan speed, reduce print speed |
| Layer delamination | Speed too high for temp | Raise temp or reduce speed |
| First layer not sticking | Bed too cold or dirty | Clean plate, raise bed to 60°C |
| Rough surface finish | Wet filament | Dry at 45–50°C for 4–6 hours |
Ready to Print Fast?
Pick up eSUN PLA+ HS from our store and start pushing your printer to its limits. If you have questions about settings for your specific printer, get in touch — we're happy to help you dial it in.