3D printing in PLA
PLA is a plastic made from plant-based raw materials, such as corn starch – it only breaks down in industrial composting facilities, not in a home compost bin. It gives very accurate prints with a smooth surface and sharp details. Ideal for prototypes, models, figurines and decorative pieces that won't be exposed to high temperatures.
Best for
- Prototypes
- Mock-ups and models
- Figurines
- Decorations
- Organisers
Pros
- Highest accuracy
- Lowest price
- Wide range of colours
Limitations
- Softens above ~55°C
- Brittle on impact
Heat resistance
up to 55°C
Layers from 0.08 mm · 10 colours in stock
What is PLA?
PLA (polylactic acid) is the most popular 3D printing filament. It's made from plant-based raw materials and prints easily and very accurately, but it starts to soften at about 55 °C. It's a good choice for anything that stays indoors and out of the sun.
Key numbers
- Heat resistance
- up to 55°C
- Density
- 1.24 g/cm³
- Thinnest layer
- 0.08 mm
- Printed in a heated chamber
- no
- Colours in stock
- 10
- Example price
- PLN 17.61Case 90 × 60 × 35 mm, 0.2 mm layers, 20% infill
When to choose PLA
- Figurines, models and prototypes where detail matters
- Organisers, stands and home decorations
- A first version of a part before you order it in a stronger material
- When the lowest price matters
Compared with other materials
Compare all materials- Strength3 out of 5
- Heat1 out of 5
- Outdoors2 out of 5
- Flexibility1 out of 5
- Detail5 out of 5
Printing it yourself? PLA settings
Typical ranges from filament manufacturers' data sheets – always check the label on your spool and start with a test print.
- Nozzle temperature
- 190–220 °C
- Bed temperature
- 50–60 °C
- Part cooling
- 100%
- Printer enclosure
- not needed – better to print with the printer open
- Drying the filament
- 45–50 °C for 4–6 h, when the filament crackles or strings
- It usually sticks to a smooth PEI plate without glue – just degrease it with isopropyl alcohol.
- If the corners lift, slow down the first layer and turn the fan off for it.
No printer, or no time for test prints? We'll print it in PLA.
Get a quote in PLAPLA – frequently asked questions
How much does 3D printing in PLA cost?
For example, a case 90 × 60 × 35 mm in PLA costs PLN 17.61 with us (0.2 mm layers, 20% infill). The price of your model depends on its size, infill and quantity – you'll see it as soon as you upload the file.
Will PLA survive in a car?
No. PLA softens at about 55 °C, and a car parked in the sun gets hotter than that. For a car choose ASA or – inside, away from the windows – ABS.
Is PLA biodegradable?
Only in an industrial composting facility, at about 60 °C and high humidity. In a home compost bin or in soil it takes years to break down.
PLA or PETG – which should I choose?
PLA if looks, detail and price matter most. PETG if the part has to withstand something: impacts, water or temperatures up to about 70 °C.
Safety: PLA handles temperatures up to about 55°C; it softens in a hot car and in direct sun. Prints are not toys and not for use with food. More about product safety (in Polish)