PLA filament (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is the virtually odorless, at most sweet-smelling, ecological counterpart of ABS. The print performance is almost the complete opposite of ABS. PLA is also no problem for outdoor projects. The printed objects are indeed strong, although much more brittle than other plastics. When a PLA object falls, it will shatter or damage more easily. Thin parts are more likely to break than bend. It is one of the easiest materials to make 3D prints with. Temperature: Print at 180 – 200º C where printing without a heated bed is possible, although a heated bed at 60º C is recommended. When to use PLA filament? Wherever possible. It is a bioplastic that can be recycled or composted. For complex shapes, due to the great ease of printing. It is great for gifts, models, boxes, and prototypes. Can also be used outdoors, because it needs heat to biodegrade and is not soluble in water. For example, you can perfectly make a garden gnome with PLA. When not to use PLA filament? When you need an object that must hold up well at 60º C or higher. For example, you better not print a gear shift lever for your car with it. Due to its brittle nature, also not recommended for tools or parts under stress or objects that may fall. Also not recommended for parts with very thin sections as PLA will break rather than bend.