This blog post examines the basic aspects of PLA filament in the 3D printing world. We'll discuss its features, benefits, and why it's a favorite material at Antistatic. From its environmental friendliness to its versatility - discover how PLA filament is changing the world of 3D printing.
November 7, 2025
PLA filament, or Polylactic Acid, is a biodegradable thermoplastic material made from renewable sources such as corn starch, cassava roots, or sugar cane. It is one of the most used materials in FDM 3D printing and is very popular with beginners and experienced users alike because of its easy printability and environmentally friendly properties.
PLA is excellent for a wide range of applications, from educational projects to prototyping and decorative items. It maintains a high level of rigidity and dimensional stability, making it ideal for printing large objects. In addition, PLA is less likely to warp than other filament types, resulting in higher print quality. At Antistatic, we love PLA for its environmentally friendly properties. Unlike other traditional filaments that use petroleum, PLA is made from renewable sources and is biodegradable.
The ideal print settings for PLA filament may vary depending on the type of 3D printer you use and the brand and composition of the PLA filament. However, here are general guidelines to follow to get good results when 3D printing with PLA:
1. Print temperature: The recommended printing temperature for PLA is usually between 180°C and 220°C. The exact temperature range may vary based on the brand and composition of the filament. A good starting temperature is usually around 200°C, but experiment to find the optimal temperature for your filament and printer.
2. Print bed temperature: PLA does not usually require a heated print bed. You can easily print on an unheated print bed. If you choose to use a heated bed, you can set it to around 50°C, but it's not necessary.
3. Print speed: A typical PLA print speed is between 40 and 80 mm/s, which may vary based on the complexity of the model and your printer. Start with a moderate print speed and adjust as needed.
4. Layer thickness: Layer thickness, also known as layer resolution, can range from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, depending on the desired balance between print speed and level of detail. A layer thickness of 0.2 mm is often used for general prints.
5. Fill pattern: The standard fill pattern for most prints is rectangular or honeycomb, with a fill of approximately 20% to 30%. You can adjust this to the strength requirements of your print.
6. Cooling: PLA needs good cooling during printing to prevent layers from being stacked together too quickly and to cool down any overhangs. Make sure your fan or cooling system is turned on.
7. Retraction: Retraction settings control the retraction of the filament as the print head moves from one location to another to prevent threads from forming. The correct retraction values may vary, but usually start with a retraction distance of 1-2 mm and a speed of 40-60 mm/s.
8. Adhesion: PLA generally adheres well to an unheated print bed. If you notice that adhesion is problematic, you can use blue masking tape or a PEI or Buildtak coated print surface. You can also consider applying a layer of print bed adhesive (e.g. PVA glue).
9. Printer settings: Make sure to adjust printer settings to your specific 3D printer model and software.
Please note that these settings are general guidelines. It may be necessary to make adjustments based on the specific circumstances and requirements of your print. It's also useful to experiment with a few small prints to find the optimal settings for your printer and filament.
Discover the possibilities of local production combined with new technology.
