Printing PLA: settings, tips and typical problems
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PLA is the material almost everyone starts with, and for many it remains the most important. It prints on practically any FDM printer, hardly smells and forgives small mistakes. Here is how to get the best out of it and when you are better off reaching for another material.
Settings at a glance
| Setting | Guide value |
|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 190 to 220 °C |
| Bed temperature | 50 to 60 °C |
| Part cooling | 100 %, from the second layer |
| Enclosure | not needed, open the door or lid on enclosed printers |
| Build plate | smooth or textured PEI, without glue |
The values on the spool take priority. For the exact value, a temperature tower is worthwhile.
What PLA is good for
- Decoration and figures: wide choice of colours, sharp details, smooth surfaces
- Prototypes: quick to print, dimensionally accurate, inexpensive
- Brackets indoors: as long as no heat and no heavy impacts are involved
- Multi-colour printing: PLA combines well and purges cleanly on a colour change
Where PLA reaches its limits
Heat. PLA becomes soft from around 55 to 60 °C. A part in the car, on a windowsill in the sun or near a radiator can deform.
Impacts and bending. PLA is stiff but brittle. It is more likely to break than to give way. For clips, snap fits or parts that are bent often, PETG is the better choice.
Outdoors. UV light and moisture make PLA fade and become brittle over time. ASA suits parts used outdoors.
PLA variants
| Variant | Special feature | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| PLA+ / Pro / Tough | somewhat tougher than standard PLA | the name is not standardised, every manufacturer means something different |
| Silk | glossy, silky surface | weaker layer adhesion, better for decoration |
| Matt | surface without gloss, layer lines are less noticeable | somewhat more brittle |
| Wood, marble, glitter | particles in the filament | a larger nozzle (0.6 mm) can prevent clogs |
| CF (with carbon fibres) | stiffer, matt look | hardened nozzle needed |
Typical problems
The nozzle clogs on enclosed printers. PLA does not like a warm environment. If heat builds up in the enclosure, the filament softens before it reaches the nozzle. Open the door or lid; some printers have a dedicated setting for this.
Overhangs curl. Usually too little cooling or too high a temperature. Fan to 100 % and lower the temperature in steps of 5 degrees.
The bottom layer is too wide. That is elephant’s foot. Lower the bed temperature to 50 to 55 °C or raise the Z offset slightly.
The first layer does not stick. Clean the plate with washing-up liquid. Everything else is in First layer does not stick.
Storage
PLA is less sensitive than other filaments but still absorbs moisture. Stored open, it becomes brittle over time and snaps at the spool. In a box with desiccant it lasts considerably longer. More in Drying and storing filament.
PLA compared
How PLA compares with PETG, ABS, ASA and TPU is shown in the filament overview. Specific PLA types from various manufacturers with price, temperatures and tolerance are in the PLA comparison.