{"id":12897,"date":"2023-09-27T22:46:21","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T01:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nuevo.impresion3d.website\/?p=12897"},"modified":"2023-09-27T22:46:21","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T01:46:21","slug":"types-of-pla-filaments-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/impresion3d.net\/en\/tipos-de-filamentos-pla-explicados\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of PLA Filaments Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Imagine exploring a wide range of PLA filaments, each with its own unique characteristics and applications, while still enjoying the simplicity of printing that you love so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're eager to take your 3D printing to the next level and want to explore a world beyond basic PLA, you've come to the right place. You don't have to get lost in a sea of options, because we're here to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We invite you to dive into our article\u2014your definitive guide to choosing the perfect PLA filament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We'll explore the different types of PLA filaments available, show you what they're best suited for, and reveal the brands that will give you the best results. Don't miss this opportunity to take your 3D creations to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different types? How many types of PLA are there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

PLA itself is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from natural resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. Based on this basic PLA, numerous variants have been developed to meet specific printing needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most PLA filament variants with special properties are produced through a melting process, in which additional components are incorporated to modify their characteristics in various ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These additional components may include wood particles that give the prints a natural look and texture. Tiny metal particles may also be incorporated to give the printed objects a metallic look and feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another approach involves changing the color of the filament or even giving it unique properties, such as the ability to glow in the dark or stand out under black light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine being able to print with PLA that glows in the dark, or perhaps exploring magnetic PLA, where the magic of 3D printing combines with magnetic force. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would you like your projects to be as elegant as marble? Marble PLA lets you achieve that sophisticated look in your creations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, we'll take a look at some of the most common types of PLA filaments and their applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of PLA Filament to Choose From<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Durable PLA (PLA+ or PLA Pro)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"filamentos
PLA+ is an improved version of conventional PLA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

PLA+ is an improved version of conventional PLA. It offers greater strength and durability<\/strong>, making it ideal for functional parts and prototypes that require greater durability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is easy to print and retains the biodegradability of the original PLA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLA+ is a general term for filaments that improve upon some aspect of basic PLA, so the properties of one brand's PLA+ filament will vary significantly from those of another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PolyLite PLA Pro<\/a> Polymaker's filament is an exceptional solution for achieving greater strength and durability without sacrificing the ease of use we value so much in PLA filaments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This filament, PolyLite Pro, strikes a remarkable balance by combining the stiffness typical of conventional PLA with flexibility and remarkable impact resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flexible\/soft PLA<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Filamentos
Flexible PLA is a soft filament with a rubbery texture, similar to TPU.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Flexible or soft PLA is a filament that allows you to print flexible parts, such as stamps, gaskets, or phone cases. It offers some flexibility without sacrificing the ease of printing characteristic of PLA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft PLA tends to be more flexible than TPU filaments, making it an excellent choice for shoe inserts, phone cases, and other high-wear parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as with any flexible filament, Soft PLA can present certain challenges<\/strong> during use, especially if your printer is equipped with a Bowden extruder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, a trial-and-error phase is required to properly adjust the print settings and achieve optimal results, so this printer is not ideal for those who are new to 3D printing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, once you've mastered the nuances of this material, flexible PLA becomes a valuable solution for a wide range of projects, offering unique properties and benefits that make the investment of time and effort worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Filament Line Sainsmart Flexible PLA<\/a>, is one of the options for flexible PLA filaments available on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wood-based PLA<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Wood-based PLA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Wood PLA contains real wood fibers, which give prints the look and feel of real wood. It's excellent for projects that call for a rustic look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This produces prints with the same color and texture as real wood. You can also sand, stain, and seal your prints just as you would a solid-wood object. The small amount of PLA present acts as an adhesive to hold the wood pulp together and allows it to be printed just like any other PLA filament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although there are numerous options for wood-filled PLA filaments available on the market, our top recommendation is PolyWood<\/a> from Polymaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This filament uses a special foam instead of wood fiber to achieve the look and feel of wood, without the risk of clogging your printer's nozzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it is important to note that PolyWood is not made of real wood, it has the advantage that you can still use conventional woodworking techniques and products\u2014such as staining and sealing\u2014to achieve results very similar to those of real wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silk PLA<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Filamentos
Silk PLA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Silk PLA, also known as Silk PLA, has a glossy finish and a smooth, silky texture. It is ideal for decorative pieces and sculptures, as it reflects light in a unique way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you want to give your 3D prints a truly eye-catching finish, silk PLA filament is the perfect choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of PLA filament offers a level of surface sheen that falls between glossy and matte, giving your creations a distinctive look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prints made with silk PLA typically have a subtle metallic sheen and are sometimes slightly translucent. This makes it the ideal choice for projects that call for a touch of elegance and style, such as decorative items and accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For silk PLA, we recommend the brand Overture<\/a> . Their silk line includes 10 single-color filaments and 9 two-color filaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matte PLA<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Filamentos
Pla Mate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Matte PLA has an opaque finish that prevents glare and reflections. This makes it perfect for design projects and mockups where a more understated and professional look is desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matte PLA filament makes it harder to see layer lines on finished 3D prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although most PLA prints have a glossy texture, matte PLA filament is characterized by its flat, opaque surface finish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of filament is the ideal choice when your 3D prints require a more natural and organic look. It\u2019s also an excellent option for projects that will be photographed, since its matte surface minimizes light reflections and layer lines compared to glossy PLA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to matte PLA filaments, our top recommendation is PolyMaker<\/a>. This brand offers a wide range of matte color options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rainbow PLA<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Rainbow
Image: forum.prusa3d.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Rainbow PLA filament is an exceptional choice for creating vases and other decorative items that add a touch of originality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don't need a printer with a dual extruder to create multicolored prints when using this type of filament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rainbow PLA is, in fact, one of the most versatile options available, featuring several bright colors extruded into a single filament. This feature allows you to add personality and style to any 3D printing project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It's important to note that the special properties of rainbow PLA filament are limited to aesthetic aspects. Therefore, you can use it interchangeably with conventional PLA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of its colorful design, it really stands out in decorative items, toys, vases, and other projects intended to make a visual impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're looking for high-quality rainbow PLA filament, we recommend the brand SUNLU<\/a>. Its spools come in six colors that change every 15 to 18 meters, which is perfect for achieving multiple colors in most 3D prints. Plus, you can choose between regular or with a silky finish<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clear\/Transparent PLA<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Filamentos
Transparent PLA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Clear or transparent PLA filaments, as their name suggests, function and behave similarly to standard PLA, but with the distinction that they print as a semitranslucent material. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These filaments are ideal for printing containers or bottles where you want the contents to be visible from the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, they are an excellent aesthetic choice for manufacturing electronic device housings, such as transparent game consoles and controllers, or for projects involving internal light sources that are intended to shine through the plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you work with clear PLA, You should keep certain 3D printing settings in mind<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you use a fill pattern, it will be visible in the final product, so you may need to adjust the fill pattern or even omit it, depending on the desired result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also important to consider the number of outer layers used, as this will affect the opacity of the print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the brand of clear PLA that we recommend, Geeetech<\/a> It's an excellent choice. With a recommended printing temperature of 190 \u00b0C to 210 \u00b0C, this filament is slightly above the typical 3D printing temperatures for PLA, but it still performs optimally, even on basic 3D printers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLA Hyper (for high-speed printing)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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PLA Hyper<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Hyper PLA filaments, as the name suggests, are designed to print at higher speeds<\/strong> than traditional PLA filaments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These filaments are ideal when you need to speed up your printing process without compromising precision or print quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although you may not need high-speed PLA filaments if you're using a standard 3D printer, If you have a fast 3D printer, you'll see significant benefits<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Filament Line Hyper PLA by Creality<\/a>, for example, can print up to 10 times faster than standard PLA due to its high flow rate and shorter cooling time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reducing the cooling time is crucial for preventing warping in prints, an occasional problem with standard PLA when printing at high speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

High-speed PLA also improves hardness and impact resistance, making it an excellent choice for industrial and prototyping applications and enabling the efficient production of sturdy, precise prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glow-in-the-dark PLA<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Filamentos
Image: Thingiverse<\/a> | PLA Glow-in-the-Dark<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Having a glow-in-the-dark PLA filament can be especially useful during Halloween or for projects that involve luminescent elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glow-in-the-dark PLA, although it prints with the same settings as standard PLA filament, contains highly abrasive additives similar to those found in metallic PLA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is advisable to consider using a hardened steel nozzle or to keep spare brass nozzles on hand.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several brands on Amazon that offer glow-in-the-dark filaments; one of our favorites is Overture<\/a>. Its glow-in-the-dark filament is green and is designed to have a higher softening point, which helps prevent clogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can try other brands based on the color of their gloss<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n