Table of contents

15 PLA types

What are the properties of PLA?

Comparison of 50 PLA materials from different manufacturers

Can threads be 3D printed with PLA?

Can PLA be painted?

Is PLA biodegradable?

Can PLA be recycled?

Is PLA harmful to health?

3D printing service with PLA

15 PLA types

ESD PLA

There are PLA variants with ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) properties, capable of dissipating electrical charges. Such materials are particularly important for components in the electronics industry, as they can protect sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharges. These special PLA filaments are frequently used for housings, mounts, and other components in electronics.

Aero LW PLA

PLA is inherently a lightweight plastic, but modern additives have enabled manufacturers to foam the material. These foamed PLA filaments have a particularly low density and are therefore ideal for lightweight construction. The combination of low weight and sufficient stability makes LW PLA especially interesting for lightweight construction or model making applications where maximum weight reduction is crucial.

Magnetic PLA

Magnetic filaments are enriched with iron powder or similar fillers, giving them properties that make them attract magnets. This enables the production of printed components that adhere to magnets. Due to the complex manufacturing process of these metal filament combinations, these materials are generally more expensive. Although the use of iron-containing components has so far been primarily limited to niche applications such as sensors or specialized components, there are currently only a limited number of widespread applications in practice.

Carbon fiber reinforced PLA

Many filaments are reinforced withcarbon fibers , which significantly increases the material's strength and stiffness. However, these are usually short fiber pieces mixed into the filament. The amount of carbon fiber varies depending on the manufacturer, which affects the mechanical properties. The higher the carbon fiber content, the stiffer and more stable the component. It's important to note, however, that carbon fiber filaments wear down the print nozzle more quickly because the fibers are abrasive. Therefore, hardened nozzles are recommended for such filaments.

Glass fiber reinforced PLA

Besides carbon fiber, there are also PLA filaments reinforced with glass fibers. Compared to carbon fiber, these offer greater flexibility but are less stiff. Glass fiber-reinforced PLA can improve the mechanical properties of components without making them too brittle. These filaments are ideal for applications requiring a balanced combination of strength and flexibility.

Heat-resistant PLA HT

In its standard form, PLA is only temperature-resistant up to about 60°C, which is problematic for many technical applications. However, there are heat-resistant PLA variants that, through special post-processing such as "tempering" after printing, can achieve a heat resistance of up to 230°C. After printing, the parts are heated in an oven, which alters and stabilizes the material's crystal structure. This leads to a significant improvement in heat resistance, allowing these PLA variants to be used for more demanding applications where higher temperatures occur.

Wood PLA

PLA filaments blended with wood particles , including various wood types such as beech, olive, coconut, and oak. These filaments typically contain finely ground wood powder combined with PLA to create an authentic wood look. The printed object not only visually resembles wood but also emits a characteristic woody scent during printing. These filaments are ideal for decorative objects or applications where a natural wood look is desired.

Metal PLA

Metal filaments with metal additives such as aluminum, steel, brass, or copper offer a unique look, as they give the impression of real metal. However, these filaments are primarily intended for aesthetic purposes, since the metallic particles have only a minimal impact on the material's mechanical properties. Post-processing techniques such as grinding, polishing, or chemical treatments, e.g., acid baths, can be used to further refine the metal finish and achieve special effects. Such filaments are frequently used for decorative applications and replicas where the metallic appearance is paramount.

Stone PLA

Filaments with stone or sand pigments imitate a rough, uneven surface that mimics the look of stone or marble. These filaments are ideal for printing sculptures, decorative objects, or other designs where a realistic stone surface is desired. The pigments create a rough texture that gives the objects an authentic, stone-like appearance and an appealing feel.

Silky-glossy PLA

PLA filaments with a silky sheen create a highly reflective and glossy surface. These filaments give printed objects an impressive, glossy appearance, almost like polished metal or silk. However, this appearance also presents technical challenges. Layer adhesion, especially in the Z-axis, is often poorer with these filaments, making them less suitable for mechanically stressed components. They are therefore primarily used for decorative objects.

Glow in the Dark PLA

PLA with GITD properties contains phosphorescent particles that are charged by light and glow in the dark. This material is reminiscent of children's toys, but also has practical applications, such as safety signage, emergency lighting, or decorative objects. This PLA variant is particularly useful in situations where illumination is needed in the dark without a power supply, for example, during power outages.

Color-changing PLA

Color-changing PLA reacts to temperature changes, causing the material to change color when a specific temperature is reached. Typical color combinations are black to red or blue to green, but many variations exist. These filaments are particularly interesting for applications requiring visual temperature indicators or for creative, dynamic designs that change depending on the ambient temperature.

Gradient PLA

Gradient PLA filaments contain multiple colors that blend seamlessly into one another. These filaments are often available in rainbow colors or in two- to three-color variations. Because the gradient runs the entire length of the filament, large prints are ideal for showcasing the effect. Such filaments are often used for artistic projects or decorative prints where visual impact is paramount.

Recycled PLA

PLA is already considered a sustainable plastic because it is biodegradable. However, some manufacturers also offer recycled PLA , which is made from surplus PLA and processed into new filament. This recycling process further improves PLA's sustainability by minimizing waste and using resources more efficiently. Recycled PLA is ideal for environmentally conscious applications where waste reduction is a priority.

What are the properties of PLA?

sustainability

PLA is made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. PLA's bio-based origin is one of the main reasons why it is popular in many areas, especially in hobby and prototyping. PLA is biodegradable, making it a sustainable option in 3D printing, particularly when environmental impact is a concern.

Temperature resistance

One weakness of PLA is its low heat resistance. It begins to soften at around 60°C, which means it is less suitable for outdoor applications or environments with higher temperatures. Direct sunlight can cause the material to soften and deform quickly.

Mechanical properties

PLA possesses good mechanical properties, making it ideal for many simple applications and prototypes. It has a certain stiffness and strength that is perfectly adequate for components not subjected to high stress.

UV resistance

Another weakness of PLA is its low UV resistance. If exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period, it can become brittle and lose strength.

Processability

PLA is considered an extremely user-friendly material. It prints easily at relatively low temperatures of around 180–220°C and has a very low tendency to warp, making it particularly suitable for beginners. Almost every commercially available FDM printer is capable of processing PLA without major problems, making it the ideal entry-level filament.

Comparison of 50 PLA materials from different manufacturers

Here, the technical data of manufacturers such as BASF, Extrudr, Prusa, Formfutura, Polymaker and eSUN are compared to all PLA types.

Can threads be 3D printed with PLA?

From a thread size of M6 upwards, it is possible to produce both internal and external threads directly using 3D printing with PLA, especially with fine layer heights and reduced printing speeds. However, threads printed using FDM tend to be brittle and have a slightly rough surface. This may be sufficient for prototypes or test setups where precision is less critical.

A proven alternative is to print a smaller hole for the thread and then drill it out to the desired size to cut the thread manually. For a particularly smooth surface, the tap can be slightly heated, allowing for smoother and more precise finishing of the material.

For applications requiring high stability, we recommend using metal threaded inserts that are fused into the printed component. These inserts, available in sizes from M2 to M8, offer significantly higher mechanical strength and are the better choice when durable and robust connections are required. (We offer this service .)

Can PLA be painted?

Yes, PLA can be painted without any problems. For optimal results, it is recommended to first apply a primer to the part to ensure better paint adhesion. To conceal the typical layer lines and grooves of 3D printing, it is advisable to smooth the part with filler. It can then be painted with spray filler and sanded to achieve a particularly smooth surface.

Preparation is crucial for a perfect finish. For a long-lasting and professional paint job, we recommend coating the component with a 2K paint in a spray system – a service we also offer. Another way to improve surface quality is to coat the PLA component with a thin layer of epoxy resin. This results in an even smoother and more robust surface.

Is PLA biodegradable?

PLA is biodegradable under certain industrial conditions, namely with temperature and pressure, and in a specific process. It is a common misconception that PLA simply decomposes in home compost or in nature. In a home environment, PLA is not compostable. However, there is an alternative filament called PHA, which is indeed compostable and decomposes naturally without industrial processing. PHA can therefore be used outdoors and will biodegrade if left in the environment.

Can PLA be recycled?

Yes, PLA can be recycled. Some manufacturers use leftover PLA from brims, support materials, failed prints, or parts that are no longer needed. This waste material is sorted by color, shredded, and processed to produce new filament that matches the color and quality of newly produced PLA. This recycling process further promotes the sustainability of PLA by reducing waste and using resources more efficiently. Recycled PLA is particularly suitable for environmentally conscious applications where minimizing waste is a priority.

Is PLA harmful to health?

PLA is generally considered safe, as it is made from biodegradable materials such as cornstarch. However, caution is advised, especially when using it in 3D printers. During the printing process, fumes and microscopic particles can be released. While the human body can process these emissions in small quantities, inhaling the fumes should be avoided as much as possible. The risk of inhaling harmful particles increases, particularly with intensive use over extended periods, such as daily use for several hours. Therefore, it is recommended to take appropriate protective measures. These include using an activated carbon filter and ensuring effective ventilation to remove the released fumes and particles from the room.

Another risk stems from the additives that are increasingly being mixed into PLA to achieve better printing results and higher printing speeds. These additives can be problematic in certain PLA blends, such as those containing carbon fibers. Such fibers are respirable and can cause health problems if inhaled in large quantities.

3D printing service with PLA

If you require a manufacturing service using different PLA materials, you can obtain a customized quote via our online price calculator .