The basics of 3D printing: PLA filament

What is PLA filament?

PLA filament, or Polylactic Acid, is a biodegradable thermoplastic material manufactured from renewable resources such as corn starch, cassava roots or sugarcane. It is one of the most widely used materials in FDM 3D printing and is very popular with beginners and experienced users alike for its easy printability and environmentally friendly properties.

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Why PLA filament?

PLA is excellent for a wide range of applications, from educational projects to prototyping and decorative items. It maintains high stiffness and dimensional stability, making it ideal for printing large objects. In addition, PLA is less prone to warping 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 resources and is biodegradable.

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Print settings of PLA

The ideal print settings for PLA filament can vary depending on the type of 3D printer you are using and the brand and composition of the PLA filament. However, here are general guidelines you can follow to get good results when 3D printing with PLA:

1. Print temperature: The recommended print temperature for PLA is usually between 180°C and 220°C. The exact temperature range can vary based on the brand and composition of the filament. A good starting temperature is usually around 200°C. However, experiment to find the optimal temperature for your filament and printer.

2. Print bed temperature: PLA usually does not require a heated print bed. You can print on a non-heated print bed without any problems. If you choose to use a heated bed, you can set it to about 50°C, but it is not necessary.

3. Print speed: A typical print speed for PLA is between 40 and 80 mm/s. This can vary based on the complexity of the model and your printer. Start with a moderate print speed and adjust as needed.

4. Layer thickness: The 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 purpose prints.

5. Fill pattern: The standard fill pattern for most prints is rectangular or honeycomb, with about 20% to 30% fill. You can adjust this according to the strength requirements of your print.

6. Cooling: PLA needs good cooling during printing to prevent layers from stacking too quickly and to cool any overhangs. Make sure your fan or cooling system is on.

7. Retraction: Retraction settings control the retraction of the filament as the print head moves from one spot to another to prevent threads from forming. Proper values for retraction can 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 a non-heated print bed. If you find that adhesion is problematic, you can use blue painter's tape or a print surface coated with PEI or BuildTak. You can also consider applying a layer of printbed glue (e.g., PVA glue).

9. Printer Settings: Be sure to adjust printer settings to match your specific 3D printer model and software.

Keep in mind that these settings are general guidelines. You may need to make adjustments based on the specific conditions and requirements of your print. It is also helpful to experiment with a few small prints to find the optimal settings for your printer and filament.

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