PLA is one of the most popular and widely used 3D printing materials. It is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources (e.g., cornstarch or sugarcane). PLA is known for its ease of use, low printing temperature, and smooth finish, making it a go-to material for beginners and professionals alike.

Common Uses: 

• Prototyping
• Decorative items
• Consumer products
• Educational models
• Low-wear mechanical parts

PLA Variations:

PLA+

PLA+ is an enhanced version of standard PLA, designed to improve mechanical properties such as toughness, durability, and impact resistance.

PLA+ is ideal for functional parts where increased strength is required without sacrificing ease of printing. It is commonly used in prototyping and consumer goods. 

PLA HS (High Strength)

This version is formulated for higher strength and rigidity compared to standard PLA. PLA HS often offers enhanced thermal resistance as well.

It is best for applications needing higher structural integrity or heat resistance than standard PLA can offer. It is commonly used in automotive parts and tooling. 

PLA Matte

PLA Matte produces a less glossy, smooth finish with reduced visible layer lines, offering a professional look straight off the print bed.

It’s ideal for presentation pieces, models, and products requiring a high-quality matte aesthetic. PLA Matte is commonly used in product design and art pieces. 

PLA Silk

PLA Silk has a glossy, silk-like finish that gives prints a smooth, shiny appearance.

It’s excellent for decorative items and prints requiring a premium or polished look. It can be used to make jewellery, decorative objects and figurines. 

PLA Wood

PLA Wood is a composite filament that combines PLA with wood fibres, giving prints a wood-like appearance and texture.

It’s perfect for creating decorative items, models, or pieces requiring an organic, natural look. It’s unique appearance makes it perfect for use in the architecture industry, model-making and furniture prototyping. 

PLA CF (Carbon Fibre)*

PLA CF is reinforced with carbon fibres, resulting in a much stiffer and stronger filament compared to regular PLA.

It is suitable for mechanical parts, structural components, and prints requiring higher strength-to-weight ratios. These properties make this filament useful in the drone manufacturing, robotics and automotive industries. 

*For more information on printing with PLA CF, refer to the Carbon Fibre guide. 

PLA Variations Comparison Table

Material	Strength	Stiffness	Heat Resistance	Surface Finish	Common Applications
PLA	Medium	Medium	Low (~60°C)	Smooth, glossy	General prototyping, decorative
PLA+	High	Medium	Low (~60°C)	Smooth, glossy	Functional prototypes, consumer products
PLA HS	Very High	High	Medium (~70°C)	Smooth	Structural parts, tooling
PLA Matte	Medium	Medium	Low (~60°C)	Matte, low shine	Presentation models, aesthetic parts
PLA Silk	Medium	Medium	Low (~60°C)	Very glossy	Decorative items, jewellery
PLA Wood	Medium	Medium	Low (~60°C)	Textured, wood-like	Architectural models, decor
PLA CF	High	Very high	Medium (~70°C)	Slightly matte	Mechanical parts

 

Pros and Cons of PLA:

Like every filament, PLA has its advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we’ll explore some common pros and cons of using PLA. 

Pros:

• Easy to print: Lower print temperatures and minimal warping make PLA very user-friendly.
• Eco-friendly: Derived from renewable resources and biodegradable.
• Low cost: Widely available and generally less expensive than other filaments.
• Great surface finish: Prints come out with a smooth finish, making post-processing easier.
• Low odour: Emits minimal fumes when printing, compared to other plastics (e.g., ABS).

Cons: 

• Brittle: PLA is less impact-resistant than materials such as ABS or PETG.
• Low heat resistance: PLA softens at relatively low temperatures (around 60°C), making it unsuitable for high-heat applications.
• Low durability: Prone to cracking or shattering under stress.
• Limited flexibility: PLA lacks flexibility and is more prone to breaking under stress compared to more flexible filaments.

Storage Tips:

PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can degrade print quality over time. To ensure consistent print results:

• Store PLA in a dry place: Use an airtight container with silica gel packs.
• Use a dry box if you live in a humid environment or if you store filament for extended periods.
• Dry before use: If the filament absorbs moisture, consider drying it in a filament dryer or a low-temperature oven (around 40°C for a few hours).

Environmental Considerations:

While PLA is often commended as an environmentally friendly filament due to its biodegradability, it's important to note:

• Industrial Composting Required: PLA will only break down under high-temperature, industrial composting conditions (above 60°C with specific microbial environments). PLA will not degrade in a home compost pile.
• Not Suitable for Recycling: PLA should not be mixed with standard plastic recycling streams as it can cause contamination.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Despite these limitations, PLA’s use of renewable resources and its overall carbon footprint is much lower compared to petroleum-based plastics, such as ABS.

Generic Print Settings for PLA:

Extruder Temperature: 190°C – 220°C

Bed Temperature: 50°C – 60°C (may not be necessary with a proper build surface)

Print Speed: 40 – 60 mm/s (higher speeds are possible depending on the specific PLA)

Bed Adhesion: Blue tape, glue stick, or PEI sheets work well

Cooling: Use active cooling fans for best print quality

Retraction: 1 – 3 mm at 40 mm/s

Please note that print settings may vary depending on the specific filament. Always consult the recommended settings provided by the manufacturer before starting your project. These details are typically available on the spool’s packaging or the retailer’s website where you purchased the filament.

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