Choosing PLA Filament: A Practical Guide for Your 3D Printer

Choosing the right PLA filament can be the difference between a successful print and a failed project. With an overwhelming selection of brands, colours, and types, it can be difficult to determine which filament is right for your 3D printer and specific application. This guide is designed to help you make an informed choice by focusing on the specifications that truly matter.

What to Look for When Buying PLA Filament

Before you add a spool of filament to your shopping cart, there are a few key points to consider. These will help you select a filament that performs consistently and suits your project.

Diameter and Tolerance: The Foundation of a Good Print

The most common diameter for 3D printer filament is 1.75mm. It is crucial that this diameter remains as consistent as possible along the entire length of the spool. Any deviation, or tolerance, is usually specified as +/- 0.02mm or +/- 0.03mm. A lower tolerance (closer to 0.02mm) means a more consistent flow of material, resulting in a cleaner and more dimensionally accurate print. For most FDM filament printers, this is a critical specification to watch.

Speed and Appearance: Which Type of PLA Suits Your Project?

Not all PLA is created equal. Depending on your goal, you can choose from several different variants:

• Standard PLA: This is the workhorse for most hobbyists. It's easy to print, available in many colours, and ideal for general projects, prototypes, and decorative objects.
• High-Speed Filament: Specially developed for modern, fast 3D printers. A filament like Creality Hyper PLA is engineered to perform at speeds up to 600 mm/s without sacrificing quality. This is ideal for rapid production or printing large objects.
• Specialty PLA: For projects that need to stand out, there are aesthetic filaments like Silk PLA or dual colour filament. Silk PLA provides a glossy, silky finish, while dual colour filament changes colour during printing depending on the viewing angle, creating a unique visual effect.

The Right Spool: Size and Weight

The standard packaging for filament is a 1kg filament spool. This size offers a great balance between price and quantity and is suitable for most projects without needing to swap spools mid-print. Always check that the spool is compatible with your 3D printer's spool holder.

Recommended PLA Filaments

Based on clear specifications and applications, we have compiled a list of popular choices for you.

Creality Hyper PLA Blue 1KG, High-Speed

Why it stands out: This filament is specifically designed for speed. According to the manufacturer Creality, this high-speed filament is optimised for printing speeds up to 600 mm/s, which can significantly reduce print time. The dimensional tolerance of +/- 0.02mm ensures consistent extrusion, even at high speeds.

Advantages:

• Designed for high printing speeds (30-600 mm/s).
• Tight dimensional tolerance for reliable performance.
• Bright, consistent blue PLA colour.

Who it's for: Users with a high-speed 3D printer (like the Creality K1 series or similar models) who want to produce functional parts or large prototypes quickly.

JOYBUY x ANYCUBIC PLA Basic Printing Filament - Blue

Why it stands out: This is a no-nonsense PLA filament 1.75mm that delivers on its promise. It offers reliable print quality for everyday projects. With a tolerance of ±0.02mm and a standard 1kg filament spool, this is a practical choice for a wide range of FDM printers.

Advantages:

• Great value for money for daily use.
• Consistent diameter for fewer printing issues.
• Compatible with most common 3D printers.

Who it's for: Beginners, hobbyists, and schools looking for a reliable and affordable filament for general applications, from prototypes to toys and decorations.

CAILAB 3D Printer Filament PLA Silk Dual Color - Purple&Blue

Why it stands out: This dual colour filament combines two colours (purple and blue) in a single strand. The result is a print that appears to change colour when viewed from different angles. The Silk PLA base also gives the object a striking, glossy finish.

Advantages:

• Unique two-tone effect straight off the printer.
• Silky sheen for a premium look.
• Creates visually interesting objects without post-processing.

Who it's for: Makers and artists who want to print decorative objects, vases, jewellery, or other visually striking projects. It's perfect for anyone looking to experiment with aesthetic filaments.

Looking for a Different Colour or Type?

The world of 3D printer filament is vast and diverse. If the options above aren't exactly what you're looking for, or if you need a different specific colour or property, there is much more to discover.

Explore more Blue PLA 3D filament

Frequently Asked Questions about PLA Filament

What is the difference between PLA and PLA+?

PLA+ (or PLA Pro) is a variant of PLA with additives included to enhance certain properties. Manufacturers often claim that PLA+ is stronger, less brittle, or more heat-resistant than standard PLA. However, the exact improvements and properties can vary between brands.

What is the best way to store PLA filament?

PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Damp filament becomes brittle and can lead to poor print quality, such as stringing and clogged nozzles. Therefore, store your filament in a cool, dry place, preferably in a resealable bag with a sachet of silica gel (desiccant).

Can any FDM 3D printer use PLA?

Yes, PLA is one of the most universal materials for FDM filament printers. It has a relatively low printing temperature (usually between 190-220°C) and, in most cases, does not require a heated print bed. This makes it one of the easiest materials to print with and suitable for virtually every FDM printer on the market.

Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer