PLA

Why PLA is the most chosen option

PLA is one of the easiest materials to print with. You don’t need a heated print bed. It adheres well to many different surfaces. It hardly shrinks during printing. This gives you stable and neat prints, even without advanced settings.
PLA also offers a lot of variety aesthetically. You can choose from hundreds of colours and finishes. Think of matte, glossy, transparent or even wood-like. Brands such as Bambu Lab and Polymaker deliver consistent quality. PLA+ is stronger and less brittle. PLA Silk provides a glossy finish, ideal for decorative objects.

What exactly is PLA?

PLA stands for Polylactic Acid. It is a bioplastic, made from renewable resources such as corn or sugar cane. In contrast to oil-based plastics, PLA has a smaller ecological footprint. It is biodegradable, but only under specific industrial composting conditions.
During printing, PLA is heated to approximately 180–220°C. The printer builds up the object layer by layer. Because it does not emit toxic fumes, it is safe to use in the home. You can use it in hobby rooms, classrooms or workshops without worrying about ventilation.

What should you pay attention to when buying PLA?

The diameter of the filament must match your printer. Usually this is 1.75 mm. Also pay attention to the tolerances. The smaller the deviation, the more evenly the filament runs through the extruder. Bad tolerances lead to blockages or inconsistent layers.
The price of PLA varies greatly. Cheap filaments can be uneven or contaminated. This will result in poor prints or even damage to your printer. Choose well-known brands with good reviews. They usually deliver clean, accurate and reliable material.
Also consider your printing purpose. For technical prints, you may want to choose a neutral color. For visual projects, you may want a bold finish. Larger spools are often a little cheaper per gram, but heavier and larger to store.

What can you make with PLA filament?

PLA is versatile. It is used for prototypes, housings, art objects and decoration. Creative makers use it to print figurines, jewelry, vases and models. Due to its smooth texture and high resolution, it is also suitable for detailed work.
In education, PLA is ideal. It is safe, affordable and easy to use. Students quickly learn the basics of 3D printing with it, without risks. Schools appreciate the ease of use and the absence of harmful emissions.
However, PLA also has disadvantages. It is sensitive to heat and UV light. So don't leave it in the sun or a hot car. For parts that need to withstand a knock or are used outside, PETG or ABS are a better alternative.

Which printers is PLA suitable for?

Almost every FDM or FFF printer supports PLA. From cheap starter models to advanced machines. Models from Bambu Lab, Creality, Prusa and Anycubic are standardly tuned to it.
Although a heated print bed is not necessary, it does help. A bed temperature of 50 to 60 degrees ensures better adhesion. Especially with large prints, this prevents warping or loose corners.
PLA filament is the ideal combination of simplicity, aesthetics and durability. It is widely available, easy to use and safe. Whether you are making practical parts or artistic creations, PLA is a solid choice. That is why it remains the most popular filament in the 3D printing community for years.