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3D Printing in PLA
PLA (polylactic acid) is one of the most popular materials for 3D printing and an excellent choice for your projects. It is a biodegradable material derived from renewable resources like corn starch, making it an environmentally friendly choice, ideal if you are concerned about plastic waste and looking for an eco-friendly option. It offers excellent detail and smooth finish results, making it perfect for visual prototypes and decorative pieces of medium size.
It is available in a wide range of colors and even in transparent versions. It’s a great material if you are short on time. We can deliver PLA prints as soon as the next business day!
11Colours
0.1 mmMin. layer
53 MPaTensile Strength
BioBiodegradable
BiodegradableCorn starch
11 colors + translucentPantone reference
Smooth finishDetail and smooth surface
In-house productionValencia, Spain
Advantages and limitations
When PLA is the perfect choice… and when it is not.
PLA is the most versatile material for visual and decorative parts, but it is not designed for heat or mechanical loads. Knowing its limits saves you reprints.
Advantages of PLA Pros
When is the perfect material choice?
- Excellent for decorative pieces and visual prototypes
- Easy to print, fast processing times
- Variety of colors and finishes, including translucent options
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Basic shapes with minimal intricate features
- Allows high visual quality with smooth and aesthetic surfaces
Disadvantages of PLA Cons
When to look for other material options
- Low heat resistance, deforms at temperatures above 60°C
- Not ideal for parts that require high mechanical strength
- Less durable in outdoor or high humidity conditions
- It can be brittle compared to other materials like ABS or PETG
- Not suitable for parts subjected to heavy loads
- Post-processing through sanding or painting can be complicated due to its fragility.
Available Colors
11 PLA colors in stock.
Pantone reference is indicative. The final color may vary slightly depending on the filament batch and the orientation of the part. If you need another color, request it with your order.
Black
Pantone Black
White
Pantone White
Blue
Pantone 7689C
Red
Pantone 485C
Gray
Pantone 877C
Orange
Pantone 214C
Green
Pantone 364C
Magenta
Pantone 214C
Yellow
Pantone 122C
Eggplant
Pantone 7645C
Translucent
Pantone 7645C
Another color?
Ask us when placing your order
013D model
02Slicing
03FDM printing
04Final part
Technology used
FDM: fused deposition modeling.
FDM, or fused deposition modeling, is a manufacturing process used for prototyping and the production of small to medium runs. This modeling uses an additive function, depositing the material in layers to shape the part.
A filament is used that is initially stored in rolls, and is fed into a nozzle that is above the melting temperature of the material and can move in three axes controlled electronically. The nozzle moves to deposit the material in the correct location, drawing the model line by line. Once a layer is drawn, the base lowers by a layer thickness (0.1-0.4) so that the printer can continue with the next layer.
When the model to be printed has sections that protrude or have a steep angle, a support structure is created where necessary and is printed in a material that can later be easily removed, in some cases soluble. This is done to ensure that the model does not hang in the air, thus preventing the layer from falling.
More about FDM 3D printing →
Technical specifications
PLA properties.
Typical values for the PLA filament we use in production. Download the datasheet and the safety data sheet for the full figures.
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.24 g/cm^3 | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength | 53 MPa | ASTM D790 |
| Flexural Strength | 60 MPa | ASTM D790 |
| Tensile Strength | 50 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Elongation | 24 % | ISO 527 |
| Softening Temperature | 60 ºC | ASTM D3418 |
Data Sheet
PLA technical documentation.
Reference values from the filament manufacturer. Final properties depend on orientation, infill and layer height.