What is PLA (Polylactic Acid) Filament?

What is PLA?

PLA is a special kind of plastic. It is made from plants like corn and sugar cane. This makes PLA very different from other plastics that come from oil.

PLA is a 3D printing material. People use it to make fun things with 3D printers. PLA is the most popular filament for 3D printing. About 7 out of 10 3D prints use PLA.

How PLA is Made

PLA starts as plants. Here is how it becomes plastic:

1. Corn or sugar cane is picked
2. The plant is turned into sugar
3. Tiny bugs help turn sugar into lactic acid
4. The lactic acid is made into long chains
5. These chains become PLA plastic

Most PLA is made using something called ring-opening polymerization. This big word just means how they make the plastic strong. About 80% of all PLA is made this way.

Why People Like PLA

Good Things About PLA

PLA is great for many reasons:

• Easy to print – It doesn’t warp or bend when printing
• Low heat – You can print it at lower temperatures (180–220°C)
• Good for Earth – It can break down in special places
• Cheap – It doesn’t cost a lot of money
• Many uses – You can make lots of different things with it

People who are just starting with 3D printing like PLA because it is easy to use.

Not-So-Good Things About PLA

PLA has some problems too:

• Gets soft if it gets too hot (above 60°C)
• Can be more brittle than other plastics
• Breaks more easily than ABS or PETG

What Can You Make With PLA?

PLA is used to make many things:

For 3D Printing

• Models and toys
• Parts for bigger things
• School projects
• Art and fun things

For Packaging

• Food boxes that can be used once
• Medicine containers
• Make-up boxes

For Other Things

• Fake cloth
• Car parts inside cars
• Forks and spoons you throw away

When doing rapid CNC machining, some people use PLA for test parts before making the real thing.

PLA vs. Other Plastics

Let’s see how PLA is different from other 3D printing materials:

PLA is the most popular type. About 70% of all 3D printing uses PLA.

Is PLA Safe?

Food Safety

PLA is OK for food with some rules:

• Good for cold food
• Not good for hot food
• Safe for short time use
• Has a low migration rate (less than 0.1%)

Earth Safety

PLA can be good for the Earth but only in the right places:

• Takes 50–80 days to break down in special places with heat
• Takes years and years to break down in normal trash
• Needs industrial composting (very hot places)

Only about 10% of PLA gets recycled because there aren’t enough special places to break it down.

How to Pick Good PLA Filament

When you buy PLA, look for these things:

• Same size all along the string (±0.05mm is good)
• Colors you like (there are many!)
• Special types (some have wood or metal mixed in)
• Good brands like NatureWorks, Polymaker, or Unionfab

If you’re doing custom CNC machining for making molds, PLA can be a cheap way to test your design.

PLA Facts You Should Know

How Fast Does PLA Break Down?

PLA takes about 6 months to 2 years in special compost places. In regular trash, it can last for hundreds of years just like other plastic.

Can PLA Get Wet?

Yes, PLA can get wet. It soaks up water from the air. This can make it brittle. Keep your PLA in a dry place.

What Temperature is Best for PLA?

Print PLA between 180–220°C. The bed (bottom part) should be about 60°C.

Is PLA Good for Outdoor Things?

No, PLA is not good for things that stay outside. Sun and rain can make it break down and get weak.

Why PLA is Growing in Use

PLA use is going up fast. The PLA market will grow to about $5.2 billion by 2030. This is because:

1. More people care about helping the Earth
2. More people have 3D printers at home
3. Companies want packaging that can break down

When making prototypes with plastic CNC prototype methods, PLA is often used first before more expensive materials.

How PLA Breaks Down

PLA breaks down in steps:

1. First, water gets into the plastic
2. This makes the long chains break apart
3. Tiny bugs eat the smaller pieces
4. The bugs turn PLA into water and gas

But this only works in special places that are very hot (60°C) with lots of the right bugs.

PLA for Making Things

PLA is great for making new things:

• Fast prototyping – Test your idea quickly
• Low cost – Try many versions without spending a lot
• Details – Make things with small parts that look nice
• Smooth – Can be sanded and painted

For bigger parts, sometimes CNC plastic methods work better than 3D printing with PLA.

The Future of PLA

PLA is getting better all the time:

• Stronger types that don’t break easily
• Heat-safe types that don’t melt in cars
• Faster to print with
• More colors and special looks

Scientists are working to make PLA that can break down in normal compost too.

Using PLA at Home

If you want to try PLA:

1. Get a 3D printer that uses filament
2. Buy PLA filament in colors you like
3. Find free models online to print
4. Start with small, simple things
5. Keep your filament in a dry box

Conclusion

PLA is a plant-based plastic that is great for 3D printing. It is easy to use, looks nice, and is better for Earth than other plastics.

While it has some limits like breaking when hot, PLA is the most popular choice for 3D printing because it works so well.

As more people care about Earth-friendly choices, PLA will keep growing in use. Whether you are new to 3D printing or an expert, PLA is a great material to try.

Questions People Ask

Is PLA food-safe?

Yes, but only for short-time use with cold foods. Don’t use it with hot food.

How long does PLA take to break down?

In special industrial compost places: 6 months to 2 years. In normal trash: hundreds of years.

Can PLA filament get wet?

Yes, PLA can get wet. It soaks up water from the air. Keep it dry for best printing.

What temperature should I print PLA?

Use 180–220°C for the hot end and about 60°C for the bed.

Can I paint PLA prints?

Yes! PLA takes paint very well. Just sand it first and use a primer.