PLA (Polylactic Acid) is probably the easiest material to work with when you first start printing. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic that has been derived from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugar canes. This makes PLA environmentally friendly and very safe to work with.

PLA also has a very sharp glass transition point so if you use a fan to cool it on printing and it will set to solid very quickly. This has the advantage of achieving a greater range of geometries than are possible with other plastics. It also reduces the thermal stress on the printed part - warping becomes less of an issue in larger parts when you print with PLA. It does not require any curing or post-production treatment. Should you wish to, PLA can be sanded and coated with automotive spray filler and it can also be painted over with acrylic paint. PLA prints parts that require break off support material.

Solid PLA is available in white, black, blue, purple, yellow, green  and translucent colors.

PLA Features:

• Print temperature 243-248ºC (white: 240-245ºC)
• Raft temperature 235ºC
• First layer temperature 232ºC (white: 230ºC)
• Print base material: Acrylic/ABS
• Raft required
• Filament diameter 3mm
• Spool capacity 1kg

Note: Minimum wall thickness 2,5mm on walls over 75mm long in either the x or y axis. Shrinkage and warping can occur on models and is purely geometry dependent.

When using a Rapman or 3DTouch, it is recommend limiting PLA prints to 200mm (x) by 200mm (y). Larger prints may be accomplished within the constraints of the machine depending on geometry.

PLA can absorb moisture from the air. Store in a dry environment for optimum preservation.