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PLA · FDM · SAN DIEGO

PLA 3D Printing — Clean, Fast, Easy

PLA is the go-to FDM filament for prototypes and display models. Prints at 220°C on any modern FDM printer. $0.035/cm³ base rate, 1–3 day turnaround at TAKT 3D San Diego.

Price
$0.035
per cm³
HDT
52°C
heat deflect
Tensile
37 MPa
strength
Colors
6
in stock
Quote PLA →See properties table

When to choose PLA

PLA is the right pick when cost + turnaround matter more than mechanical performance. Design reviews, show-and-tell prototypes, enclosure mock-ups, jigs for non-load-bearing fixturing, desk-toy commissions, educational kits, tabletop miniatures, and any part that lives indoors at room temperature.

When to pick something else

Skip PLA for anything that will sit in a hot car (summer cab temps hit 70°C+), anything that needs UV stability, anything that rubs against a metal part under load, or anything food-contact beyond a single use. Step up to PETG or ABS if any of those apply.

PLA Properties & Datasheet

Verified against manufacturer datasheets and our own print testing at the San Diego shop.

Tensile strength37 MPaYields before ABS or PETG
Heat deflection52 °CCar-interior hot days will soften PLA
Layer adhesionExcellentLow warp, strong Z-axis bond
Dimensional accuracy±0.2 mmBest in class for FDM
Surface finishSharp, glossyCrisp detail retention
Post-processSand, paint, superglueNo vapor smoothing (not solvent-soluble)
Food-safe?Only food-grade PLA; single useWe print with FDA-compliant spools on request
UV resistancePoorYellows and degrades outdoors

DESIGN TIPS

Designing for PLA

  • 01Walls: 2 perimeters (0.8mm) is fine for cosmetic, 4 perimeters (1.6mm) for structural.
  • 02Overhang limit: ~60° unsupported — above that, slicer will place supports.
  • 03Bridging: 8–10mm clean; longer bridges need support.
  • 04Threads: tapping M3 in PLA holds; M4+ holds well. For threaded inserts use heat-set.
  • 05Snap-fits: PLA is brittle at the flex point — design with generous fillets or pick PETG.

CUSTOMER WORK

Real parts we've printed in PLA

UCSD Shield Box

White PLA enclosure for an electronics demo, 3-day turnaround.

SAHR Week Trophy

Blue PLA presentation trophy, large-format single-piece print.

AMC Display Box

Natural PLA retail display, Fine quality for a showroom finish.

Considering alternatives?

PETGSee specs →

Step up to PETG when you need chemical resistance or food-safe durability.

ABSSee specs →

Pick ABS if the part lives above 60°C or needs machinability.

PLA FAQ

How much does PLA 3D printing cost?+
PLA prints at $0.035 per cm³ (1× PLA). A typical palm-sized part (~20 cm³) runs around $1.05 including our markup. Exact price depends on quality preset, infill, and quantity — see /pricing for the full formula.
What is PLA best for?+
PLA is the right pick when cost + turnaround matter more than mechanical performance. Design reviews, show-and-tell prototypes, enclosure mock-ups, jigs for non-load-bearing fixturing, desk-toy commissions, educational kits, tabletop miniatures, and any part that lives indoors at room temperature.
When should I NOT use PLA?+
Skip PLA for anything that will sit in a hot car (summer cab temps hit 70°C+), anything that needs UV stability, anything that rubs against a metal part under load, or anything food-contact beyond a single use. Step up to PETG or ABS if any of those apply.
What does TAKT 3D's PLA print setup require?+
Standard FDM setup — no special chamber, nozzle, or drying required. Runs cleanly across our production fleet. All of our PLA jobs use filament dried the same day to avoid moisture-induced defects, and every spool is logged against the part batch for traceability.
How long is PLA 3D printing turnaround?+
Standard turnaround for PLA is 3–5 business days. Expedited (3 days) adds 30%; rush (1–2 days) adds 60%. Most small PLA orders ship within 48 hours from our San Diego shop.
Ready when you are

Ready to print in PLA?

Upload your STL, STEP, OBJ, or 3MF and get an instant price in PLA — no form, no sales call.

Quote PLASee all materials