Cheap – Easy To Print – Availability – Biodegradable – Non Toxic
Overview
PLA is the most common material for 3D Printing. It is a very beginner friendly material and can print quickly and hassle free. PLA can be very useful for rapid prototyping, especially when the prototype is a non functioning visual representation. PLA is much weaker than other plastics so if you are making a functional part you may want to consider another material.
Cheap
PLA is produced in mass quantities for 3D printing and you can find it all over the internet for ~$20 a spool. It is generally the cheapest material on the market. There are some more expensive PLA filaments that may have additives or exotic colors.
Easy To Print
PLA is a material that really is as simple as running the 3D printer in many cases. Most printers will have a preheat setting. Generally those settings are sufficient. It has a low print temperature of 200C.
Availability
If you’re looking for a specific color you may actually be able to find it in PLA. While you aren’t going to color match like you would paint, chances are you can find a color that will be close enough. If you are into glow in the dark or neon colors they also have some exotic PLA filaments out there to choose from.
Glow in The Dark Green PLA filament
Biodegradable
PLA is 100% plant based and therefore 100% biodegradable
Non-Toxic
Because it it plant based it is also non-toxic. Furthermore there are no toxic fumes from the printing process like other materials such as ABS. This makes it a great material to use in a home or apartment where the HVAC can circulate any fumes throughout the living spaces.
