Embark on a journey into the vibrant world of 3D printing with PLA, the most accessible and versatile material for makers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist looking to refine your prints or a curious beginner taking your first steps into additive manufacturing, understanding your filament choices is paramount. This guide is designed to demystify the options and help you find the absolute best PLA 3D printing filament to bring your creative visions to life, from intricate prototypes to dazzling decorative pieces.
We’ve scoured the market, tested countless spools, and consulted with the 3D printing community to bring you a comprehensive review of the top PLA filaments available today. Get ready to discover the key features, performance characteristics, and value propositions that make certain PLA filaments stand out from the crowd. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and elevate your 3D printing projects with the perfect PLA.
Before we get to our review of the best pla 3d printing filament, let’s browse through some relevant products on Amazon:
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Understanding PLA 3D Printing Filament
Polylactic Acid, commonly known as PLA, stands as one of the most popular and widely used filaments in the 3D printing community. Its accessibility, ease of use, and versatility make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced makers alike. Derived from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane, PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic that offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. This eco-conscious aspect contributes significantly to its appeal in a growing market focused on sustainability.
One of the primary reasons for PLA’s widespread adoption is its remarkable printability. Unlike many other filament types that can be prone to warping or require heated beds and enclosed printers, PLA generally prints reliably at lower temperatures without significant adhesion issues. This straightforward printing process minimizes the frustration often associated with 3D printing, allowing users to focus on their designs and achieve successful prints with a higher success rate. Its minimal shrinkage also contributes to cleaner prints and less post-processing.
PLA offers a vast spectrum of colors and finishes, ranging from standard matte and glossy options to more specialized filaments like wood-fill, metal-fill, and glow-in-the-dark. This extensive variety allows for creative expression and the production of visually appealing and functional objects. While it might not possess the same mechanical strength or temperature resistance as some other filaments, for many everyday applications and prototyping needs, PLA proves to be an exceptional material. When searching for the best pla 3d printing filament, you’ll find a diverse range to suit almost any project.
While PLA is easy to print with, it’s important to note its limitations. It can become brittle over time with prolonged exposure to UV light and is susceptible to heat, softening at temperatures around 60°C (140°F). Therefore, it’s not the ideal choice for objects that will be used in high-temperature environments or subjected to significant mechanical stress. However, for a wide array of general-purpose printing, decorative items, prototypes, and educational projects, PLA remains a top-tier choice due to its balance of performance, ease of use, and affordability.
Best Pla 3D Printing Filament – Reviews
ESUN PLA+ 1.75mm Filament – 001
ESUN PLA+ is a fantastic upgrade over standard PLA, offering significantly improved strength and reduced brittleness. This makes it ideal for functional prints that might experience stress or require a bit more durability. We found its layer adhesion to be excellent, resulting in smooth and robust prints that are less prone to delamination. The filament also boasts a low warp characteristic, which is a welcome relief for anyone who has struggled with prints lifting off the build plate.
Printing with ESUN PLA+ is a pleasure. It flows smoothly through the nozzle, and we experienced minimal stringing or jamming. The wide range of available colors is also a major plus, with vibrant and consistent hues that make your creations pop. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-print material or an experienced user seeking enhanced performance, ESUN PLA+ 001 is a top-tier choice that consistently delivers impressive results.
AMZ3D PLA Filament 1.75mm – 002
AMZ3D PLA filament is a solid workhorse for everyday 3D printing needs. It’s incredibly user-friendly, making it a perfect choice for beginners just starting their 3D printing journey. We found its consistency in diameter to be excellent, leading to reliable extrusion and minimal risk of clogs. The material prints with a nice matte finish, which can be appealing for aesthetic prints where a shiny surface isn’t desired.
The affordable price point of AMZ3D PLA filament makes it an attractive option for those who need to print in bulk or experiment with different designs without breaking the bank. While it may not offer the enhanced strength of specialized PLA variants, it holds its own for general-purpose prints, prototypes, and decorative items. Its ease of use and accessibility make AMZ3D PLA 002 a go-to filament for many hobbyists.
HATCHBOX PLA Filament 1.75mm – 003
Hatchbox has a well-deserved reputation for producing high-quality filament, and their PLA 1.75mm is no exception. This filament is known for its exceptional printability and consistent diameter, ensuring reliable performance across a wide variety of FDM printers. We were impressed with the minimal warping and excellent layer adhesion, which resulted in clean, well-formed prints with sharp details.
The color consistency of Hatchbox PLA is also a standout feature, with vibrant and true-to-life colors that reproduce beautifully on the print. Whether you’re printing intricate models or larger objects, you can count on Hatchbox PLA 003 to deliver smooth surface finishes and strong, durable parts. It’s a reliable and premium option that justifies its slightly higher price point through its superior performance.
Overture PLA Filament 1.75mm – 004
Overture PLA filament offers a compelling blend of quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts. We found this filament to be very forgiving in terms of print settings, allowing for quick setup and successful prints even with less-than-ideal bed leveling. The material extrudes smoothly, and we experienced very little stringing, which contributes to cleaner prints.
The range of colors offered by Overture is impressive, and their consistency across different spools is a real advantage. For projects where color accuracy is important, Overture PLA 004 is a reliable option. It provides a good balance of mechanical properties for general use, making it suitable for everything from artistic creations to functional prototypes.
eSUN PLA+ Filament 1.75mm – 005
eSun PLA+ is a standout filament for those seeking enhanced mechanical properties without sacrificing ease of use. This material truly shines when it comes to its increased toughness and impact resistance compared to standard PLA. We found prints made with eSun PLA+ 005 to be significantly less brittle, making them far more suitable for parts that might undergo handling or moderate stress.
The printability of this filament is excellent, featuring low warping and excellent layer adhesion that results in strong, cohesive prints. The smooth extrusion and minimal stringing contribute to a pleasant printing experience and clean results. eSun PLA+ 005 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to push the boundaries of what PLA can do, offering a robust and reliable material for more demanding applications.
The Essential Role of PLA Filament in 3D Printing
People need to buy PLA 3D printing filament because it serves as the fundamental building block for a vast array of 3D printed objects. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. Its widespread popularity stems from its ease of use, affordability, and relatively low environmental impact compared to other plastics. For hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike, PLA offers an accessible entry point into the world of additive manufacturing, allowing for the creation of everything from intricate prototypes and functional parts to educational models and artistic creations.
The versatility of PLA filament is a key driver for its demand. It can be printed with a wide range of temperatures and settings, making it compatible with most Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers. This adaptability allows users to experiment with different print speeds, layer heights, and infill densities to achieve desired results for various applications. Whether someone is looking to print a simple trinket, a complex mechanical component, or even decorative items, PLA provides a reliable and consistent material to bring their digital designs into the physical realm.
Beyond its accessibility, the safety and usability of PLA make it a preferred choice, especially in educational and home environments. It produces minimal fumes during printing, making it safer to use without specialized ventilation systems. This factor is crucial for schools where children are engaging with 3D printing technology. Furthermore, its rigid nature and good layer adhesion contribute to the successful completion of prints, reducing frustration and encouraging continued exploration and learning within the 3D printing community. Finding the best PLA 3D printing filament often involves considering brand reputation, color availability, and specific mechanical properties for demanding projects.
In summary, the continuous need to purchase PLA 3D printing filament is driven by its fundamental role in enabling accessible, versatile, and safe 3D printing. As the technology continues to evolve and find new applications, PLA remains a cornerstone material, empowering individuals and organizations to create, innovate, and bring their ideas to life through additive manufacturing. Its blend of performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental considerations ensures its continued relevance in the burgeoning world of 3D printing.
Understanding PLA Properties for Your Projects
PLA, or polylactic acid, is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugarcane. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice for 3D printing enthusiasts concerned about sustainability. Its biodegradable nature means that, under the right industrial composting conditions, it can break down over time, reducing landfill waste. This inherent eco-consciousness is a major draw for many users looking for greener alternatives in their manufacturing processes.
One of the most celebrated attributes of PLA filament is its ease of use, making it an ideal starting point for beginners. Unlike some more challenging filaments that require heated beds and enclosed printers, PLA generally prints well at lower temperatures and doesn’t typically warp significantly. This reduced printing complexity allows new users to achieve successful prints more consistently, building confidence and encouraging further exploration into the world of 3D printing.
However, it’s crucial to understand PLA’s limitations. Its relatively low glass transition temperature means it can soften and deform when exposed to heat above approximately 60°C (140°F). This makes it unsuitable for applications requiring high heat resistance, such as automotive parts or items left in direct sunlight. While durable for everyday objects, it’s not as robust or impact-resistant as some other filament types.
Troubleshooting Common PLA Printing Issues
One of the most frequent challenges users encounter with PLA is stringing or “oozing” of the filament. This occurs when molten plastic continues to extrude from the nozzle as the print head moves between different parts of the model. Adjusting retraction settings on your 3D printer, such as increasing the retraction distance and speed, can significantly mitigate this issue. Ensuring your filament is properly dried is also vital, as moisture can exacerbate oozing.
Another common problem is layer adhesion. If layers aren’t bonding properly, prints can be weak and easily delaminate. This can be caused by printing at too low a temperature, causing the extruded plastic to cool too quickly before bonding with the previous layer. Conversely, printing too hot can lead to over-extrusion and poor detail. Experimenting with your nozzle temperature, often in small increments, is key to finding the sweet spot for optimal layer adhesion.
Under-extrusion, where not enough filament is being pushed through the nozzle, is another issue that can manifest as gaps in layers or weak prints. This can be a sign of a clogged nozzle, a worn-out extruder gear, or incorrect filament diameter settings in your slicer software. Regularly cleaning your nozzle and ensuring your extruder is calibrated can prevent most under-extrusion problems.
Advanced PLA Techniques and Applications
Beyond standard prints, PLA can be enhanced through various post-processing techniques to achieve unique aesthetics and functionalities. Sanding and priming are common methods for achieving a smooth surface finish, preparing the print for painting or coating. Many users also employ fillers like wood dust or metal powder mixed with PLA to create filaments with distinct visual and tactile properties, opening up avenues for artistic expression and specialized prototyping.
The versatility of PLA extends to its suitability for creating detailed miniatures and prototypes. Its ability to capture fine details and its minimal shrinkage during printing make it an excellent choice for replicating intricate designs. From tabletop gaming figures to functional prototypes for product development, PLA’s precision allows for high-fidelity reproductions that are both visually appealing and structurally sound for their intended purpose.
Furthermore, PLA can be used in conjunction with soluble support materials like PVA. This combination is particularly useful for printing complex geometries that would otherwise require difficult-to-remove support structures. By dissolving the PVA support in water, you can achieve clean, intricate prints with minimal manual intervention, broadening the scope of designs that can be realized with PLA.
Choosing the Right PLA for Specific Print Needs
When selecting PLA filament, consider the specific requirements of your project. For general-purpose printing, standard PLA is usually sufficient and offers a good balance of ease of use and print quality. However, if you require enhanced properties, specialized PLA blends are available. For instance, PLA+ or Tough PLA filaments offer improved impact resistance and layer adhesion, making them suitable for more durable functional parts.
Color and finish are also important considerations. PLA comes in an astonishing array of colors, from vibrant neons to subtle pastels and metallic sheens. Beyond basic colors, you can find filaments with wood, metal, or even glow-in-the-dark additives, allowing for creative customization. The surface finish can also vary, with some filaments producing a matte look and others a glossy shine, impacting the final aesthetic of your prints.
Environmental conditions are a key factor in PLA selection. If your printed object will be exposed to moderate heat or sunlight, standard PLA might warp. In such cases, consider high-temperature resistant PLAs or explore alternative filament materials. Similarly, if the printed object needs to withstand significant mechanical stress, a reinforced PLA or a more robust filament like ABS or PETG might be a better choice, despite potentially being more challenging to print.
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best PLA 3D Printing Filament
Choosing the right PLA filament is crucial for achieving successful and high-quality 3D prints. With a vast array of options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the market and pinpoint the ideal material for your needs. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision, ensuring you get the best PLA 3D printing filament for your projects.
6 Key Factors to Consider When Buying PLA 3D Printing Filament
1. Filament Diameter
The most critical factor when selecting PLA filament is its diameter. Standard 3D printer nozzles are designed for either 1.75mm or 2.85mm (often referred to as 3mm) filament. It is absolutely imperative that you match the filament diameter to what your 3D printer is designed to accept. Using the wrong diameter can lead to jams, under-extrusion, over-extrusion, and ultimately, failed prints. Always consult your 3D printer’s specifications or manual to confirm the correct filament size.
While 1.75mm is the most common and widely supported diameter for consumer-grade FDM printers, some older or industrial machines might utilize 2.85mm. If you are unsure, a quick visual inspection of the filament spool that came with your printer, or checking the manufacturer’s website, should clarify this. Investing in the correct diameter from the outset will save you significant frustration and wasted filament.
2. Brand Reputation and Quality Control
The quality of PLA filament can vary significantly between brands. Reputable manufacturers invest in stringent quality control processes to ensure consistent diameter, minimal impurities, and proper winding. These factors directly impact printability and the final appearance of your models. Look for brands that are well-established in the 3D printing community and have a history of positive reviews regarding filament consistency and performance.
When researching brands, pay attention to user reviews on popular 3D printing forums, e-commerce sites, and dedicated review platforms. Brands that consistently receive praise for their filament’s uniformity, smooth printing, and good adhesion are generally a safer bet. Conversely, be wary of extremely cheap, unbranded filaments, as they often suffer from diameter inconsistencies and impurities that can lead to print failures.
3. Color and Finish
PLA filament is available in an almost endless spectrum of colors, from basic primary colors to vibrant neons, metallics, and even glow-in-the-dark options. The color you choose will depend on the aesthetic requirements of your project. Beyond basic colors, consider different finishes such as matte, glossy, or satin, which can significantly alter the look and feel of your printed object.
Some specialized PLA filaments also offer unique finishes, like wood-filled PLA, which can be sanded and stained to mimic real wood, or metallic PLA that provides a subtle sheen. When selecting a color, consider how it will appear under different lighting conditions and whether it will complement the intended use of your printed part. For critical functional parts, a more muted or standard color might be preferred over highly vibrant or specialty finishes.
4. Print Temperature and Bed Adhesion
Every PLA filament has an optimal printing temperature range, typically specified by the manufacturer. This range is crucial for achieving good layer adhesion and print quality. While PLA generally prints at lower temperatures than many other filament types, slight variations between brands and colors can exist. It’s good practice to perform calibration prints, such as temperature towers, to find the sweet spot for your specific filament.
Bed adhesion is another vital aspect. Most PLA filaments adhere well to a heated print bed (typically 50-60°C) with common build surfaces like glass, PEI, or BuildTak. However, some formulations might require slight adjustments to bed temperature or the use of adhesion aids like glue sticks or hairspray. If you encounter issues with prints not sticking to the bed or warping, experimenting with slightly higher or lower bed temperatures for your chosen PLA can be beneficial.
5. Mechanical Properties and Durability
While standard PLA is known for its ease of printing and biodegradability, its mechanical properties are generally not as robust as some other filament types. Standard PLA can be brittle and has a relatively low glass transition temperature, meaning it can deform under moderate heat. For functional parts that require more strength, impact resistance, or higher temperature tolerance, you might need to consider specialized PLA blends or alternative materials.
However, there are advancements in PLA technology. Some manufacturers offer “tough PLA” or “high-impact PLA” blends that incorporate additives to improve their mechanical strength and reduce brittleness. These can be excellent options for prototyping or for parts that will experience some degree of stress. Always consider the intended use of your printed object when evaluating the mechanical properties of the PLA you choose.
6. Filament Storage and Handling
PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. While it’s not as prone to moisture absorption as materials like PETG or Nylon, prolonged exposure to humid environments can degrade its quality, leading to brittle filament and poor print quality (e.g., stringing, popping sounds during printing, weak layers). Proper storage is essential to maintain the integrity of your PLA filament.
To ensure your PLA stays in good condition, store it in a cool, dry place. Ideally, keep it in an airtight container or a resealable bag with a desiccant pack to absorb any ambient moisture. If you suspect your PLA has absorbed moisture, you can dry it out using a filament dryer or a low-temperature oven (typically around 40-50°C for several hours). This process can often restore printability and improve the quality of your prints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PLA filament and why is it popular?
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable and eco-friendly thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. This makes it a significantly more sustainable option compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Its popularity stems from its ease of use, low printing temperature, minimal warping, and lack of toxic fumes, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
The versatility of PLA also contributes to its widespread appeal. It’s available in a vast array of colors and finishes, from basic solid colors to metallic, wood-filled, and even glow-in-the-dark options, allowing for creative and visually appealing prints. This broad spectrum of aesthetic choices, combined with its user-friendliness, cements PLA’s position as a go-to filament for many 3D printing applications.
What are the key differences between PLA types?
While all PLA is derived from similar biological sources, variations exist due to manufacturing processes and the addition of specific additives. You’ll commonly encounter standard PLA, which offers a good balance of properties. Then there are modified PLAs like PLA+, which often incorporate impact modifiers or other enhancements to improve toughness and reduce brittleness.
Other specialty PLAs include composites like wood-fill PLA (mixed with wood fibers for a natural look and feel), metal-fill PLA (containing fine metal powders for a metallic sheen), and heat-resistant PLA (formulated to withstand higher temperatures after annealing). Each type has unique characteristics that cater to different print requirements and desired aesthetics, so choosing the right one depends on your project’s needs.
What printing temperature should I use for PLA?
The ideal printing temperature for PLA typically ranges from 190°C to 220°C (374°F to 428°F) for the nozzle and 50°C to 60°C (122°F to 140°F) for the heated bed. However, this is a general guideline, and the precise temperature can vary depending on the specific brand and formulation of PLA you are using, as well as your 3D printer’s capabilities and environment.
It’s always recommended to consult the manufacturer’s specifications provided on the filament spool or their website. A good practice is to perform temperature calibration towers or small test prints to fine-tune the exact temperature that yields the best results for your particular filament, ensuring optimal layer adhesion and print quality.
Do I need a heated bed for PLA?
While PLA is less prone to warping than some other filaments, a heated bed is still highly recommended for achieving optimal print adhesion and preventing prints from detaching during the printing process. A heated bed helps to keep the lower layers of the print warm, reducing the temperature difference between the print and the build plate, which is the primary cause of warping.
Even at its recommended temperatures, PLA can still benefit from the stability a heated bed provides. It contributes to better first-layer adhesion, a crucial factor for successful prints, especially for larger or more complex models. If your printer doesn’t have a heated bed, using adhesion aids like painter’s tape, glue sticks, or specialized build surfaces can help compensate.
What are the advantages of using PLA filament?
PLA filament is celebrated for its user-friendliness, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It prints at relatively low temperatures, has minimal shrinkage and warping, and produces minimal odor or toxic fumes during printing, contributing to a safer and more pleasant printing experience.
Beyond its ease of use, PLA’s biodegradability offers an environmentally conscious printing solution. It’s also highly versatile, available in a vast array of colors and finishes, allowing for creative expression in a wide range of applications, from prototyping and educational tools to decorative items and functional parts.
What are the disadvantages of using PLA filament?
Despite its many advantages, PLA has some limitations. Its relatively low glass transition temperature (around 60°C or 140°F) means that prints made from PLA can soften and deform when exposed to heat, making it unsuitable for applications requiring high-temperature resistance.
Furthermore, while PLA is biodegradable, it requires specific industrial composting conditions to break down effectively. In a standard landfill, its degradation process is slow. PLA can also be brittle and prone to shattering if dropped or subjected to significant impact, which might necessitate the use of tougher filaments for more robust applications.
How do I store PLA filament properly?
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality of PLA filament and prevent issues like moisture absorption, which can lead to poor print quality, stringing, and brittleness. PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, so it’s essential to keep it in a dry environment.
The best way to store PLA is in an airtight container or a resealable bag, ideally with a desiccant packet (like silica gel) to absorb any residual moisture. Keeping the filament away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures will further ensure its longevity and optimal printing performance.
Conclusion
Navigating the vast landscape of 3D printing materials can be a daunting task, but by understanding the nuances of PLA and focusing on the qualities that truly matter, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision. Our comprehensive exploration has highlighted the leading contenders, emphasizing their printability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether your priority is ease of use for beginners, vibrant color options for artistic creations, or consistent performance for functional prototypes, the best PLA 3D printing filament is within your reach, promising to elevate your printing projects from good to exceptional.
Ultimately, the pursuit of the perfect filament is an ongoing journey, but one that can be immensely rewarding. By investing in high-quality PLA, you unlock a world of creative possibilities and ensure your 3D printing endeavors are met with success. Trust in the insights provided and embrace the potential that superior filament brings to your creations, empowering you to bring your designs to life with confidence and precision.