Filament
PLA
Easy, beginner-friendly bioplastic — the default choice for most prints.
Polylactic acid is a bioplastic made from renewable resources. It prints easily, smells faintly sweet, and produces excellent detail at low temperatures. Best for prototypes, models and decorative parts that won't face heat or load.
Ratings
Ease5/5
Strength3/5
Flexibility2/5
Heat res.2/5
Detail4/5
UV res.2/5
Print settings
- Nozzle temp
- 190–220 °C
- Bed temp
- 50–60 °C
- Enclosure
- No
- Drying needed
- Yes
- Heat deflection temp
- 55 °C
Print tips
Print at the lower end of the temp range for matte finishes, higher for gloss. No enclosure needed. Use a cool plate or smooth PEI.
Safety & food contact
PLA emits low odor and is generally considered safe to print indoors. Biodegradable only under industrial composting conditions.
Food contact: Not food-safe as printed; layer lines can harbor bacteria. Seal with a food-safe coating if needed.
Common uses
PrototypesModelsDecorToys
Pros
- Easy to print
- No warping
- Low odor
- Great detail
Cons
- Brittle
- Low heat resistance
- Deforms in hot cars
Variants
Typical price: $15–25/kg