PLA filament: the numbers
Polylactic acid. Typical uses: prototypes, decorative models, toys, low-stress brackets.
1.24 g/cm³density (1.21–1.27)
335 mper kg at 1.75 mm
2.98 gper metre
190–220 °Cnozzle
50–60 °Cbed
0.3%linear shrinkage
$20typical per kg ($15–30)
55 °Cmax service temperature
Not neededenclosure
50 °C · 6 hdrying (low hygroscopic)
1/5difficulty · medium strength · rigid
Printing tips
- Part cooling fan at 100% after the first few layers for crisp overhangs.
- Avoid leaving parts in a hot car; PLA softens around 55-60 C.
- Textured PEI or glass with a dab of glue stick is enough for adhesion.
Grams ↔ metres for PLA
What a PLA print costs
Questions about PLA
What temperature should I print PLA at?
Nozzle 190–220 °C and bed 50–60 °C are the usual range. Start in the middle and tune with a temperature tower; no enclosure is needed.
How many metres of PLA are in a 1 kg spool?
About 335 m at 1.75 mm (density 1.24 g/cm³). One metre weighs 2.98 g.
Does PLA need drying?
Rarely for fresh spools. PLA absorbs moisture slowly; dry at 50 °C for 6 hours if it has been open for months or prints with unexpected stringing.
How much does PLA shrink?
About 0.3% linear. To compensate, scale X and Y by 100.30% in the slicer, or measure a test print and use the shrinkage calculator.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, cdn.shopify.com, wiki.polymaker.com