Uncovering the Best PLA Filaments Available

In the world of 3D printing, PLA filament continues to be one of the most popular printing materials. But with so many brands and blends on the market, it can be tough to know which filament is right for your needs.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best PLA filament for 2023 and beyond. We’ll take a look at some of the top brands and blends available, and help you determine which one is right for your needs. So whether you’re a beginner just starting, or an experienced 3D printer looking for something new, read on for the best PLA filament options available right now.

Benefits of PLA Filament

When it comes to 3D printing, choosing the right filament can be the difference between a successful print and a frustrating one. So, what is PLA filament and why is it so popular?

PLA, or polylactic acid, is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources, such as cornstarch or sugarcane. It’s one of the most popular filaments because it’s affordable, easy to use, and produces little to no odor. It also has a low melting point, which makes it a good choice for beginners.

But the benefits of this filament don’t stop there. PLA is strong and durable, making it a good choice for printing objects that need to be handled or used outdoors. And because it’s biodegradable, PLA is environmentally friendly and can be composted after use.

While PLA is more friendly to the environment, there are still considerations to take into account

Because of its biodegradable properties, PLA is often considered a more eco-friendly option than ABS or PETG. However, there are still some things to consider when using this material.

• PLA can be brittle; as a result, it’s not as strong as other materials like ABS.
• It’s also prone to warping and discoloration over time.
• Unlike ABS or PETG filaments, which have very high melting points (upwards of 250°C), PLA has an extremely low melting point—around 180-200°C on average—so it will not withstand prolonged exposure to heat sources such as hot end nozzles or heated beds during the printing process that requires higher temperatures for extruding the filament into 3D models.* In addition, the glass transition temperature of PLA is much lower than most other plastics; this means that once your model cools down after printing it may be susceptible to cracking if you try bending/stretching/tweaking/modifying/etc.

Is PLA Food Safe?

PLA is the most widely used bioplastic in the world, according to Wikipedia. It’s made from renewable resources like cornstarch, sugar cane, or even potatoes.

PLA has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food contact, which means it can be used to print food packaging too. As long as you’re using PLA filaments that have been treated with FDA-approved chemicals and passed tests for toxicity, then you should have no reason to worry about using them in printing your next batch of macaroni salad or hot dogs—just make sure you wash your hands after handling any PLA filaments!

Is PLA Toxic?

The short answer: PLA is non-toxic and biodegradable. However, it is important to understand what makes a material toxic. In this case, it’s the amount of exposure you have to the substance that makes it potentially dangerous.

PLA is not considered toxic in normal amounts; however, if you were to inhale large amounts of PLA fumes over time it could cause damage to your respiratory system. If you touch liquid or powdered PLA then wash your hands thoroughly after use and avoid contact with your eyes while working with PLA products.

How to store PLA filament

PLA filament has a high glass transition temperature (Tg), so it’s best stored at room temperature. PLA has great dimensional stability and does not warp as some other materials do. The optimal storage environment for such filament is an area with low humidity and low temperatures.

To keep your filament spool properly stored, you should:

1) Keep the filament spool on its side in an open space so it doesn’t collect dust on top of it

2) Make sure you don’t stack too many spools on top of each other because they could damage each other over time if they’re not properly supported by something underneath them (such as a table or shelf)

Remember, Not All PLA is Created Equal

PLA stands for polylactic acid, a biodegradable thermoplastic that derives from renewable resources such as corn and sugar cane. It’s easy to use, has a low melting temperature, and is biodegradable. PLA can be composted at commercial facilities or in your backyard. The main downside of PLA is that it doesn’t do well with high temperatures; this makes it unsuitable for 3D items that will be used outdoors or in hot environments.

While there are several types of plastics used for 3D printing (e.g., ABS and PVA), PLA is the most commonly used material thanks to its combination of affordability, ease of use, versatility, and biodegradability.

What temperature to print PLA?

Now that you know about the different types of PLA filaments, it’s time to learn about the print settings and print temperature. This will be the key to getting great results with your prints.

The print temperature for PLA should be between 190°C and 220°C. This will produce strong, resilient prints with minimal warping. You’ll also want to calibrate printer settings speed of around 30-60 mm/s to ensure quality results.

Comparing the Best PLA Filament Brands & Blends 2023

When it comes to printing, you want to make sure you’re using the best filament for the job. In this article, we’re going to compare the best PLA filament brands and their blends for 2022.

One of the things we’ll be looking at is strength. Some filaments are stronger than others and can handle more wear and tear. We’ll also be looking at quality. The better the quality of the filament, the less likely you are to experience defects or problems with printing.

Finally, we’ll take a look at the price. Not all filaments are created equal, and some will cost more than others. But we’ll make sure to include a variety of price points so that you can find the right filament for your budget.

Best PLA Filament: Top Brands & Blends 2023

There are a lot of different PLA filaments on the market these days, and it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. So, we put together a list of the best PLA filaments available and highlighted their performance characteristics.

Our number one pick, Hatchbox PLA filament, premium PLA is a great all-around choice. It prints well on a wide range of printers and produces high-quality prints with minimal warping or stringing. It’s also affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded shoppers.

Sunlu PLA filament is our pick for the best value. It’s affordable and prints well on a wide range of printers. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches your style.

If you’re looking for a high quality PLA filament option, Polymaker Polymax PLA filament is the way to go. It prints beautifully, with little to no warping or stringing, and is available in a variety of colors. However, it’s also the most expensive filament on our list.

For those looking for something a little more unconventional, Overture PLA filament is worth checking out. It prints with a unique metallic sheen that makes your projects stand out from the crowd.

And if you’re looking for something extra special, Eryone PLA Filament offers unique color options that are hard to find elsewhere. Overture also proposes Easy PLA, Eco PLA, Matte PLA, Professional PLA, and a special Rock PLA. Silk PLA is a shinier, silkier version of standard PLA filament.

Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something easy to use and gives you a smooth finish, then we would recommend FormFutura EasyFil PLA filament.

If you’re looking for something a little more versatile yet low cost filament, then MatterHacker’s Build PLA might be a good option. It can be used for both 3D and CNC milling, so it’s a great choice if you want to do both.

If you’re looking for an affordable filament, then Gizmo Dorks PLA filament is a good option. It’s affordable without sacrificing quality, so it’s a great choice if you’re just starting with 3D printing.

And finally, if you’re looking for a filament that has all the bells and whistles, then eSun PLA PRO (PLA+) filament is the one for you. It has everything you could ever want in a filament, including smooth printing, heat-resistant and great dimensional stability.

MatterHackers Exotic filaments are outside the normal PLA choices or interesting variations on those choices. They’re often PLA mixed with carbon fiber or glow-in-the-dark chemicals and something that prints outside the normal parameters of a 3D printer.

Prusament PLA Filament comes in a wide range of vibrant colors, including orange, royal blue, and opal green. These filaments are perfect for creating objects with bright and bold color combinations.

Tips for Choosing the Best PLA Filament

Now that you know the different types of PLA filament, it’s time to choose the best one for your needs. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

1. Decide what you’ll be using your filament for. Are you making prototypes or models? Or are you printing functional parts? The filament you choose will depend on your application.

2. Consider the filament diameter. When choosing PLA, you need to be aware of filament diameter. The filament diameter is a measure of how wide the filament is.

The higher the number, the thicker the filament will be. For example, 1.75mm filament will be thinner than 2.85mm filament. Ideally, you want your filament diameter to vary by less than 0.05mm along the length.

3. Consider your budget. Not all filaments are created equal, and some can be quite expensive. Choose the filament that fits your needs and your budget.

4. Do some research. There are several reviews and comparison charts online that can help you choose the best filament for your needs.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to find the perfect PLA for your next project.

Be wary though, due to it being commonplace in the market – there is a lot of poor quality PLA around.

What is the highest quality filament?

The highest quality filament is going to be the one that results in the strongest and most consistent prints. For that, you’re looking for a PLA that has a low moisture content and is made from virgin materials.

There are a few brands that fit the bill, but eSUN PLA+, Inland PLA+, Hatchbox PLA, Eryone PLA, and Prusament PLA. It’s a little more expensive than some of the other options out there, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind that you’re getting a high-quality product.

Which PLA is the strongest?

When it comes to the strength of PLA, PETG, ABS, and other types of resins available. PLA is king. PLA has the highest tensile strength out of all these materials (and most others) at about 2200 MPa. This means you can expect your 3D printed parts made from this material to be very strong and durable.

Is PLA Stronger Than PETG?

You might have heard that PLA is stronger than PETG, but this is not always the case. For example, if you were to put the same weight on both materials and put them in an oven for a set amount of time, you would see that the PLA will break before the PETG does (as long as both are above their glass transition temperatures). It has the heat-resistant properties of ABS without toxic fumes and can be sanded much like PLA. However, when comparing different types of PLA filaments from different manufacturers, it becomes clear that some are stronger than others—and there are even times when a specific type of PETG filament can be stronger than its equivalent PLA counterpart.

Pros & Cons of Using PLA Filament

PLA is one of the most popular filament materials on the market, and there are plenty of reasons why. This filament is easy to print with and doesn’t require a heated bed, making it a great choice for beginners. It is also biodegradable, which is a big plus if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option.

On the downside, PLA can be tricky to work with if you’re not used to it. It’s also not as strong as some other materials, so it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for something durable.

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict? It seems that the best PLA filament for your needs depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a filament that is strong and has a high print quality, then you should consider using a blend of such filament. If you’re looking for a filament that is easy to use and has a low print temperature, then you should consider using a standard PLA filament. Finally, if you’re looking for a filament that is biodegradable and has a low melting point, then you should consider using a PLA filament made from plant-based materials.

FAQs on Printing With PLA Filaments

You’re not the only one with questions about PLA filaments. I get a lot of questions from people who are just getting started with 3D printing, and that’s why I’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions.

Read also: Food printing reality: Is PLA food safe?