PLA Filament - Complete Guide
What is PLA?
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane. It's the most widely used filament in FDM 3D printing due to its ease of use, low printing temperature, and minimal warping.
PLA is ideal for decorative prints, prototypes, and indoor applications. While not as strong or heat-resistant as engineering filaments, its printability makes it the go-to choice for beginners and experienced users alike.
Typical Print Settings
| Setting | Recommended Range | Standard Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 190-220°C | 205°C |
| Bed Temperature | 50-70°C | 60°C |
| Print Speed | 40-80 mm/s | 60 mm/s |
| Cooling | 100% | 100% |
| Retraction Distance | 0.5-1.0 mm (direct drive) 4-6 mm (bowden) |
0.8 mm / 5 mm |
| Layer Height | 0.12-0.28 mm | 0.20 mm |
See PLA print settings reference for detailed configuration options.
Strengths
- Very easy to print - Low temperature, minimal warping, forgiving
- No enclosure required - Works well with open-frame printers
- Biodegradable - Made from renewable resources
- Wide color selection - Available in virtually any color
- Good surface finish - Smooth prints with vibrant colors
- Low odor - Pleasant or neutral smell when printing
- Affordable - One of the cheapest filament options
Weaknesses
- Low heat resistance - Softens around 60°C, unsuitable for outdoor or hot environments
- Brittle - Can snap or crack under impact
- Moisture sensitive - Absorbs humidity over time, affecting print quality
- UV degradation - Breaks down in direct sunlight
- Poor chemical resistance - Not suitable for applications involving solvents
- Limited mechanical strength - Not ideal for functional parts under stress
Drying Guidance
PLA absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause stringing, popping sounds, and poor surface finish. Dry PLA before printing if it has been exposed to humidity.
| Method | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Filament Dryer | 50-55°C | 4-6 hours |
| Food Dehydrator | 50°C | 4-6 hours |
| Oven (not recommended) | 50°C | 4-6 hours |
See PLA drying temperature guide for detailed instructions.
Storage Guidance
Store PLA in a sealed container with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption. While PLA is less hygroscopic than materials like Nylon or TPU, proper storage extends shelf life and maintains print quality.
- Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags
- Add silica gel desiccant packets
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Consider dry boxes with humidity control for long-term storage
Common Problems
Stringing
Thin strings between parts of a print. Usually caused by high temperature or insufficient retraction.
Poor Bed Adhesion
Print not sticking to the bed. Increase bed temperature, clean the bed surface, or use adhesion aids like glue stick.
Warping (Rare)
Corners lifting from the bed. While uncommon with PLA, use a heated bed and ensure proper first layer settings.
Clogging
Nozzle blockage, often from wet filament or printing too cold. Check temperature and dry filament.
Related Comparisons
- PLA vs PETG - Which material is right for your project?
- PLA vs PLA+ - Is the upgrade worth it?
- Silk PLA vs Standard PLA - Comparing decorative finishes
Related Tools
- Spool Weight Calculator - Calculate remaining filament
- Print Cost Calculator - Estimate print costs