PLA

PLA (polylactic acid) is the most popular and easiest filament to print. It is made from renewable sources (corn starch, sugarcane) and is industrially compostable. It prints at low temperatures, barely smells, and warps very little, so it works even on the cheapest printers with no enclosure.

What it is good for

• Prototypes, mockups and visual models
• Decor, figurines, gifts, desk trinkets
• Lithophanes and fine-detail models — PLA holds geometry well
• Learning to print and dialing in a new machine

Where NOT to use it

PLA softens at just 55–60 °C, so it is a poor fit for loaded or hot environments.

• Parts left in a hot car or in direct sun — they will sag
• Functional parts under constant load — PLA is brittle and impact-prone
• Enclosures near heat sources, motor brackets
• Outdoor parts — it degrades over time from UV and moisture

How to print

• Nozzle temperature: 190–220 °C (start at 210 °C)
• Bed temperature: 50–60 °C (works unheated with good adhesion)
• Cooling: 100% after the first layers — PLA loves active cooling
• Speed: 50–200+ mm/s, up to 300 mm/s for high-speed PLA
• Adhesion: clean bed + glue stick or PEI; brim for tall models
• Retraction: 0.5–2 mm for direct drive, 4–6 mm for Bowden

Drying and storage

PLA is mildly hygroscopic and usually prints straight from the box. Wet filament causes stringing, popping, and a rough surface — then it is worth drying.

• Drying: 40–45 °C for 4–6 hours in a dryer or convection oven
• Storage: airtight box or bag with silica gel
• Signs of moisture: popping/crackling while printing, stringing, dull rough surface

Pros and cons

• Easy to print, forgiving of bad settings
• Almost odorless and low-warping
• Rigid, holds dimensions and fine detail
• Huge range of colors and effects (silk, matte, glitter)

• Low heat resistance (sags from 55 °C)
• Brittle, poor impact and bending resistance
• Degrades outdoors from UV and moisture