Pros
- The sharpest detail and cleanest surfaces of any material we print
- More colors and finishes than any other material
- Our most affordable material
- Stiff, so parts hold their shape
- Easy to sand, prime, and paint
3D printing materials
PLA: the go-to material for detailed prints
PLA is the most common 3D printing material, and for good reason. It prints crisp detail, comes in more colors and finishes than any other material, and costs the least. It's our go-to for most jobs, from display pieces and gifts to props and everyday parts.
Available for Basic, Advanced, and Custom prints.
PLA at a glance
Best for display pieces & models
- Heat resistance
- Low Softens around 140°F (60°C).
- Toughness
- Low Stiff, but snaps instead of bending.
- Flexibility
- Rigid Holds its shape.
- Outdoor use
- Poor Sun and heat break it down.
- Detail
- Excellent Sharpest edges and finest features.
Pros & cons
What PLA does well, and where it falls short
Cons
- Softens around 140°F (60°C), so a hot car, a dishwasher, or a sunny window can warp it
- Brittle: it snaps instead of bending when it takes a hard hit
- Breaks down outdoors over time from sun and heat
- Can slowly sag under a constant load, like a bracket holding weight
- Like all our prints, not recommended for cups, plates, or anything that holds food
Good uses
Great for
- Display models and figurines
- Cosplay props and helmets
- Gifts, signs, and ornaments
- Prototypes for checking size and fit
- Tabletop miniatures and terrain
- Indoor covers, caps, and organizers
Better options
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How PLA stacks up
Most prints use PLA. PETG, TPU, and ASA are available on request as a Custom print.
Ready to get something 3D printed?
Send us your file or your idea and we'll reply with a free quote and a date we can have it done by.
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