PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-derived, biodegradable thermoplastic and the most widely used 3D printing filament, prized for low-temperature printing, minimal warping, and beginner-friendly reliability.
Polylactic acid is a thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable feedstocks such as cornstarch and sugarcane, distinguishing it from the petroleum-based plastics that dominate the field. It prints at nozzle temperatures of roughly 190–220°C on a bed of 20–60°C, requires no heated enclosure, and produces sharp detail with minimal warping and stringing, which makes it the default choice for beginners and one of the most common of the 📝3D Printing Filament Types.
Mechanically, PLA is rigid and reasonably strong in tension — around 7,250 psi — but brittle, with an elongation at break near 6%, so it fractures rather than bends under sudden load. Its defining limitation is heat: parts begin to soften near 60°C, ruling it out for automotive interiors, direct sunlight, or other warm environments. It also barely absorbs moisture, so it tolerates open storage better than most filaments.
These traits position PLA as the material for visual prototypes, display models, toys, and low-stress functional parts rather than durable or heat-exposed components. Where ABS and PETG trade printing ease for greater toughness and temperature resistance, PLA optimizes for accessibility and print quality, making it the standard reference point against which other filaments are compared.