What Is 3D Printer Filament PLA? A Complete Guide to the Most Popular 3D Printing Material
When people first step into the world of 3D printing, one of the first materials they encounter is PLA filament. Known for its ease of use, eco-friendly nature, and consistent print quality, PLA has become the default material for both beginners and professionals in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing.
But what exactly is PLA 3D printer filament? What makes it different from other materials like ABS or PETG? How does its eco-friendliness impact performance and sustainability? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the meaning, composition, properties, pros and cons, ideal printing conditions, and common applications of PLA filament. By the end, you’ll have a full understanding of why PLA continues to dominate the 3D printing landscape.
What Is PLA Filament?
PLA stands for Polylactic Acid, a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester derived primarily from renewable resources like corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca roots. In the world of 3D printing, PLA filament refers to the spooled material used by FDM printers to build objects layer by layer.
Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PLA is bio-based, making it one of the most eco-friendly 3D printing materials available. When heated, it melts smoothly, allowing for consistent extrusion through the printer’s nozzle. Once cooled, it hardens to form detailed and rigid models with minimal warping.
This simplicity and reliability are the main reasons PLA is the go-to 3D printing material for beginners, hobbyists, and even industrial designers who value precision and low environmental impact.
What Is PLA Filament Made Of?
PLA filament is primarily composed of polylactic acid resin, created through a fermentation process of plant-derived sugars. The process can be summarized as follows:
- Extraction of Starch or Sugar: Raw materials such as corn or sugarcane are processed to extract glucose.
- Fermentation: Microorganisms ferment the glucose into lactic acid.
- Polymerization: The lactic acid is chemically converted into long-chain polymers of polylactide (PLA).
- Filament Production: The polymer is melted, extruded into thin strands, cooled, and wound onto spools for 3D printing use.
Many modern manufacturers also include additives to modify PLA’s properties—such as enhanced toughness, increased heat resistance, or color pigmentation—leading to a wide variety of PLA filament types, including PLA+, Silk PLA, and Tough PLA.
PLA Filament Properties
PLA’s properties make it a well-balanced material between printability, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Biodegradable thermoplastic polyester |
| Base Material | Renewable plant-based starch or sugar |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ |
| Printing Temperature | 190–220°C |
| Bed Temperature | 0–60°C (heated bed optional) |
| Glass Transition Temperature | ~60°C |
| Tensile Strength | 50–70 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 4–10% |
| Biodegradability | Yes, under industrial composting conditions |
| Odor | Minimal or sweet smell when printing |
These characteristics make PLA 3D printing material ideal for low-temperature printing, low-warping, and odor-free environments, which is why it’s widely used in educational and home printing setups.
PLA Filament Advantages
PLA has numerous strengths that make it a top choice among 3D printing materials:
1. Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable
Unlike traditional petroleum plastics, PLA is made from renewable plant-based resources. It’s biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, aligning with sustainability goals and environmental awareness.
2. Easy to Print With
PLA has one of the lowest printing temperatures among 3D filaments and requires minimal printer calibration. It adheres well to print beds, rarely warps, and doesn’t need a fully enclosed chamber.
3. Smooth Surface Finish
PLA prints typically have glossy, smooth surfaces, ideal for visual models, decorative pieces, and prototypes where aesthetics matter more than mechanical strength.
4. Low Odor and Safe for Indoor Use
Printing with PLA emits a mild, sweet smell—unlike ABS, which produces strong fumes. This makes PLA safer and more comfortable for home or classroom environments.
5. Wide Color and Type Variety
Manufacturers produce PLA in hundreds of colors and finishes, including silk, matte, transparent, glow-in-the-dark, and wood-filled variants, giving creators immense flexibility.
PLA Filament Disadvantages
No material is perfect, and PLA is no exception. Understanding its limitations helps you choose the right filament for each project.
1. Limited Heat Resistance
PLA begins to soften around 60°C, making it unsuitable for high-temperature applications or outdoor use in direct sunlight.
2. Brittleness
Compared to ABS or PETG, PLA is more brittle. It may crack or break under mechanical stress or bending.
3. Not Fully Biodegradable at Home
Although marketed as biodegradable, PLA only decomposes effectively under industrial composting conditions, which require specific temperature and humidity levels.
4. Limited Recyclability
While PLA can be recycled, it cannot be mixed with other plastic streams. Specialized facilities are needed, which limits its accessibility for recycling in many areas.
PLA vs ABS Filament
| Feature | PLA Filament | ABS Filament |
|---|---|---|
| Base Material | Corn/Sugar-based (bioplastic) | Petroleum-based |
| Printing Temperature | 190–220°C | 220–250°C |
| Bed Temperature | 0–60°C | 90–110°C |
| Warping | Very low | High |
| Strength | Moderate | Higher |
| Flexibility | Low | Moderate |
| Odor | Minimal | Strong |
| Biodegradable | Yes | No |
| Ease of Printing | Excellent for beginners | Requires experience |
| Surface Finish | Glossy and smooth | Matte and durable |
In summary, PLA is better suited for beginners and aesthetic prints, while ABS is ideal for functional, high-strength parts that need heat resistance.
PLA Printing Temperature and Settings
To achieve optimal results when printing with PLA filament, use the following parameters as a guideline:
- Nozzle Temperature: 190–220°C
- Bed Temperature: 0–60°C (heated bed optional)
- Print Speed: 40–60 mm/s
- Cooling Fan: On (improves layer adhesion and surface quality)
- Layer Height: 0.1–0.3 mm
Different PLA filament brands and types may have slightly different optimal settings, so always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Common Applications of PLA Filament
PLA’s balance of printability, appearance, and environmental safety makes it suitable for a wide range of projects:
- Prototyping and concept models
- Architectural models and miniatures
- Educational tools and classroom projects
- Decorative objects and sculptures
- Cosplay props and accessories
- Consumer product mock-ups
- Toys and art projects
For applications requiring more mechanical strength or flexibility, many users switch to PLA+, which offers improved toughness while retaining PLA’s ease of use.
How to Store PLA Filament Properly
PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Moisture can cause bubbling, stringing, or poor layer adhesion during printing. To preserve quality:
- Store PLA in airtight containers with silica gel packs.
- Avoid exposing the filament to high humidity or direct sunlight.
- Consider using a filament dryer box before printing if the filament has been open for a long time.
Proper storage ensures consistent extrusion and extends the life of your filament.
Is PLA Filament Biodegradable or Recyclable?
PLA is biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, but it won’t easily decompose in home compost bins or natural environments. Industrial composting facilities maintain temperatures around 60°C, which allows microorganisms to break down PLA efficiently.
When it comes to recycling, PLA can be mechanically recycled into new filament or repurposed as recycled plastic pellets. However, this requires dedicated recycling streams separate from PET or ABS plastics.
In short, PLA is more sustainable than traditional plastics, but effective biodegradation or recycling depends on access to proper waste management infrastructure.
Why Use PLA Filament for 3D Printing?
PLA strikes the perfect balance between usability, quality, and eco-friendliness. Here are the main reasons it remains the top choice:
- Beginner-friendly printing experience
- Smooth surface finishes suitable for presentation and design prototypes
- Affordable and widely available
- Environmentally conscious material choice
- Low odor and safe for enclosed environments
Whether you’re learning 3D printing or creating professional prototypes, PLA filament for 3D printing offers reliability and visual appeal without requiring complex printer setups.
Best Types of PLA Filament
There are several variants of PLA available today, each with specific characteristics:
- Standard PLA: General-purpose, easy to print.
- PLA+: Enhanced strength and durability.
- Silk PLA: Shiny finish for decorative prints.
- Matte PLA: Reduces glare, ideal for professional models.
- Wood/Metal PLA: Blended with fibers for unique textures.
- Tough PLA: Improved impact resistance for functional parts.
Choosing the right type depends on your desired surface quality, strength, and application.
PLA Filament Pros and Cons Summary
FAQs About PLA Filament
1. What temperature should I print PLA filament at?
Most PLA filaments print best between 190°C and 220°C. Adjust slightly based on your printer, brand, and desired print speed.
2. Is PLA filament food safe?
Some pure PLA materials are technically food-safe, but printing introduces contaminants. Unless explicitly labeled food-grade, PLA prints should not be used for food contact.
3. How strong is PLA filament?
PLA has good tensile strength but is brittle compared to ABS or PETG. It’s perfect for decorative or static models but not ideal for mechanical stress.
4. Can PLA filament be recycled?
Yes, but it must be processed separately from other plastics. Specialized recycling facilities or filament recyclers can reprocess PLA waste into usable material.
5. Is PLA filament biodegradable?
Yes, under industrial composting conditions where temperature and humidity are controlled. It won’t decompose naturally in your backyard compost.
6. Why is PLA considered beginner-friendly?
Because it prints easily without warping, requires lower temperatures, and doesn’t emit toxic fumes—making it ideal for home and educational environments.
Conclusion: PLA—The Perfect Start to Your 3D Printing Journey
PLA filament represents the foundation of accessible, sustainable 3D printing. Its low learning curve, smooth printing experience, and renewable origins make it one of the most versatile materials in the market. While it has limitations in heat resistance and strength, its advantages in ease, safety, and environmental responsibility continue to outweigh them for most users.
Whether you’re prototyping a design, printing a miniature, or teaching 3D printing in classrooms, PLA filament for 3D printing remains the gold standard—proof that sustainability and practicality can coexist in modern manufacturing.
