Imagine you’ve just unboxed your shiny new 3D printer. You’re buzzing with excitement, ready to bring your wildest ideas to life. But then you look at the filament options, and your excitement starts to fade. So many colors, so many brands – where do you even begin? Choosing the right PLA filament can feel like navigating a maze, and picking the wrong one can lead to frustrating print failures, wasted time, and a less-than-perfect finished product.
This is where we come in. We know how overwhelming it can be to pick your very first spool of PLA. You want a filament that prints smoothly, looks great, and doesn’t give you a headache. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a good starting PLA, what to look out for, and how to confidently choose a filament that will set you up for successful and enjoyable 3D printing right from the start.
Let’s dive into the world of PLA and find the perfect filament for your first incredible prints.
Our Top 5 Pla Filament To Start With Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pla Filament To Start With Detailed Reviews
1. SUNLU PLA Filament 1.75mm Bundle
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your creativity with the SUNLU PLA Filament 1.75mm Bundle! This fantastic set gives you 2kg of high-quality PLA filament in eight vibrant colors, including classic black and white, cool grey, transparent, bold red, eye-catching Klein blue, sunny orange, and fresh green. Each spool holds 250g, totaling 2kg of material to bring all your 3D printing ideas to life.
What We Like:
- A fantastic variety of eight colors to spark your imagination.
- Easy to print with its recommended settings for great results.
- The filament is neatly wound, preventing frustrating knots and breaks during printing.
- High precision with a tight +/- 0.02mm tolerance for detailed prints.
- Made from eco-friendly, renewable plant resources.
- Compatible with most FDM 3D printers and 3D pens.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 250g spools are smaller, meaning you might need to swap them out more often for larger projects.
- While the colors are great, a wider range of shades or specialty finishes might be desired by some advanced users.
This SUNLU PLA filament bundle is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced makers looking for a versatile and reliable filament. Get ready to print amazing creations with this colorful and user-friendly set!
2. Kretrum 3D Pen Filament Refills 12 Colors Compatible with SCRIB3D MYNT3D PIKA3D 3D Pen for Kids Each Color 10Feet 1.75mm PLA 3D Printing Pen Filament Refills
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your imagination with Kretrum 3D Pen Filament Refills! This pack comes with 12 vibrant colors, each 10 feet long, perfect for bringing your 3D creations to life. Made from high-quality PLA, these refills are designed for smooth printing and are safe for kids.
What We Like:
- Wide Compatibility: Works with most 1.75mm PLA 3D pens like SCRIB3D and MYNT3D, offering lots of options.
- Shining 12 Colors: Includes a fantastic range of colors like peach, black, orange, green, yellow, red, white, grey, purple, pink, sky blue, and gold to spark creativity.
- Premium Filament: Made from pure PLA, it prints easily, molds well, and is strong and tough. It’s clog-free and bubble-free for smooth, detailed prints.
- Safety For Kids: Meets FDA food and RoHS standards, making it a safe choice for young artists.
- Great Gift Idea: An excellent present for 3D printing enthusiasts, perfect for holidays and birthdays.
- Carefully Packaged: Each filament is dried and vacuum-sealed to ensure quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific Compatibility Warning: It’s crucial to remember these refills are NOT compatible with the 3Doodler Start pen.
These Kretrum filament refills offer a brilliant way to explore 3D art. Get ready for endless creative fun with this colorful and reliable set!
3. SUNLU PLA 3D Printer Filament PLA Filament 1.75mm
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to print amazing things with the SUNLU PLA 3D Printer Filament in a classic black color! This filament is made from PLA, a material that’s super easy to use and great for anyone who loves 3D printing, from beginners to pros. It promises high-quality prints without annoying problems like clogs or bubbles. Plus, it fits most FDM 3D printers, so you can get started quickly.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use PLA: SUNLU PLA filament is reliable and simple to work with. You won’t have to worry about clogs, bubbles, or tangled filament, leading to smooth, high-quality prints every time.
- Neatly Wound Spool: SUNLU’s special winding system makes sure the filament is always neat. This means fewer tangles and jams, giving you a better and more efficient printing experience.
- Precise Dimensions: With a diameter accuracy of +/- 0.02mm, this 1.75mm filament works with nearly all FDM 3D printers. This small error in diameter ensures your prints are accurate.
- Perfect Spool Size: The spool measures 8 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches wide, with a 2.20-inch hub hole. This size fits well on many FDM 3D printers.
- Good Printing Settings: SUNLU suggests printing with a nozzle temperature between 200-230°C, a bed temperature of 50-65°C, and a speed of 50-100mm/s for the best results.
- Complete 3D Printing Solutions: SUNLU offers a whole range of 3D printing items, like printers, pens, and other accessories, so you can get everything you need from one place.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the spool size is generally good, some very specific printer models might require a slightly different spool dimension.
This SUNLU PLA filament is a great choice for anyone looking for consistent and high-quality 3D prints. It makes the printing process easier and more enjoyable.
4. AMOLEN 3D PLA Printer Filament
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your creativity with AMOLEN’s 1.75mm Glow in The Dark Shiny Firefly Blue PLA Filament. This special filament adds a magical glow to your 3D prints, making them come alive in the dark. It’s perfect for creating cool decorations, fun toys, or anything your imagination dreams up. The vibrant firefly blue color looks great during the day and transforms into a mesmerizing glow at night.
What We Like:
- Mesmerizing Glow: The filament glows in the dark, adding a unique and exciting effect to your 3D prints.
- Enhanced Glow with UV: Using a UV lamp makes the glow even brighter and last longer. Just 30 minutes of UV light makes a big difference.
- Strong and Reliable Prints: It sticks well to the print bed, preventing your prints from warping or lifting. This means you get strong and stable creations.
- Smooth Printing Experience: The filament flows smoothly without tangles, bubbles, or clogs. Its precise size (dimensional accuracy +/- 0.02mm) ensures consistent results.
- Great for Most Printers: This 1.75mm PLA filament works with most 3D printers.
- Dedicated to Quality: Amolen is a leader in colorful filaments and focuses on providing high-quality products.
- Customer Support: Amolen offers good after-sales service to help with any questions or issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- UV Light Recommended: While it glows on its own, you get the best results by using a UV lamp.
- Specific Temperatures: You need to set your printer to the recommended temperatures (200°C-220°C for nozzle, 50°C-60°C for heat bed) for optimal performance.
This AMOLEN filament is a fantastic way to add an extra dimension of fun to your 3D printing projects. Get ready to impress with prints that shine bright after dark!
5. ELEGOO PLA Filament 1.75mm Black 1KG
Rating: 8.8/10
The ELEGOO PLA Filament in classic black is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to bring their 3D printing ideas to life. This 1.75mm filament comes on a 1kg spool, perfect for many projects. It’s designed to be super accurate, with a tiny margin of error of only +/- 0.02mm, which helps your printer make smooth, detailed creations.
What We Like:
- This filament is made from high-quality PLA. It melts at a lower temperature, so it’s less likely to warp or shrink.
- Printing with it doesn’t produce strong smells, making your workspace more pleasant.
- The filament’s diameter is precisely controlled at 1.75mm with excellent accuracy. This means it feeds smoothly into your 3D printer every time.
- Each spool is wound very neatly. This prevents annoying tangles and makes sure your printer doesn’t have feeding problems.
- The filament sticks well to the print bed and layers bond strongly together. This helps you get great-looking prints.
- It’s easy to set up and use, making it a good option for beginners.
- The finished prints have a nice glossy surface.
- The filament is dried and vacuum-sealed to keep moisture out. This stops it from clogging your printer or creating bubbles.
- It works with most common 1.75mm FDM 3D printers, like many ELEGOO, Creality Ender, and Kingroon Kobra models.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s widely compatible, it’s always good to double-check your specific printer model.
This ELEGOO PLA filament makes 3D printing easier and more reliable. You can expect clean, consistent results for your projects.
Your First Filament: Choosing PLA for Amazing 3D Prints
Starting with 3D printing is exciting! You’ve got your printer, and now you need filament. PLA is the perfect place to begin. It’s easy to use and makes printing fun. This guide will help you pick the best PLA filament for your first projects.
Why PLA is Great for Beginners
PLA stands for Polylactic Acid. It’s made from plants, like corn starch or sugarcane. This makes it eco-friendly and safe to use. PLA is also easy to print with. It doesn’t warp much, and it smells nice when it prints. This means fewer printing problems and more successful prints!
Key Features to Look For in PLA Filament
1. Diameter Consistency
Filament comes in different diameters, usually 1.75mm or 2.85mm. Make sure the filament you buy matches your 3D printer. The most important thing is that the diameter stays the same all the way through the spool. If the filament is too thick in some spots, it can jam your printer. If it’s too thin, your prints might be weak.
2. Smoothness and Cleanliness
Good PLA filament is smooth. It should not have bumps or rough spots. Also, it should be clean. You don’t want dirt or debris on the filament. These things can cause clogs in your printer’s nozzle.
3. Color and Finish
PLA comes in tons of colors! You can find basic colors like red, blue, and green. You can also find special finishes like glitter, wood, or silk. Think about what you want to print. A bright color might be good for a toy. A wood PLA could be great for a decorative item.
Important Materials and What They Mean
PLA is the main material. But sometimes, other things are added to change its properties. These are called additives. For example, some PLA has additives that make it stronger or more flexible. Most beginner PLA is just pure PLA. This is usually the easiest to print with.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Good Manufacturing: Companies that carefully make their filament produce better results.
- Proper Spooling: Filament wound neatly on the spool prevents tangles. Tangles cause printing errors.
- Sealed Packaging: Filament should come in a sealed bag with a desiccant packet. This keeps moisture out.
Reducing Quality:
- Moisture: PLA absorbs moisture from the air. Wet filament prints poorly. It can make prints brittle and rough.
- Inconsistent Diameter: As mentioned before, uneven diameter causes printing problems.
- Cheap Additives: Some cheaper filaments might use lower-quality additives that affect print quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
PLA is fantastic for many projects. It’s great for:
- Toys and Figurines: Its safety and bright colors make it perfect for kids’ toys or collectible figures.
- Prototypes: If you’re designing something new, PLA is easy to print and test.
- Decorative Items: Vases, small sculptures, or custom home decor items look great in PLA.
- Educational Projects: Students can use PLA to learn about 3D printing and design.
When you print with PLA, you’ll find it’s not too messy. It doesn’t have a strong chemical smell. It cools down quickly, which helps prints stick to the build plate.
Tips for a Smooth Start:
- Always store your filament in a dry place.
- Make sure your printer’s bed is level.
- Start with basic settings for PLA in your printer software.
Choosing your first PLA filament is a big step. By looking for consistent diameter, good quality, and the right color, you’ll be on your way to creating amazing things with your 3D printer!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best brand of PLA filament to start with?
A: Many brands are good for beginners. Some popular ones include eSUN, Overture, and Hatchbox. Look for brands with good reviews and consistent quality.
Q: How do I store PLA filament?
A: Store PLA in a sealed bag with a desiccant (drying) packet. Keep it in a cool, dry place. This prevents it from absorbing moisture.
Q: What temperature should I use for PLA?
A: Most PLA prints best between 190°C and 220°C for the nozzle and 50°C to 60°C for the print bed. Check the filament spool for exact recommendations.
Q: Can I print PLA with supports?
A: Yes! PLA prints supports well. You can easily remove them after printing.
Q: What is the difference between 1.75mm and 2.85mm PLA?
A: These are just different thicknesses of filament. 1.75mm is more common for desktop 3D printers. Check your printer’s specifications to know which size you need.
Q: My PLA filament is brittle. What’s wrong?
A: Brittle filament usually means it has absorbed too much moisture. Try drying it out in a filament dryer or a low oven. Store it properly afterward.
Q: Can I paint PLA prints?
A: Yes, PLA prints can be painted! Use acrylic paints for best results. You might want to prime the print first.
Q: How long does PLA filament last?
A: If stored correctly, PLA filament can last for several years. Moisture is its biggest enemy.
Q: Can I recycle PLA filament?
A: Yes, PLA is biodegradable and can be recycled in some industrial composting facilities. Check local recycling options.
Q: What are common problems when printing with PLA?
A: Common problems include stringing (thin wisps of plastic), warping (corners lifting off the bed), and under-extrusion (not enough plastic coming out). These can often be fixed by adjusting print settings.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.