How to Choose the Right PLA Filament for Your 3D Printing Tasks

To make the most out of your 3D printing projects, you need to be armed with the right supplies for the job. Many would agree that the choice of 3D printing material is one of the most critical factors in the entire process. The right material can streamline the project and ensure your printed objects last as long as intended. One of the most popular and user-friendly filaments on the market is PLA. 

If you’ve decided on high-quality PLA filament as your material of choice, it’s important to make a wise selection because not all options are created equal. PLA comes in a wide variety of types, sizes, colours, finishes, and diameters to suit different 3D printing needs and preferences.

Types

Standard PLA is the most basic and widely used type of PLA. It’s affordable, sustainable, readily available, and easy to print. This makes it the perfect choice for general-purpose printing like visual models, sculptures, or simple prototypes.

However, if you’re planning to print something that will experience wear and tear or need more strength, your best bet is to go for PLA+. Compared to standard PLA, this material offers higher impact resistance and durability. This makes it ideal for functional and mechanical components like tools, brackets, or moving parts. 

Apart from being stronger, PLA+ is a bit more flexible than regular options, which reduces the chances of your 3D-printed parts cracking or breaking under stress. The improved flexibility of PLA+ makes it ideal for wearable accessories, phone cases, or flexible toys. Next, compared to standard PLA filament, PLA+ can tolerate higher temperatures, meaning that PLA+-printed parts can be useful in high-temperature applications.

On the downside, PLA+ can be more expensive than regular PLA because it contains additives to improve its flexibility and strength. Also, PLA+ can be more challenging to print than regular PLA since it requires higher extrusion temperatures to print parts.

Colours and Finishes

Next, PLA filament comes in a wide range of colours and finishes, each offering unique aesthetic and functional properties. You can also find translucent and metallic options, allowing for creative and aesthetically pleasing 3D prints.

Choosing the right PLA filament colour depends on your project’s purpose, aesthetics, and personal preference. For instance, neutral colour filaments like black, white, or grey are often ideal for printing functional parts that need to blend in. For projects that are going to be on display, think about using colours that are vivid, striking, and unusual, including metallic, transparent, or glitter-infused PLA. 

These can enhance the aesthetic appeal and visual impact. The PLA filaments come in various finishes beyond just colour, each affecting the appearance and texture of the final print. Options with a glossy finish provide a shiny, reflective surface, while matte finish PLA filaments produce objects with a non-reflective, smooth surface, which may give a more sophisticated and professional appearance compared to glossy filaments. 

If you want to embrace the natural warmth, beauty, and finish of wood in your 3D printing projects, your best bet is to go for PLA in a wood finish. Silk PLA, for instance, often has a glossy, shiny surface that resembles silk or satin. It’s a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts due to its unique appearance. 

Some options even offer a colour-shifting effect, allowing 3D prints to exhibit different colours depending on the lighting conditions and the viewing perspective. These filaments can elevate your 3D prints, making them a visually captivating choice for your projects like novelty items, children’s toys, and anything where visual appeal is a priority.

Diameter

These 3D filaments also come in various diameters, with 1.75 and 2.85 mm being the most common sizes. The 1.75 mm diameter filaments are compatible with most of the consumer-grade 3D printers. This makes them a versatile choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. 

Apart from being versatile, this filament diameter is generally easy to use for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts alike. 1.75 mm PLA filament is mainly the recommended choice for making detailed 3D prints. The smaller diameter allows it to capture small details without compromising on durability.

The 2.85 mm diameter is larger than the more common 1.75 mm PLA. It’s usually used for larger-scale prints. Compared to smaller diameters, 2.85 mm filaments can allow for faster print speeds, which can be advantageous for larger models or prototypes. Also, using larger filament sizes can produce thicker layers and a more substantial bond between layers, leading to stronger prints.

However, it may not be as effective for capturing fine details as 1.75 mm, mainly due to larger extrusion amounts and reduced precision. Next, while there are many colours, finishes, and speciality blends available in 1.75 mm PLA with larger diameters, the choice is limited. Fewer brands and colours are available for 2.85 mm PLA, which may limit options for specific projects.