PLA Filament #
What Is It? #
- Technical Name - Polylactic Acid (PLA)
- Chemical Formula - (C3H4O2)n
- Glass Temp - 50-55°C
- Melt Temp - 170-180°C
- Thermoplastic
![](/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Filament-Spool-Red-v2-square.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Wallace_Carothers_in_the_lab-2.jpg)
Wallace Carothers - Source: Wikipedia
Who Invented It? #
The year was 1932 when 36 year old DuPont Chemist Wallace Carothers developed a process to create PLA in the lab. He had already been recognised for the development of nylon and neoprene - however unable to develop a commercially viable method of production left DuPont with no will to patent untill the 1950's.
But you're here to Print...
So lets fast forward a bit to 2022 #
How to print with PLA? #
Quickstart:
- Hotend Temp: 190°C
- Bed Temp: No heat required / 55°C if you want
- Fan Speed: 100%
Bed surface preparation:
- Hair Spray (unscented)
- Blue Painters Tape
- Glue Stick
- Bare Glass (cleaned with alcohol)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/calibration-cube-J-Head™-Farmer-Printed.jpg)
J-Head™ Farmer shown 3D Printing PLA on bare glass *rendering