Is PLA suitable for beginners?

Yes. PLA is the easiest filament to start with: it prints at low temperatures, hardly shrinks and sticks well to the bed.

Can I use PLA outdoors?

PLA softens from around 55–60 °C, for example in a car in the sun. For parts that have to work outdoors or in the heat, PETG or ASA is a better choice.

We advise against it. The raw material itself is often suitable for food contact, but a 3D print has tiny grooves between the layers where bacteria can settle, and colourants and the nozzle are not certified. PLA also cannot go in the dishwasher: it softens from around 55–60 °C. For a cookie cutter you use once it is fine; for cups, plates or storage containers it is not.

Is PLA biodegradable?

PLA is made from plant-based raw materials and is compostable, but only under the conditions of an industrial composting facility. In nature or in your own compost heap it barely breaks down.

Which diameter do I need: 1.75 or 2.85 mm?

Most 3D printers, such as those from Prusa, Bambu Lab and Creality, use 1.75 mm. All our PLA is available in that diameter. A number of Fiberlogy Easy PLA colours also come in 2.85 mm, for printers such as the Ultimaker. You choose the diameter on the product page; if in doubt, check your printer’s manual. Still not sure? Feel free to contact us.

How should I store PLA?

Keep spools dry and sealed, for example in a bag or box with silica gel beads . PLA that has absorbed moisture can become brittle and give a rougher surface.

PLA filament

The most popular 3D printing filament: easy to print, in a huge range of colours and finishes.

PLA is the filament most makers start with, and one experienced users keep coming back to. It prints easily, gives crisp detail and comes in countless colours. Below you will find all our PLA filament from Fiberlogy and our own brand Fill 3D: standard PLA, matte, silk, impact-resistant Impact, PLA with carbon fibre or wood, and transparent HS PLA. Not sure which one you need? Below the products we help you choose. Read more…

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What is PLA filament?

PLA stands for polylactic acid. It is made from plant-based raw materials such as corn starch or sugar cane rather than petroleum. That makes PLA the most widely used filament for 3D printers: it prints at a relatively low temperature, hardly shrinks, sticks well to the print bed and gives off almost no smell while printing. Ideal for beginners, and for anyone who wants to print quickly and accurately.

Which PLA should you choose?

Not every PLA is the same. Here is how to quickly find the type that suits your project:

Type	Suitable for
Standard PLA	Most print jobs: figures, gadgets, prototypes and parts. The widest choice of colours.
PLA Matte	Prints without gloss, where layer lines are less visible. Great for models and decoration.
Silk & Satin	A silk or satin sheen for vases, figurines and gifts.
PLA Impact	Impact-resistant parts that need to take a knock.
PLA + CF	Stiff, dimensionally stable parts with a matte, technical look.
Wood filament	Prints with real wood fibre that you can sand and stain.
HS PLA Clear	Transparent prints and high-speed printing.
Special PLA	A stone look or recycled PLA.

Fiberlogy or Fill 3D?

Fiberlogy makes premium filament with a diameter tolerance of ± 0.02 mm and a roundness tolerance of 0.01 mm. Easy PLA comes in a large number of colours, and many are also available as a refill. Fill 3D is our own brand: a very print-friendly, high-quality all-round PLA, made in the Netherlands. A good-value choice for all your everyday printing.

Printing PLA: the right settings

Nozzle: usually between 195 and 230 °C. Fiberlogy Easy PLA prints at 200–230 °C, Fill 3D PLA at 195–215 °C.
Print bed: around 50–60 °C. A heated bed is not always necessary, but it does help with a good first layer.
Cooling: PLA likes plenty of cooling; set the fan to 100% for most prints.
Enclosure: not needed. With PLA in an enclosed printer, it is better to leave the lid or door open.

The exact temperatures are listed with each product and on the spool. Something going wrong? Our article on solving 3D printing problems covers the most common problems and how to fix them.

The pros and cons of PLA at a glance

Pros

Easy to print, even without a heated bed
Little risk of clogging, even at higher speeds
Hardly any smell while printing
Good adhesion to the bed and between layers
Affordable and available in a huge range of colours
Easy to post-process: sanding, gluing and painting

Cons

Less tough than PETG, ABS or nylon
Softens from around 55–60 °C
Can become brittle outdoors over time
Not suitable for repeated contact with food

Uses of PLA

Models and figures: miniatures, figurines, architectural models.
Prototypes: quickly test a shape or fit before printing in another material.
Home and hobby: holders, organisers, gadgets, key rings and decoration.
Education: PLA prints safely and easily, which is why it is widely used in schools.

Frequently asked questions

Is PLA suitable for beginners?
Yes. PLA is the easiest filament to start with: it prints at low temperatures, hardly shrinks and sticks well to the bed.
Can I use PLA outdoors?
PLA softens from around 55–60 °C, for example in a car in the sun. For parts that have to work outdoors or in the heat, PETG or ASA is a better choice.
Is PLA food safe?
We advise against it. The raw material itself is often suitable for food contact, but a 3D print has tiny grooves between the layers where bacteria can settle, and colourants and the nozzle are not certified. PLA also cannot go in the dishwasher: it softens from around 55–60 °C. For a cookie cutter you use once it is fine; for cups, plates or storage containers it is not.
Is PLA biodegradable?
PLA is made from plant-based raw materials and is compostable, but only under the conditions of an industrial composting facility. In nature or in your own compost heap it barely breaks down.
Which diameter do I need: 1.75 or 2.85 mm?
Most 3D printers, such as those from Prusa, Bambu Lab and Creality, use 1.75 mm. All our PLA is available in that diameter. A number of Fiberlogy Easy PLA colours also come in 2.85 mm, for printers such as the Ultimaker. You choose the diameter on the product page; if in doubt, check your printer’s manual. Still not sure? Feel free to contact us.
How should I store PLA?
Keep spools dry and sealed, for example in a bag or box with silica gel beads. PLA that has absorbed moisture can become brittle and give a rougher surface.