Top 5 Benefits of Using PLA Filament

OzFDM PLA Filament

If you’re new to 3D printing, one of the first things you’ll decide is which filament to try. There are plenty of choices such as PETG, ABS, and other specialty materials, but PLA stands out as the go-to option for most makers, designers, and hobbyists.

At OzFDM, we’ve helped thousands of people begin their 3D printing journey with PLA. It’s affordable, reliable, and produces professional-quality results without needing an industrial setup. Whether you’re unboxing your first printer or refining your skills, here are five reasons why PLA should be your material of choice.

1. Easy to Print, Easy for Beginners

PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is one of the easiest materials to print with on any desktop 3D printer. It works at lower temperatures, usually between 190 and 220°C, and doesn’t require a heated chamber or complex setup. That means you can start printing almost straight away.

Because PLA has low warping and shrinkage, it’s very forgiving even if your printer isn’t perfectly calibrated. The first layers stick well, supports are removed cleanly, and the final prints look smooth and polished. It’s an effortless way to go from beginner to confident printer.

2. Consistent, High-Quality Results

PLA is known for its reliability. When stored correctly and printed at the right temperature, it produces crisp edges, sharp details, and smooth surfaces with minimal post-processing.

It cools evenly, which helps prevent stringing and visible layer lines, even on detailed models. If you care about both accuracy and visual quality, PLA delivers clean, professional-looking prints time after time.

3. Eco-Conscious and Low Odour

PLA is made from renewable materials like corn starch and sugarcane, making it one of the most sustainable options for 3D printing. Choosing PLA helps reduce your environmental impact while keeping your printing process simple and safe.

It also emits very little odour, which makes it ideal for home offices, classrooms, and shared spaces. You can print comfortably without the strong chemical smell often produced by other materials. PLA offers a cleaner, greener way to create.

4. Strong Enough for Everyday Use

At OzFDM, our PLA+ formulations are designed to offer extra strength and toughness while staying just as easy to print. PLA+ is strong enough for enclosures, brackets, fixtures, and smaller mechanical components when designed correctly.

Because it holds its shape well, it’s ideal for functional prints that don’t need to handle high heat or heavy loads. Whether you’re creating tools, home décor, or custom components, PLA+ offers the perfect balance of durability, quality, and ease of use.

5. Vibrant Colours and Finishes

3D printing is more than just functionality, it’s also creativity. PLA comes in one of the widest colour ranges of any filament, with rich pigmentation and smooth finishes that make every print stand out.

From subtle matte tones to glossy metallics, you can match your project’s personality exactly how you imagine it. Whether you’re producing prototypes or display pieces, PLA helps your creativity shine through every layer.

The Bottom Line

For anyone new to 3D printing, PLA is a material that truly covers all bases. It’s easy to use, affordable, and capable of delivering professional results on almost any printer. That means you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time creating.

At OzFDM, we supply high-performance PLA and PLA+ filaments that offer excellent layer adhesion, smooth finishes, and dependable strength so you can print confidently from the start.

Ready to begin your 3D printing journey?
Explore our full range of OzFDM PLA filaments and bring your next project to life.

Information in this article was compiled and adapted from trusted industry sources to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Sources:

• OzFDM (2025)
  

• 3D Insider – Types of 3D Printing Filaments
  

• The 3D Printer Bee – PLA vs ABS vs PETG vs TPU Filament Guide
  

• 3D Printed Decor – Top 5 Filaments for 3D Printing
  

• 3DFils – Types of 3D Filaments
  

• 3D Printing Perth – 5 Reasons Why PLA and PLA+ are the Best Filaments for 3D Printing Beginners
  

• Quora Community – Why is PLA mostly used for 3D printing?