PLA

PLA filament – a popular choice for 3D printing

PLA (polylactic acid, also known as polylactide) is a thermoplastic material that has established itself as one of the most popular filaments for 3D printing. This is due to the combination of ease of use, environmental friendliness, and good results that PLA offers for both beginners and experienced 3D enthusiasts. As a 3D printer filament, PLA does not require special printing conditions and provides stability and quality in the production of various models.

Advantages of PLA filament

PLA has numerous advantages that contribute to its widespread use:

• Easy to print: Low temperature requirements for extrusion (around 190–220°C) and minimal warping during cooling. PLA adheres well to the print surface even without a heated bed, which facilitates the 3D printing process.
• Safe and without unpleasant odors: When printing PLA, it does not emit strong toxic fumes or sharp odors (unlike ABS). This makes it suitable for use in a home or educational environment without the need for special ventilation.
• High detail quality: PLA allows for fine details and a smooth surface on printed models. It is ideal for prototypes, decorative objects, and parts where aesthetics and precision are important.
• Ecological material: PLA is produced from renewable resources (e.g., corn starch) and is biodegradable under industrial conditions. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
• Accessible and diverse: PLA filament is widely available and usually at an affordable price. It comes in a rich variety of colors and special options (such as silk effect, glow-in-the-dark, with wood particles, etc.), providing freedom for creative projects.

Disadvantages of PLA filament

Of course, PLA also has some disadvantages that should be taken into account regarding the project's requirements:

• Low heat resistance: PLA begins to soften at around 60°C. Details printed with this material are not suitable for applications where they will be exposed to high temperatures (for example, parts in cars or objects in direct sunlight during the summer).
• Lower strength and flexibility: Compared to other filaments like ABS or PETG, PLA is more brittle. PLA parts can break under stronger impact or load, so it is not the best choice for mechanically loaded or structural elements that require high durability.
• Limited resistance to external conditions: PLA is not suitable for long-term outdoor use. Ultraviolet light and moisture over time can lead to degradation or deformation of PLA parts. For outdoor applications, materials such as ASA or PETG are often preferred, which are significantly more resistant.
• Storage requirement: Like most thermoplastic filaments, PLA is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). If stored in a humid environment, the print quality may deteriorate over time (bubbles, uneven extrusion). It is recommended that PLA spools be kept in a sealed container with a desiccant to maintain their optimal condition.

Proposed brands of PLA filaments

In our catalog, you will find PLA filaments from established manufacturers, ensuring quality and consistency. Here are some of the brands we offer in this category:

• Polymaker – A global manufacturer known for its innovative materials. Polymaker's PLA filaments (such as the PolyLite, PolyTerra series, as well as the high-speed PolySonic) are distinguished by stable quality and a variety of colors.
• 3DBGPRINT – Bulgarian brand of filaments offering quality PLA at an affordable price. Their PLA is suitable for everyday printing, providing good adhesion to various surfaces and reliability during prolonged use.
• Creality – Known for its 3D printers, Creality also offers high-quality PLA filaments. Their range includes specialized variants such as Hyper PLA (for high-speed printing) and CR-PLA Carbon (PLA with carbon fibers for increased strength).
• Flashforge – A popular manufacturer of 3D printers, whose PLA filament is optimized for ease of use and compatible with a wide range of FDM printers. Flashforge PLA is characterized by stable extrusion and vibrant colors – a good choice for both beginners and advanced users.
• Fillamentum – European brand (Czech Republic) of premium filaments. Their PLA series Extrafill is known for its rich variety of colors (including metallic and translucent) and the consistent diameter of the filament, ensuring precision in every print.
• 3DPower – A brand providing PLA filaments for both everyday and specialized needs. For example, 3DPower Basic PLA is focused on reliability and cost-effectiveness, while 3DPower Hyper PLA is designed for higher 3D printing speeds without compromising on quality.

Learn more about PLA and 3D printing

Do you need more information or advice? Check out the articles in our blog for a more in-depth look and useful guidance:

• PLA Filament for 3D Printers: Everything You Need to Know – a detailed guide on the properties of PLA, 3D printer settings, and solutions to common challenges when printing with this material.
• 3D Printer Filament – Types, Advantages, and Top Brands for 3D Printing – a general overview of the different types of filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.), their characteristics, and tips for choosing the most suitable material according to your requirements.