PLA is one of the most popular 3D printing filaments due to its many advantages over other materials. It’s strong, durable, and easy to print with, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced 3D printers alike.

Like all materials, PLA has its own unique set of pros and cons that you should be aware of before choosing it for your next project. In this article, we will take a closer look at what PLA is, how it works, and the benefits and drawbacks of using it in 3D printing.

What is PLA filament?

PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch, sugar cane, or tapioca roots. Unlike other plastics made from fossil fuels, PLA filament doesn’t release harmful toxins into the atmosphere when it’s heated, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

PLA is available in a wide range of colors, including clear, making it a versatile material for a variety of applications. It can be used to create everything from toys and gadgets to replacement parts and medical devices.

Advantages of PLA Filament in 3D Printing

Following are some of the advantages that make PLA filament a popular choice among 3D printers:

Biodegradable

PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic that is made from renewable resources. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice than other plastics that are made from fossil fuels.

Easy to use

PLA is one of the easiest materials to print with, making it a great choice for beginners. It has a lower melting temperature than other plastics, so it doesn’t require a heated build plate. It also doesn’t produce harmful fumes when heated, making it safer to use than some other materials.

Low printing temperature

PLA can be printed at lower temperatures than other plastics, making it less likely to warp or deform during the printing process.

Variety of color 

PLA is available in a wide range of colors, including clear. This makes it a versatile material for a variety of applications.

Easy post-processing

PLA is a soft material that is easy to sand, paint, and glue. This makes it a good choice for projects that require post-processing, such as painting or adding embellishments.

Drawbacks of using PLA filament in 3D printing?

While PLA has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider before using it for your next project.

Brittleness

PLA is a brittle material that can break or shatter if it’s dropped or otherwise mishandled. It’s also sensitive to temperature changes and can become deformed if exposed to heat.

Lower temperature resistance

PLA has a lower temperature resistance than other plastics, so it may not be the best choice for applications that require it to withstand high temperatures.

Shrinks when cooled

PLA shrinks when it’s cooled, so take this into account when designing your model. If your model has intricate details, they may be lost when the PLA filament shrinks during cooling.

How does PLA work, and what projects can you create with PLA filament?

PLA is a thermoplastic that can be melted and extruded through a 3D printer to create objects. It has a lower melting temperature than other plastics, so it doesn’t require a heated build plate.

• Flow Rate. PLA is a brittle material that can break or shatter if it’s printed too quickly. The recommended flow rate is between 50-70%.
• Retraction Setting. PLA is a light material, so a higher infill percentage will help to add strength and stability to your model. The recommended infill percentage is between 20-40%.
• Speed Setting. Level your bed and ensure that your printer is calibrated before printing with PLA. This will help to prevent warping and improve the quality of your print. The recommended printing speed is between 30-60 mm/s.
• Infill Setting. PLA is a light material, so a higher infill percentage will help to add strength and stability to your model. The recommended infill percentage is between 20-40%.

When printing with PLA, try to use the correct settings to ensure a successful print. The recommended settings will vary depending on the type of 3D printer you are using. There are some general tips that can help you get started:

PLA filament can be used to create a wide variety of objects, including toys, gadgets, replacement parts, and medical devices. Some common applications for PLA include:

• Creating prototypes
• Making replacement parts
• Making 3D printed models
• Making jewelry
• Making figurines
• Making sculptures

How do you store and care for PLA filament so that it lasts longer?

PLA filament should be stored in a cool, dry place. If it’s exposed to moisture, it can become brittle and break. It’s recommended to keep PLA filament away from direct sunlight, as the UV rays can degrade the material.

To extend the shelf life of your PLA filament, you can store it in an airtight container with a desiccant packet. This will help to keep the PLA filament dry and prevent moisture damage.

When not in use, PLA filament should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An airtight container with a desiccant packet can help to extend the shelf life of your PLA filament.

What are some alternative filaments to consider if you’re not happy with PLA?

If you’re not happy with PLA, there are a few other filaments that you can consider. Some alternative filaments to PLA include:

• ABS: ABS is a thermoplastic that is similar to PLA. It has a higher melting temperature and is more resistant to heat and chemicals. It is more difficult to print with and has a higher risk of warping.
• PVA: PVA is a water-soluble filament that can be used as a support material. It dissolves in water, so it’s easy to remove from your model. It is not as strong as other materials and can be difficult to print with.

Tips for 3D printing with PLA

PLA is a versatile filament that can be used to create a wide variety of objects. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Control the temperature

• One of the most important factors in successful 3D printing with PLA filament is temperature control
• The ideal range for PLA filament is between 190 and 220 degrees Celsius
• If the temperature is too low, the PLA filament will not flow properly and the layers will not adhere
• If the temperature is too high, the PLA filament will become stringy and sloppy

Look out for stringing

• Stringing is a common problem when 3D printing with PLA filament, and is caused by the temperature being too high
• If you notice strings of PLA filament between your print layers, lower the temperature slightly until the stringing stops

Layers fail to adhere

• Another common problem when 3D printing with PLA filament is that layers fail to adhere properly
• This can be caused by several factors, including incorrect temperature, poor bed adhesion, or insufficient cooling
• To fix this problem, make sure that you are using the correct temperature for your PLA filament, and increase cooling if necessary

Lower level of viscosity

• The viscosity of PLA filament can vary depending on the manufacturer and type of PLA filament you are using.
• If you find that your PLA filament is difficult to extrude or has poor layer adhesion, you may need to switch to a lower viscosity PLA filament.

Keep the PLA filaments dry

• PLA filaments are hygroscopic, meaning that they absorb moisture from the air.
• If your PLA filaments are not dry, they will not flow properly and will cause problems with your prints.
• To keep your PLA filaments dry, store them in an airtight container with desiccant packets.

These are just a few tips to help you get started with 3D printing with PLA filament. By following these tips ,you will be able to produce high quality prints with minimal problems .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Following are some frequently asked questions about PLA:

What is the best printer for PLA?

The best printer for PLA is the Ultimaker 3. It has a heated build plate and can print at high resolutions.

What is the best temperature for printing PLA?

The recommended printing temperature for PLA is between 190-220 degrees Celsius.

What is the best infill percentage for PLA?

The recommended infill percentage for PLA is between 20-40%.

What is the best way to store PLA filament?

PLA filament should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An airtight container with a desiccant packet can help to extend the shelf life of your PLA filament.

What are some alternatives to PLA?

Some alternative filaments to PLA include ABS, PVA, and PETG.

Final Thoughts

PLA is a versatile and user-friendly filament that is perfect for both industrial and hobbyist applications. By following the tips in this guide, you will be able to produce high quality prints with minimal problems.

This guide will help you succeed when 3D printing with PLA filaments. The most important thing to remember about this material is the need for adjustment in settings on your printer, since it can be difficult if not impossible otherwise!