PLA (Polylactic Acid)
The most popular 3D printing filament. Easy to print, minimal warping, biodegradable, rigid with high tensile strength.
PLA (Polylactic Acid) Calculators
PLA (Polylactic Acid) (1.24 g/cm³)
Slicer Tuning & Cooling Profile
- Part Cooling Fan
- 100%
- Enclosure Requirement
- Not Recommended (Door Open)
- Polymer Specific Gravity
- 1.24 g/cm³
PLA • Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 1 kg spool of 1.75 mm PLA filament yields approximately 335.3 meters (1100 feet) of printable material based on its polymer density of 1.24 g/cm³.
Optimal extrusion temperature for PLA is 190 - 220 °C with a heated bed temperature of 45 - 60 °C.
PLA enclosure status: Not Recommended (Door Open). Polymers like ABS, ASA, and Nylon emit ultrafine particles (UFPs) and VOCs and warp easily from ambient air drafts, whereas PLA and PETG print safely in open-frame printers.
Dry PLA in a dedicated filament dryer or convection oven at 45 °C for 4 - 6 hours. Store with desiccant in vacuum-sealed bags to avoid steam popping, stringing, and brittle filament.
Clean the build plate thoroughly with warm water and grease-cutting dish soap (or 99% IPA). Set the part cooling fan to 100%, ensure first-layer squish is dialed in, and use a 5mm-8mm brim for tall or sharp-cornered models.