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All about PLA filaments

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

What is PLA filament?

PLA filament is the most popular filament type for a 3D printer. It is very user-friendly, easy to print with and available in many different colours. In addition, it is a very responsible choice as PLA is made from biodegradable raw materials such as sugar beet, corn and wheat.  

Main properties of PLA filament:

  • Glossy material
  • Available in various colours
  • Strong material
  • Light flexible
  • Biodegradable
 PLA filament

Order PLA filament directly
PLA is the abbreviation for PolyLactic Acid, a thermoplastic polymer of lactic acid which is biodegradable and therefore a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic.

With PLA you can make very detailed prints, even without the use of a heated bed. Thanks to its high fluidity in the molten state, PLA prints sharper and more accurately than ABS, the alternative. In addition, higher print speeds are achieved with PLA filament. These different properties make PLA the most commonly used filament type for 3D printers.  

If the correct (temperature) settings are used, objects printed with PLA will have a beautiful shine. The ideal temperature is between 180°C and 230°C.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of PLA filament?

Advantages PLA filament Disadvantages PLA filament
Adheres to a variety of surfaces Attracts moisture from the air, breaks down faster
Easy to model Do not use near heat sources
Less trouble with warping Harder material, more brittle
No heated print bed required
Faster print speeds
Smells like popcorn

Tips for printing with PLA filament:

  • High print temperatures give your printed objects more shine.  
  • Create fun effects by varying the temperature during printing.  
  • Experiment and find out what the ideal temperature is for your own hot end and type of prints. Start with a low speed and medium temperature.  
  • PLA adheres to various materials: paper, MDF wood, heated glass, Kapton tape (heated) and various types of painter's tape.
  • Cool objects printed at high speed with a fan first. This prevents a freshly printed layer from collapsing.
  • Only use filament with the correct diameter.  
  • With 3D print stickers you create the perfect first layer adhesion on the glass plate of your printer.

PLA filament with special effects: 

  • PLA Glow in the Dark: 1.75mm / 2.85mm
    Make objects that glow in the dark? Our Glow in the Dark filament emits light.
  • PLA Fluorescent: 1.75mm / 2.85mm
    Prefer objects that glow under a UV lamp? Then our fluorescent filament is ideal!  
PLA filament with diameters of 1.75mm and 2.85mm can be easily ordered from 123-3D.co.uk!
Order PLA filament directly
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