PLA filaments

PLA filament – a popular choice for 3D printing

PLA (polylactide, also known as polylactic acid) 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 easy to use, environmental friendliness and good results, which PLA offers for both beginners and experienced 3D enthusiasts. Like 3D printer filament, PLA does not require special conditions for printing and ensures stability and quality when making a variety of models.

Advantages of PLA filament

PLA has numerous advantages that contribute to its widespread use:

• Easy to print: Low extrusion temperature requirements (around 190–220°C) and minimal distortion on cooling. PLA adheres well to the printed surface even without a heated platen, making the 3D printing process easier.
• Safe and odorless: When printing, PLA does not emit strong toxic fumes or pungent odors (unlike ABS). This makes it suitable for use in home or school environments without the need for special ventilation.
• High detail quality: PLA allows achieving fine details and a smooth surface of the printed models. It is ideal for prototypes, decorative objects and parts where aesthetics and precision are important.
• Eco-friendly material: PLA is produced from renewable resources (eg corn starch) and is biodegradable under industrial conditions. This makes it a greener choice than traditional petroleum-based plastics.
• Affordable and versatile: PLA filament is widely available and usually affordable. It is available in a wide selection of colours and special options (e.g. silk effect, glow in the dark, with wood particles, etc.), which gives freedom for creative projects.

Disadvantages of PLA filament

Of course, PLA also has some disadvantages that should be considered in relation to project requirements:

• Low heat resistance: PLA begins to soften at around 60°C. Parts printed with this material are not suitable for applications where they will be exposed to high temperatures (eg parts in cars or objects in direct sunlight in the summer).
• Less strength and flexibility: Compared to other filaments such as ABS or PETG, PLA is more fragile. PLA parts can break under higher impact or stress, so it is not the best choice for mechanically stressed or structural elements requiring high durability.
• Limited resistance to external conditions: PLA is not suitable for long-term outdoor use. UV light and moisture can cause PLA parts to degrade or warp over time. For outdoor applications, materials such as ASA or PETG, which are significantly more resistant, are often preferred.
• Dry storage requirement: Like most thermoplastic filaments, PLA is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). If stored in a humid environment, print quality may deteriorate over time (bubbles, uneven extrusion). It is recommended that PLA spools be kept in a closed container with a desiccant to keep them in optimal condition.

PLA filament brands available

In our catalogue you will find PLA filaments from established manufacturers guaranteeing 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 (e.g. PolyLite, PolyTerra series, as well as the high-speed PolySonic) are characterized by stable quality and a variety of colours.
• 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 long-term work.
• Creality – Known for their 3D printers, Creality also offers high quality PLA filaments. Their assortment includes specialized options such as Hyper PLA (for high speed printing) and CR-PLA Carbon (PLA with carbon filaments for increased strength).
• Flashforge – A popular 3D printer manufacturer whose PLA filament is optimised for ease of use and compatible with a wide range of FDM printers. Flashforge PLA is characterized by stable extrusion and bright colours - 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 wide selection of colours (including metallic and translucent) and consistent filament diameter, ensuring precision with every print.
• 3DPower – A brand providing PLA filaments for both everyday and specialized needs. For example 3DPower Basic PLA is oriented towards reliability and economy, while 3DPower Hyper PLA was developed for higher 3D printing speeds without compromising quality.

Learn more about PLA and 3D printing

Need more information or advice? Check out our blog articles for a deeper look and helpful guidance:

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