In the ever-expanding world of 3D printing, one material often stands out as the preferred choice for beginners and experienced users alike: PLA filament. This versatile, easy-to-use and environmentally friendly material has revolutionized the way we create and made additive manufacturing accessible to everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we dive into everything you need to know about PLA filament - from its basic properties and benefits to practical tips and tricks to help you achieve great print results.
What is PLA filament?
PLA (Polylactic Acid or Polylactide) is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic made from renewable resources such as cornstarch, tapioca or sugarcane. It was first developed in 1932 by Wallace Carothers at DuPont, but it was only in recent decades that it became popular as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
In the 3D printing context, PLA typically comes in the form of filament - thin strands that are heated and extruded through the printer nozzle to build three-dimensional objects layer by layer. PLA has established itself as the most widespread and widely used filament on the market for several good reasons.
PLA vs. other 3D printing materials
To understand why PLA is so popular, it's useful to compare it to other common 3D printing materials:
PLA vs. ABS
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is another widely used 3D printing material, but differs significantly from PLA:
- Environmental friendliness: PLA is bio-based and biodegradable, while ABS is oil-based and non-biodegradable.
- Print temperature: PLA prints at lower temperatures (180-220°C) compared to ABS (220-250°C).
- Heated print bed: PLA can be printed without a heated print bed, while ABS typically requires a heated bed of 80-110°C.
- Odor: PLA emits a mild, often sweet smell during printing, while ABS releases stronger, potentially harmful fumes.
- Warping: PLA is less likely to warp (bend) during printing compared to ABS.
- Strength: ABS is typically stronger and more impact resistant, but PLA is harder and has better layer adhesion.
PLA vs. PETG
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is a growing alternative:
- Flexibility: PETG is more flexible and less brittle than PLA.
- Temperature resistance: PETG has higher temperature resistance than PLA.
- Printability: PLA is generally easier to print with, while PETG can be more challenging, especially when it comes to stringing.
- Water resistance: PETG is more water resistant and better suited for outdoor applications than PLA.
- Food safety: Both PLA and PETG are available in food grade versions, but PETG is generally more chemically stable.
PLA vs. TPU
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible filament:
- Stiffness: PLA is rigid and hard, while TPU is flexible and rubbery.
- Printability: PLA is significantly easier to print with than TPU, which can be challenging to extrude evenly.
- Applications: PLA is suitable for rigid structures, while TPU is ideal for parts that require flexibility.
Advantages of PLA filament
PLA's popularity is due to a combination of several attractive properties:
1. Easy to use and forgiving
PLA is the perfect filament for beginners for several reasons:
- Lower print temperature: Requires less advanced hardware
- Minimal warping: Less need for first layer alignment and bed adhesion
- Consistent results: Provides reliable prints even with basic settings
- Forgivable: Less sensitive to small printer misalignments
2. Environmentally friendly
In a time of increased environmental awareness, PLA stands out:
- Bio-based: Made from renewable resources instead of oil
- Biodegradable: Decomposes under the right conditions (industrial composting)
- Lower energy consumption: Requires less energy to print with due to lower melting temperature
- Less toxic fumes: Emits fewer potentially harmful substances during printing
3. Aesthetically pleasing
PLA offers exceptional aesthetic quality:
- Glossy surface: Natural shiny finish without finishing
- Sharp details: Reproduces fine details accurately
- Color variety: Available in a huge range of colors including metallic, neon and color-changing variants
- Transparency: Available in clear or translucent versions
4. Versatility
PLA can be used for a wide range of projects:
- Prototyping: Ideal for quick visualization of concepts
- Decorative items: Perfect for figurines, art and display objects
- Designer products: Suitable for objects with limited mechanical stress
- Education projects: Safe and easy to work with in school environments
Limitations of PLA filament
Despite its many benefits, PLA also has some limitations that are important to be aware of:
1. Temperature resistance
One of PLA's biggest weaknesses is its low melting temperature:
- Softening point: Begins to soften at temperatures around 60-65°C
- Deformation: Can deform in hot environments (e.g. in a car on a hot summer day)
- Not suitable for hot applications: Unsuitable for parts that come into contact with hot liquids or functional parts near heat sources
2. Mechanical properties
While PLA is hard, it has limitations in certain mechanical aspects:
- Brittleness: More likely to crack under load compared to ABS or PETG
- Lower impact strength: Less resistant to impact and shock
- Fatigue: Can become weaker over time under constant strain
- UV resistance: degrades faster with prolonged exposure to sunlight
3. Chemical resistance
PLA has limited resistance to certain chemicals:
- Moisture sensitivity: Absorbs moisture, which can affect both printability and long-term durability
- Solvents: Dissolved by many common solvents, which can be both an advantage for finishing but a disadvantage for application
- Degradation: Can degrade in alkaline environments
4. Biodegradation
While biodegradability is an environmental benefit, it also brings with it:
- Limited lifetime: Not ideal for long-term outdoor applications
- Special composting conditions: Primarily decomposes under industrial composting conditions, not typical in home compost or the environment
Types of PLA filament
The PLA market has evolved significantly and there are now many specialized variants available:
Standard PLA
The classic and most common PLA filament:
- Properties: Good printability, hard surface, less flexible
- Applications: General 3D printing projects, prototypes, decorative objects
- Availability: Wide range of colors and diameters (typically 1.75mm and 2.85mm)
PLA+/PLA Pro
An improved version of standard PLA:
- Properties: Increased impact strength, better layer adhesion, less brittleness
- Applications: Functional parts that require slightly more durability than standard PLA
- Printability: As easy to print with as standard PLA, but with improved mechanical properties
Wood PLA
PLA mixed with wood fiber or dust:
- Properties: Wood-like look and feel, can be sanded and treated like wood
- Applications: Decorative objects, furniture prototypes, crafts
- Finishing: Can be stained and treated with wood oil for an authentic look
Metal-filled PLA
PLA mixed with metal particles:
- Features: Increased weight, metallic appearance, polishable
- Variants: Bronze, copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel and more.
- Applications: Jewelry, medals, decorative items, art objects
- Nozzle wear: Increased wear on printer nozzles due to the abrasive metal particles
Carbon fiber PLA
PLA reinforced with carbon fiber:
- Features: Increased stiffness and strength, lower weight, less flexibility
- Applications: Functional parts requiring high stiffness
- Appearance: Matt black surface with characteristic carbon fiber structure
- Nozzle wear: Requires hardened nozzles due to the abrasive effect of carbon fiber
Flexible PLA
PLA mixed with plasticizers to achieve more flexibility:
- Properties: Increased flexibility compared to standard PLA, but not as flexible as TPU
- Applications: Parts that require easy bendability or flexibility
- Printability: Easier to print with than TPU, but may require slower print speeds than standard PLA
How to get the best results with PLA filament
To get the most out of your PLA filament, here are some tips and tricks:
1. Temperature settings
Correct temperature is essential for successful PLA printing:
- Extrusion temperature: Typically 180-220°C, but experiment within this range for your specific filament
- Bed temperature: 50-60°C is recommended, but PLA can often be printed on an unheated bed with good adhesion
- Temperature tower: Print a temperature test tower to find the optimal temperature for your specific filament
2. Bed adhesion
Good adhesion to the print bed is the foundation for successful prints:
- Bed surface: Blue painters tape, glastic, PEI surfaces or specialized print surfaces work well with PLA
- Brim or raft: For larger prints or parts with small contact area to the bed
- First layer: Slightly slower speed and slightly higher temperature on the first layer can significantly improve adhesion
3. Cooling
PLA benefits from good cooling during printing:
- Part cooling: Activate part blowing after the first 1-2 layers for sharper details and better overhang areas
- Cooling bridge: For small or detailed models, a cooling bridge can improve quality
- Minimal layer time: For very small layers ensure sufficient cooling by setting a minimum layer time
4. Moisture management
PLA is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air:
- Storage: Store unused rolls in airtight containers with desiccant
- Drying: Dry damp filament at 45-55°C for several hours before use (oven with lid open or specialized filament dryer)
- Signs of damp filament: bubbling, splashing sounds during extrusion, reduced visual quality, weak layer adhesion
5. Printer speeds
PLA can be printed at different speeds, but each choice has consequences:
- Slower (30-40mm/s): Better detail and visual quality
- Medium (40-60mm/s): Good balance between quality and print speed
- Faster (60mm/s+): Faster printing but potentially reduced quality, especially on complex models
- Variable speed: Lower speed for outer perimeter and details, higher speed for infill
6. Finishing of PLA
PLA prints can be finished in several ways:
- Sanding: Start with coarse sandpaper (e.g. 120 grit) and gradually work your way up to finer grits (400+)
- Filling: XTC-3D or filler can be used to fill layer lines
- Paint: Acrylic paint works well on PLA, especially after a primer is applied
- Acetone vaporization: Does NOT work on PLA (unlike ABS) - use ethyl acetate instead for a similar effect, but with caution
Common challenges and solutions with PLA
Even though PLA is one of the most forgiving filaments, you can still encounter problems. Here are some common challenges and their solutions:
Stringing
Fine threads between separate parts of the model:
- Solution: Increase retraction distance and speed, reduce print temperature, enable wiping or coasting in your slicer
Warping
Corners or edges lift off the print bed:
- Solution: Increase bed temperature, use brim or raft, check for drafts in printer area, adjust first layer height
Layer delamination
Layers that don't bond properly:
- Solution: Increase print temperature, check for blocked nozzle, reduce cooling on larger models, check for damp filament
Under-extrusion
Not enough filament is extruded, resulting in holes or weak layers:
- Solution: Increase flow rate, check for blockages in the nozzle, increase print temperature, check filament feed
Elephant foot
The first layer spreads out and is wider than the rest of the model:
- Solution: Adjust first layer height, reduce bed temperature slightly, use elephant foot compensation in your slicer
PLA for specialized applications
PLA applies in a number of specialized areas:
PLA in education
PLA is ideal in educational environments due to:
- Safety: Minimal odor and fewer potentially harmful fumes
- Easy to use: Easier for students to get successful results
- Versatility: Can be used for a wide range of educational projects
- Eco-friendly: Supports sustainability education
PLA for prototyping
Fast and efficient prototyping:
- Fast iterations: Relatively fast print time for design feedback
- Visual accuracy: Good for shape and fit validation
- Cost-effective: Cheaper than many other prototyping methods
- Easy to use: Quick setup and minimal post-processing required
PLA for artistic projects
Creative applications:
- Detailing: Excellent for capturing and showing fine details
- Color variation: Wide range of colors and finishes
- Mixed materials: Can be combined with other materials in mixed-media projects
- Post-processing: Can be painted, sanded and modified with various tools
PLA in medical applications
Specialized applications in medicine:
- Biocompatibility: Certain medical grades of PLA are biocompatible
- Anatomical models: Used to create patient-specific anatomical models for preoperative planning
- Training tools: Models for medical education and training
- Temporary implants: Medical-grade PLA is used for certain bioresorbable implants
Lab3D and PLA filament
As leading experts in 3D printing solutions in Denmark, Lab3D offers comprehensive solutions and services related to PLA filament, both for companies and educational institutions.
PLA solutions for businesses
Our business PLA printing service is ideal for bringing your ideas to life quickly and cost-effectively:
Prototyping: Before investing in expensive molds or mass production, you can test your designs with PLA prototypes. These cost-effective models allow you to validate form, fit and function, as well as make iterations of your design before final production.
Product development: We support the entire product development process with our PLA printing service. Our experience can help you to:
- Optimize your designs for 3D printing
- Choosing the right variant of PLA for your specific needs
- Advise on finishing and surface treatment
- Deliver consistent results with fast turnaround time
Small production runs: Do you need a small number of parts for a market test or special order? Our PLA printing service is ideal for small production runs where you can benefit from additive manufacturing techniques without large investments in tooling.
This is how our process works:
1. development: Let your imagination develop and see if your ideas work in reality. We help you develop and refine your designs for optimal results with PLA.
2. 3D file upload: You can either upload your own 3D file directly via our online platform or we can help you develop one. Our technical designers can assist in turning your idea into a printable 3D model. Of course, everything you pay for belongs to you.
3. Print: After uploading your file and creating a user, you can receive a price for your PLA print instantly. We print your model with high quality to ensure it meets all your criteria.
4. Delivery: We know that time is precious, which is why we ship over 70% of our prototypes within 24 hours. Your order goes into production within minutes of ordering via our system.
PLA for schools and educational institutions
Lab3D specializes in providing 3D printing solutions for the education sector, and PLA filament is at the core of our school packages:
User-friendly solutions: Our 3D printing solutions for schools are designed with user-friendliness in mind:
- FDM printers that are safe and easy to use with PLA
- Intuitive software available on all devices
- PLA filament ideal for educational environments due to safety and ease of use
Complete package: Our school package includes:
- 3D printers optimized for PLA printing
- Starter supply of PLA filament in different colors
- Easy-to-use LAB3D Cloud software
- Setup and regular maintenance
- Training for teachers on how to use the equipment and PLA printing
Educational material: We offer comprehensive educational material to help integrate 3D printing into the classroom:
- Teacher guides for different subjects
- Project proposals adapted to different age groups
- Tips and tricks to get the best out of PLA filament
- Resources on the environmental benefits of PLA
Why choose Lab3D for your PLA needs?
Professional expertise: Our team has extensive experience in PLA printing and can guide you through the entire process - from material selection and design optimization to printing and finishing.
Quality guarantee: We focus on quality in every aspect of our service:
- Carefully selected quality PLA from leading manufacturers
- Regularly calibrated printers for consistent results
- Thorough quality control of all prints
- Quick resolution of any issues
Support: We offer comprehensive support:
- Phone and email support
- Regular service visits for schools
- Replacing faulty printers
- Technical advice on PLA printing
Maintenance and storage of PLA filament
To ensure consistent results and maximum lifetime of your PLA filament, proper maintenance and storage is essential:
Storage of PLA
Optimal storage of PLA filament:
- Airtight containers: Store rolls in airtight containers or zippered bags
- Desiccant: Include desiccant bags in storage containers to absorb moisture
- Temperature: Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Vacuum sealing: For long-term storage, consider vacuum sealing filament rolls
Handling moist filament
If your PLA filament has become damp:
- Drying oven: Dry at 45-55°C for 4-6 hours (remember to keep the temperature below the PLA glass transition temperature)
- Filament dryers: Specialized dryers are ideal for PLA and other filaments
- Food dehydrator: An accessible and efficient solution - use low temperature
- Air-dry regeneration: Desiccant can be regenerated in oven and reused multiple times
Warehouse management
For businesses and schools:
- First-in, first-out: Use the oldest filament first
- Color coding: Organize filament by color for easy identification
- Labels: Label rolls with date of purchase and any drying history
- Inventory management: Keep track of your stock to avoid running out of frequently used colors
PLA filament and sustainability
As a bio-based material, PLA has some unique environmental aspects to consider:
Environmental benefits
The positive environmental impact of PLA:
- Renewable resources: Made from plant materials such as corn starch or sugar cane
- Reduced carbon footprint: Typically lower carbon footprint than oil-based alternatives
- Lower energy consumption: Requires less energy to manufacture and process
- No microplastics: Completely decomposes during industrial composting
Disposal and recycling
Proper handling of PLA waste:
- Industrial composting: PLA is broken down in an industrial composting facility (not in home compost)
- Decomposition time: Typically 3-6 months under optimal composting conditions
- Recycling: Potentially recyclable, but requires specialized facilities
- Incineration: produces fewer toxic by-products than many oil-based plastics
The future of sustainable 3D printing
Continuous development in environmentally friendly 3D printing:
- Advanced PLA: New variants with improved properties while maintaining sustainability
- Recycled PLA: Increasing opportunities to use recycled PLA filament
- Improved composting methods: Developing better processes for handling PLA waste
- Closed loop: Companies working towards fully circular PLA solutions
Conclusion: PLA filament in the future
PLA has already established itself as the filament of choice for many 3D printing users, and its future looks even brighter. With ongoing research and development, PLA filaments are constantly being improved - with stronger and more durable variants, new and exciting composites, and even better environmental profiles.
For companies, this means that PLA will continue to be a valuable tool in the product development toolbox. For schools and educational institutions, the PLA's ease of use and safety profile provides the perfect framework for introducing the next generation to 3D printing and digital fabrication.
At Lab3D, we are dedicated to staying ahead of these developments so we can offer our customers the most innovative and efficient PLA printing solutions. Whether you are a company looking for rapid prototyping, a school looking to implement 3D printing in the classroom, or an individual with a creative idea, our team is ready to help you realize the full potential of PLA filament.
Contact Lab3D today to learn more about how our PLA printing solutions can help you bring your ideas to life.
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