Matte PLA Settings for Voxelab Aquila

Recommended slicer settings for printing Matte PLA on the Voxelab Aquila (220 x 220 x 250 mm build volume, 180 mm/s max speed, Bowden extruder).

Calculated from manufacturer specsbeginner

Slicer Configuration

Copy these values into your slicer (Cura, OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio)
SettingValueRange
Nozzle Temperature210°C195-225°C
Bed Temperature58°C50-65°C
First Layer Nozzle215°C+5°C above normal
First Layer Bed63°C+5°C above normal
Print Speed50 mm/s40-60 mm/s
First Layer Speed20 mm/s25-50% of normal
Wall Speed38 mm/s70-80% of normal
Travel Speed90 mm/s120-150% of print speed
Layer Height0.2mm0.12-0.28mm
Infill15-20%10-30%
Wall Count2-3Perimeters/shells
Top/Bottom Layers3-4Solid layers
Cooling Fan100%From layer 2+
Retraction Distance4-6 mmBowden
Retraction Speed40 mm/sBowden

Before You Print

Filament DryingNot required
EnclosureNot needed
Nozzle TypeStandard brass 0.4mm
ExtruderBowden

Print Quality Profiles

Three presets for common use cases with Matte PLA on the Voxelab Aquila.

ProfileLayer HeightSpeedInfillBest For
Draft0.28mm60 mm/s10-15%Rapid prototyping, test fits
Standard0.20mm50 mm/s15-20%General purpose, everyday prints
Quality0.12mm40 mm/s20-30%Miniatures, display pieces, fine detail

Bed Adhesion

Matte PLA adheres the same way as regular PLA. A clean PEI sheet (smooth or textured) works perfectly. For glass beds, use glue stick or hairspray. Clean with IPA before each print.

Temperature Tuning Guide

Nozzle: 210°C

Range: 195-225°C. Printer max: 260°C.

  • Poor layer adhesion? Increase +5°C
  • Stringing or oozing? Decrease -5°C
  • Print a temperature tower to find your exact sweet spot

Bed: 58°C

Range: 50-65°C. Printer max: 100°C.

  • First layer lifting? Increase +5°C
  • Elephant's foot? Decrease -5°C
  • Let the bed fully preheat before starting

Troubleshooting Matte PLA on Voxelab Aquila

StringingMatte PLA can string more than regular PLA -- reduce temperature by 5°C and tune retraction
Inconsistent finishPrint at consistent speed; speed changes can cause visible surface banding on matte finishes
Poor layer adhesionIncrease nozzle temperature by 5°C and check filament moisture
Brittle printsSame as PLA -- dry at 50°C for 4-5 hours if snapping occurs

Pro Tips for Matte PLA

1

Matte PLA hides layer lines better than glossy PLA -- great for display prints where you want a clean look

2

Print at 200-215°C; matte finishes can look uneven at temperatures that are too high

3

Storage is the same as regular PLA: airtight container with desiccant

4

Matte PLA sands and paints very well due to its non-reflective surface

Support Settings

For prints requiring supports with Matte PLA, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.

Voxelab Aquila Specs

Build Volume220 x 220 x 250 mm
Max Speed180 mm/s
Max Nozzle Temp260°C
Max Bed Temp100°C
ExtruderBowden

Matte PLA Properties

Nozzle Range195-225°C
Bed Range50-65°C
Speed Range40-60 mm/s
Difficultybeginner
DryingNot required
EnclosureNot needed
Learn more about Matte PLA →

Matte PLA at a Glance

Strengths

  • Beautiful non-reflective matte surface finish
  • Hides layer lines better than standard PLA
  • Same ease of printing as PLA
  • Available in wide color range

Weaknesses

  • Slightly weaker than standard PLA
  • Surface scratches more visibly
  • More expensive than regular PLA
These settings are recommended starting points based on manufacturer specifications and community guidelines. Always do a test print and adjust as needed. Settings may vary based on your specific printer's condition, environment, and filament batch.

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Sources: Based on manufacturer specifications and community recommendations, community testing data, manufacturer recommended ranges. Values calculated from filament specifications and printer hardware limits.