Choosing the Right PLA Filament: Our Recommendations

If you own a 3D printer, you know that choosing the right material is just as important as the model itself. The market for PLA filament is vast, with options for every application, from rapid prototypes to decorative works of art. But which 3D printer filament is the right fit for your project?

This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision. We'll break down the key specifications and present a selection of popular PLA filaments, ensuring you find the material that aligns with your printer and creative goals.

What to Look for When Choosing PLA Filament

Before you add a 1kg spool to your cart, there are a few specifications that can influence your choice.

1. Diameter and Dimensional Accuracy

Most consumer FDM 3D printers use filament with a diameter of 1.75mm. The consistency of this diameter is crucial for smooth feeding and even extrusion. A dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm is considered a high standard. A smaller deviation means less risk of clogging and a more reliable print result, layer after layer.

2. Speed: Standard vs. High-Speed Filament

With the advent of faster 3D printers, there is a growing demand for high-speed filament. This type of PLA is specially formulated to melt and flow smoothly at higher temperatures and speeds. Standard PLA can cause issues like under-extrusion at high speeds. If you have a printer capable of speeds over 150 mm/s, a high-speed filament can significantly reduce your print time without sacrificing quality.

3. Aesthetics: Standard, Silk, and Multicolor

The finish of your print is largely determined by the type of PLA:

• Standard PLA: Ideal for functional parts, prototypes, and models where colour consistency and strength are important.
• Silk PLA: This filament contains additives that create a glossy, silk-like finish. It's perfect for vases, figurines, and other decorative objects that are meant to stand out.
• Multicolor Filament: For a unique visual effect, there's multicolor filament. This type combines multiple colours in a single strand, resulting in a gradual colour change during printing. This makes every object unique.

Recommended PLA Filament Options

Based on specifications and applications, we've rounded up some compelling options for you.

Creality Hyper PLA Blue 1KG

Why It Stands Out This filament is specifically developed for the new generation of high-speed 3D printers. According to the manufacturer Creality, it is optimised for print speeds up to 600 mm/s, making it a suitable choice for users who value efficiency and speed.

Pros

• High Speed: Designed to reduce print time on compatible printers.
• High Precision: A dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm ensures consistent extrusion.
• Broad Compatibility: Works with most FDM 3D printers, even at lower speeds.

Who It's For For makers with a high-speed 3D printer who want to print functional parts or large models quickly. This blue filament is a great choice for rapid prototyping.

JOYBUY x ANYCUBIC PLA Basic Printing Filament - Blue

Why It Stands Out This is a reliable standard PLA 1.75mm filament that delivers on its promise. It's a solid choice for everyday printing projects, from hobby items to functional parts, without the complexity of specialty filaments.

Pros

• Reliable Performance: A great all-rounder for a wide range of applications.
• Accurate Diameter: With a tolerance of +/- 0.02mm, it delivers consistent results.
• Excellent Value: An affordable option for daily use.

Who It's For Ideal for beginners, schools, and hobbyists looking for a reliable and predictable blue filament for general 3D printing tasks.

CAILAB 3D Printer Filament PLA Silk Tri-Color

Why It Stands Out This multicolor filament combines three colours (purple, blue, and yellow) in a single strand, creating a dynamic colour gradient in your prints. The silk PLA finish gives the final result a striking sheen, making it ideal for aesthetic objects.

Pros

• Unique Visual Effect: Creates prints with a smooth transition between three colours.
• Silky Sheen: The smooth, glossy finish makes it perfect for decorative pieces.
• Creative Freedom: Turns any model into a unique work of art without needing to swap spools.

Who It's For For the creative maker who wants to print visually stunning objects. Think vases, jewellery, figures, and other decorative items where appearance is paramount.

Need More Options?

Are you looking for a specific shade of blue or want to explore other materials? A wide range of filaments is available to suit your project.

See our full range of blue PLA filament here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PLA and PLA+?

PLA+ is an enhanced version of standard PLA. Manufacturers add additives to make the material tougher, less brittle, and sometimes stronger. This can result in better layer adhesion and higher impact resistance, which is useful for functional parts that need to withstand some stress.

What is the best way to store my PLA filament?

PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Damp filament leads to poor print quality, such as stringing and bubbles in the print. Therefore, store your 1kg spool in a dry place, preferably in a resealable bag with a desiccant packet (silica gel), to ensure its longevity and print quality.

Can I use high-speed filament on a standard 3D printer?

Yes, you can. High-speed filament will function like normal PLA on a standard printer. However, you won't benefit from its speed advantages, as these filaments are optimised for the higher temperatures and flow rates of high-speed printers. It won't cause any harm, but for a standard printer, regular PLA is often a more cost-effective choice.