The Secrets Unlocked- The Basics of PLA Filaments in 3D Printing for Beginners.

Matthew Zaino
Sep 23, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Oct 1, 2023

In this blog post, we will cover seven questions you may have regarding PLA Filaments. We will provide a little history of how PLA filaments came to be and how they became one of the most popular and user-field filaments on the market.

A set of PLA Filaments together next to a finished product created by PLA - Canva

Polylactic acid (PLA) stands as one of the original plastics, with its initial creation dating back to 1938, although it wasn't introduced to the commercial market until much later. It emerged as an environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative to PET in the 1980s. The fundamental PLA filament consists of a lengthy chain of lactic acid blended with nucleating agents and plasticizers, which is then extruded into a fiber. This foundational material can be elevated with various enhancements, including carbon fiber, wood fibers, metal particles, multiple colors, graphene flakes, copolymer additives, and modifiers for melt viscosity. More straightforward filaments are denoted as PLA, while those featuring a more intricate additive blend are labeled PLA+.

Now, let's dive into our comprehensive guide on PLA filament, where you'll discover the fascinating world it opens up and how it can enhance your 3D printing experience.

Question 1: The Purpose of PLA Filament in the World of 3D Printing?

Polylactic acid (PLA) stands as one of the original plastics, with its initial creation dating back to 1938, although it wasn't introduced to the commercial market until much later. It emerged as an environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative to PET in the 1980s. Its ability to deliver both appeal in creating any object and its user-friendly capabilities in machine settings. Making it suitable for beginners just like me.

PLA is a common filament material in FDM printing, also known as Fused Deposition Modeling. FDM is a 3D printing technology that creates parts from the plastic filament by melting and then depositing them in layers.

PLA has become a number one choice in 3D printing due to its advantages over other standard FDM filaments. These properties make it a better option for a portion of small FDM prints. The key factors that build on to its popularity include PLA's capacity for intra-layer bonding, another name for Fused Deposition Modeling, and wide temperature tolerance. Additionally, PLA's ability to withstand various extruder temperatures makes it compatible with many 3D printers. Its ability to perform well in the cooler table and build environments further extends its usability, even for those with limited experience in 3D printing.

Question 2: What is PLA Filament mainly Composed of?

PLA filament is a polymer derived from the fermentation of plant-based materials such as sugar cane, taro, and cornstarch. PLA can be separated into two main groups:

PLA: This category primarily consists of pure polymer, although it might include minimal additives to alter specific characteristics, including intramolecular flexibility, melt viscosity, and color or visual attributes.

PLA+: In contrast, PLA+ will likely contain significant quantities of diverse additives. These additives encompass carbon fiber, which enhances model stability, stiffness, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS); wood fiber for aesthetic effects; graphene for increased stiffness and UTS; and metal particles to enhance its visual appeal.

Question 3: What is the Best Print Speed for PLA Filament?

The optimal PLA print speed is within the range of 40 to 60 mm/s. However, under suitable machine conditions, PLA can yield satisfactory results even at speeds reaching up to 100 mm/s, but it is not recommended if you want to have a clean finish. The choice of print speed is specific mainly on the properties of the 3D printer you own and the desired level of cosmetic quality for the final product.

Question 4: What is the Optimal Melting Temperature for PLA Filaments?

The melting temperature range for PLA filament spans from 170-180 °C - to 200-220 °C. It depends on the type of PLA filament that you buy. It is always recommended to perform a test print before printing the product to ensure the correct temperature and settings.

Some experts suggest commencing at approximately 200 °C and adjusting up or down as necessary. It does not require a heated bed; however, if your printer is equipped with one, it is an excellent choice to set it between 20 and 60 °C. Although pushing it to 70 °C might be possible, it is best to avoid higher temperatures to not damage the product.
It is essential to keep the cooling fans active when working with PLA, as proper cooling yields superior results. Overall, PLA presents itself as a user-friendly filament that demands minimal effort for successful printing.

Nozzle temperature: 180–220 °C
Bed temperature: 20-60 °C

Question 5: Is a Heated Printed Bed Required When Printing with PLA Filaments?

As stated in the previous question. No, using a heated printing bed is not necessary when working with PLA. A heated bed primarily provides one benefit: to make removing the finished part easier due to the relative cooling of the model material, breaking its bond with the bed. However, because PLA exhibits only a weak adhesion to the bed material, this advantage is relatively minor and does not deter the use of PLA on basic, unheated bed machines.

Question 6: When it comes to PLA Filament, What is a Good Wall Thickness?

An optimal wall thickness for 3D printing with PLA typically falls within the range of 1.2 to 2.2 mm to achieve maximum integrity. However, if the primary purpose is solely cosmetic, a thickness as low as 0.8 mm can often be adequate. Selecting the ideal wall thickness depends on the specific function it serves within the model's structure, and this decision requires a degree of expertise to make the right choice.

Question 7: When it comes to PLA Filaments, what are the Limitations?

PLA stands out as the ideal material choice for crafting cosmetic models with a limited or brief product lifespan. These models typically do not endure significant stress, and their configurational accuracy can be considered acceptable within moderate limits. However, PLA is not well-suited for testing prototypes, parts requiring assembly, or components designed to serve as bearings or withstand large amounts of motion. Moreover, PLA is not suitable for outdoor applications, wet environments, exposure to chemicals, or situations that would reveal its limited durability.

Despite often being promoted as an environmentally friendly option, PLA is not the most suitable choice for eco-friendly disposal. It necessitates separate sorting and is biodegradable under specific commercial composting conditions.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of exploration and discovery. We hope this post has shed light on the topic and provided valuable insights. Remember, learning is a continuous process, and we encourage you to keep seeking knowledge and asking questions.

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Until next time, here at SIGMA Unlimited, we Empower Creativity by Enhancing Productivity.