What is PLA Filament?
PLA can be a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. It is widely favored in 3D printing because:
- Low printing temperature (180–220°C) – Works well with most FDM printers.
- Minimal warping – Doesn’t demand a heated bed (though it helps with adhesion).
- Eco-friendly – Biodegradable under industrial composting conditions.
- Wide variety of colors and blends – Available in standard, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, as well as wood-infused options.
Types of PLA Filaments
1. Standard PLA – The most common type, suitable for general-purpose printing.
2. PLA+ (Enhanced PLA) – Modified for better strength, flexibility, and layer adhesion.
3. Silk PLA – Has a glossy, smooth finish resembling silk or satin.
4. Matte PLA – Provides a non-reflective, smooth surface.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark PLA – Contains phosphorescent pigments for luminous prints.
6. Metal-Filled PLA – Infused with metal particles (copper, bronze, stainless) to get a metallic look.
7. Wood-Filled PLA – Contains wood fibers, giving prints an organic wood-like texture.
8. Carbon Fiber PLA – Reinforced with carbon fiber for extra strength and stiffness.
Advantages of PLA
- Easy to print – Great for beginners with minimal warping issues.
- Odorless printing – Unlike ABS, it doesn’t emit strong fumes.
- Wide availability – Affordable and is available in many colors and finishes.
- Good detail resolution – Excellent for decorative and prototype prints.
Limitations of PLA
- Low heat resistance – Softens around 60°C, so that it is unsuitable for high-temperature applications.
- Brittle compared to ABS or PETG – Not well suited for functional parts under stress.
- Not fully compostable in the home – Requires industrial composting facilities.
Best Practices for Printing with PLA
- Print Temperature: 180–220°C (varies by brand).
- Bed Temperature: 50–60°C (optional but improves adhesion).
- Cooling Fan: Keep it on for better layer cooling.
- Print Speed: 40–60 mm/s for optimal results.
- Storage: Keep PLA dry in a very sealed container with desiccant in order to avoid moisture absorption.
Top PLA Filament Brands
- Hatchbox – Reliable and consistent quality.
- Overture – Great adhesion and smooth finish.
- Polymaker – Offers specialty PLAs like PolyTerra (matte finish).
- eSun PLA+ – Enhanced durability and ease of use.
- Prusament – High precision and premium quality.
PLA filament remains a top choice for 3D printing enthusiasts due to its user-friendly properties and versatility. Whether you're printing models, prototypes, or artistic creations, there’s a PLA variant to meet your requirements. Experiment with differing types to discover the best fit to your projects!