PLA Filament
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources such as corn or sugarcane. It is one of the most popular materials for 3D printing due to its ease of use, odorless nature, and excellent surface quality. PLA is ideal for prototypes, decorative models, educational objects, and daily-use items.
Key Features and Advantages
- Easy to print — no heated chamber or complex settings required
- Odorless — eco-friendly and safe for indoor use
- High detail accuracy — perfect for thin or fine elements
- Minimal shrinkage — dimensional stability
- Wide range of colors and PLA variants available
Technical Specifications and Print Settings
| Parameter |
Value |
| Nozzle Temperature |
190–220 °C |
| Bed Temperature |
50–60 °C |
| Max Volumetric Speed |
8–12 mm³/s |
| Chamber Temperature |
Not required |
| Printer Type |
FDM / FFF |
| Bed Adhesion |
Glue, masking tape, PEI |
| Printing Humidity |
Less than 20% RH |
| Drying Settings |
4 hours at 45–55 °C |
Mechanical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Density |
1.24 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength |
60–70 MPa |
| Elongation at Break |
3–6% |
| Tensile Strength (XY 45°) |
~50 MPa |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (0.45 MPa) |
55–60 °C |
| Tensile Modulus |
3500–4000 MPa |
| Charpy Impact Strength |
3–5 kJ/m² |
| Water Absorption (24h, 23 °C, 50% RH) |
0.3–0.5% |
Filament Geometry
| Parameter |
Value |
| Diameter |
1.75 ± 0.05 mm |
| Ovality |
≤ 0.05 mm |
| Length per kg |
330–340 m/kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is a heated bed required for PLA? Recommended, but not strictly necessary.
- Is PLA safe for health? Yes, made from natural materials and emits no toxic fumes.
- Can PLA be used outdoors? No — it is sensitive to UV and high temperatures.
- Can PLA be food-safe? Only if certified and used with food-grade extruders.
- Should PLA be dried before printing? Yes, drying helps improve print quality.