PLA filament properties
Data taken from 43 datasheets from manufacturers in Spain, Europe, the United States and China, reviewed on October 26, 2026. The shaded bar marks the median of the declared values and each colored tick is a different datasheet. The scales are the same across the whole library, so you can compare materials at a glance.
PLA filament temperature and print settings
| Setting | Typical value | Range in datasheets |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 192–230 °C | 185–245 °C |
| Bed | 40–60 °C | 0–90 °C |
| Print speed | 40–200 mm/s | 20–600 mm/s |
| Drying temperature | 50 °C | 50–60 °C |
| Drying time | 6 h | 6–8 h |
PLA vs PETG, ABS, and High-speed PLA: comparison
Medians from each material's datasheets. Click a material to see its full range.
Meters of PLA per spool
Calculated with the median density from the datasheets (1.23 g/cm³). Real spools can vary by a few meters because of diameter tolerance.
What is PLA filament
PLA (polylactic acid) is a thermoplastic polyester made from plant sugars, usually from corn or sugarcane. Those sugars are fermented to obtain lactic acid, which is then polymerized. It is the material almost everyone starts with in filament 3D printing because it melts at low temperatures, barely shrinks as it cools and does not need an enclosed printer.
Across the 43 datasheets analyzed, the usual nozzle temperature is 192–230 °C and the median density is 1.23 g/cm³. Its weak point is heat: the glass transition sits around 61 °C, and beyond that the part softens.
How many meters are on a spool of PLA filament
The length depends on density and diameter. With the median density from the datasheets (1.23 g/cm³), a 1 kg spool of 1.75 mm PLA holds about 340 meters, and a 2.85 mm one about 125 meters. It is simply the mass divided by the density and by the cross-section of the strand. Variants with metal fillers, which are much denser, give noticeably less length per kilo.
What PLA filament is for and when not to use it
It is the default choice for prototypes, models, figurines, decoration, organizers and household parts that see neither heat nor heavy impacts. It reproduces fine detail, has a good surface finish and comes in many colors and effects.
It is a poor choice for parts that will sit in the sun, inside a car in summer, near a motor or in contact with hot water: its softening temperature is low and the part deforms. Nor is it suited to parts that must bend or snap into place many times: its median elongation at break is only 8 %, so it breaks instead of flexing. For those cases, use PETG, ABS or nylon.
Types of PLA: PLA+, high-speed, matte, silk and filled
- PLA+ or tough PLA: PLA with impact modifiers. It is less brittle, although "PLA+" is not a standard and each manufacturer formulates it differently.
- High-speed PLA: formulated to flow faster through the nozzle on fast printers.
- Matte PLA and silk PLA: additives that change the gloss of the surface.
- Filled PLA: wood fibers, as in wood PLA, or metal powder, as in bronze PLA and metallic PLA.
- Annealable PLA: variants designed to go in the oven after printing. As they crystallize they gain heat resistance, but they shrink and can warp.
These variants explain much of the spread in the property bars: the range covers everything from basic PLA to modified grades.
How to dry and store PLA filament
PLA absorbs less moisture than nylon or PETG, but over time it takes some up too: strings, bubbles and a rough surface appear. Datasheets that give drying settings suggest 50 °C for 6 h. Don't go above that temperature, because the spool approaches its glass transition and the strand can fuse together. For storage, an airtight bag with desiccant is enough.
Common problems when printing with PLA filament
- Jams in enclosed printers: with the door closed, heat climbs up the extruder and softens the filament too early. Print PLA with the chamber open.
- Stringing between parts: usually points to a high temperature or wet filament. Lower it a few degrees or dry the spool.
- Elephant's foot: the first layer squashes and flares out. Lower the bed temperature toward the low end of the range.
- Drooping overhangs: PLA needs plenty of part cooling. If the fan is not at full speed, bridges and overhangs sag.
Frequently asked questions about PLA filament
What temperature do you print PLA at?
The datasheet median is 192–230 °C at the nozzle and 40–60 °C at the bed. The full range manufacturers declare runs from 185–245 °C. Start with the value on your spool's label and adjust in steps of 5 °C.
At what temperature does PLA deform?
It starts to soften near its glass transition, which the datasheets put at 61 °C. That is why a PLA part can warp inside a car in the sun.
Is PLA biodegradable?
It is compostable under industrial conditions, with controlled temperature and humidity. In nature or in a home compost bin it takes a very long time to break down, so treat it like any other plastic.
Do you need a heated bed to print PLA?
Not always. Quite a few datasheets allow room temperature (20–25 °C) with an adhesive surface, although a warm bed, around 40–60 °C, gives a more reliable first layer.