How to Choose the Right PLA for Your Project

Your Guide to buying the best PLA

Overview

This buying guide provides an in-depth look at PLA (Polylactic Acid), an environmentally-friendly, biodegradable plastic that is becoming increasingly popular for 3D printing applications. We'll cover the different types of PLA, how and where to buy it, compare it to other 3D printing materials, and provide some tips for using it. With this guide, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing PLA.

Key features

  1. Type of PLA - Consider the type of PLA you will need for your 3D printer. There are two main types of PLA filament - standard PLA and speciality PLA. Standard PLA is the most common and is suitable for low-temperature printing while specialty PLA offers higher quality printing for more demanding projects.
  2. Print Temperature - Different types of PLA require different temperatures to print correctly. Make sure to check the specifications of the PLA filament you are purchasing to ensure that it is appropriate for the printer you will be using.
  3. Diameter - The diameter of the PLA filament is also important to consider. Most 3D printers are designed to use a specific diameter of filament, usually 1.75 mm or 3.00 mm. Make sure to check the specifications of both the printer you are using and the PLA you are purchasing to ensure they are compatible.
  4. Color - PLA filament comes in a wide variety of colors and shades. Consider the colors you will need for your project when selecting a PLA filament.
  5. Price - Price is an important factor to consider when shopping for PLA filament. High-quality PLA can be more expensive, but it may be worth the extra cost for more demanding projects.
  6. Brand - Consider the brand of PLA filament you are purchasing. Different brands offer different levels of quality and reliability, so make sure to read reviews before selecting a PLA filament.

See the most popular PLA on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Biodegradable - PLA is composed of natural, renewable resources, making it biodegradable and compostable.
  • Easy to Print - PLA is a common 3D printing material due to its ease of use and consistency, even for beginner 3D printers.
  • Relatively Inexpensive - PLA is an affordable 3D printing material, making it a preferred option for those starting out and those on a budget.
  • Low Warpage - PLA prints with very little warpage, which helps to minimize the need for post-printing adjustments.
  • Strong - PLA is strong and robust compared to other 3D printing materials, providing good layer adhesion and producing parts with greater strength.

Cons

  • Print Quality: PLA is known to produce prints of lower quality than other materials, such as ABS. It is more prone to warping and splitting.
  • Heat Resistant: PLA is not heat-resistant and will begin to deform and warp when exposed to high temperatures.
  • Odor and Fumes: PLA prints can release a sweet odor and dangerous fumes when heated, making it unsuitable for indoor printing.
  • Cost: PLA filament is typically more expensive than other materials such as ABS.
  • Strength: PLA is not as strong as materials like ABS, and is not suitable for parts that require strength or durability.

Best alternatives

  1. PETG - A stronger and more durable plastic than PLA, PETG is an ideal choice for parts that need to endure rough wear and tear.
  2. ABS - An incredibly strong plastic, ABS is a good choice for parts that need to be rigid and impact-resistant.
  3. Nylon - A great choice for parts that need to be heat-resistant, Nylon is a strong and lightweight material.
  4. Polycarbonate - This is a transparent and highly sturdy material, making it great for parts that need to be clear and break-resistant.
  5. HIPS - This inexpensive and impact-resistant plastic is great for parts that need to be printed quickly and don't need to be very sturdy.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    PLA Filament - thermoplastic material made from renewable or recycled resources, used in 3D printing Spool - a cylindrical plastic or cardboard container used to hold 3D printing materials Print Bed - a flat surface designed to adhere to PLA filament while printing Raft - a lattice platform that supports the 3D print and helps PLA filament stick better Heated Print Bed - a print bed that is heated to make PLA filament stick better Extruder - a device that heats up and pushes PLA filament out of the nozzle Nozzle - the opening at the end of the extruder that prints PLA filament Fan - a cooling device that helps to solidify PLA filament Slicer - software that converts 3D models into layers that the 3D printer can understand Calibration Cube - a cube-shaped test print to make sure all settings are correct before printing

Common questions

  1. What is PLA? PLA (polylactic acid) is a thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources (cornstarch, sugarcane, etc.), making it an environmentally-friendly alternative to other forms of plastic.
  2. What are the benefits of using PLA? PLA is biodegradable, non-toxic, and has a low melting point, making it ideal for 3D printing. It is also a relatively strong, durable material that can be used for a variety of applications.
  3. What are the drawbacks of using PLA? PLA is not as strong or durable as some other plastics, and it can be brittle when exposed to heat. It is also more likely to warp and shrink when compared to ABS, which is another common 3D printing material.
  4. What types of PLA are available? PLA is available in a variety of forms, including filament, sheet, and pre-made 3D printing objects. It can also be found in different colors, textures, and weights.
  5. What should I consider when buying PLA? When buying PLA, you should consider the type of application you plan to use it for, the type of 3D printer you have, and the desired strength and finish of the material. You should also consider the cost of the material and where you plan to buy it from.

Trivia

One funny fact about PLA is that the company has a long and storied history within the plastics industry. The company first began as a small business in the 1950s, producing polyethylene plastic slabs for the aerospace industry. Over the years, PLA has grown to become one of the largest plastic manufacturers in the world, producing a wide variety of products ranging from aircraft parts to automotive parts and much more. Despite the company's growth, they still remain focused on the core principles of quality and excellence that they started with when they first began in the 1950s. PLA’s commitment to quality is a testament to their longevity in the industry and provides customers with assurance that they are dealing with a reliable and trustworthy supplier. Sources: PLA Plastics

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.