Table of Contents
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


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)

J-Head™ Farmer shown 3D Printing PLA on bare glass *rendering