— FDM · MATERIAL
PLA
The default for nearly everything.
Polylactic acid. Cornstarch-based, biodegradable in industrial composters. Print-friendly to a fault — most desktop printers run PLA out of the box at 210°C with no enclosure.
— Specs
The numbers your slicer cares about.
Density
1.24 g/cm³
Nozzle temp
200–220°C
Bed temp
50–60°C
Price
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— Use cases
When PLA is the right call.
Best for
- First prints on a fresh printer
- Decorative figurines, miniatures, cosplay props
- Indoor brackets and jigs that won't see direct sun
- Toys, gifts, prototyping — anything room-temperature
Avoid for
- Anything left in a hot car (PLA softens around 55°C)
- Outdoor parts exposed to UV — turns brittle in months
- Mechanical parts under repeated stress (it work-hardens)
- Hot beverages or dishwasher cycles
— Honest assessment
Pros & cons, no marketing.
Pros
- Cheapest and most widely stocked filament
- Low warping, prints fine without an enclosure
- Sharp surface detail — best material for fine sculpts
- Low odour — safe to print indoors without ventilation
Cons
- Brittle — snaps on impact instead of bending
- Low heat resistance (55°C glass transition)
- Absorbs moisture if left out — needs a dry box for long-term storage
- Not ideal for functional engineering parts
— Works with
Printers calibrated for PLA.
These printers ship a tuned profile for this filament — pick one in the calculator for an exact quote.
— Print tips
What we'd tell a friend printing this.
- 10.4mm nozzle, 0.2mm layer, 60–80mm/s — works on any modern printer
- 2Keep enclosure open for cooling: PLA loves airflow during printing
- 3Store in a sealed bag with desiccant if humidity > 50%
- 4Dry at 45°C for 4h if prints turn stringy after long storage
— Compare
Also worth considering.
— Try this material