PLA
PLA (polylactic acid) is a thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources, which distinguishes it from other commonly used plastics. PLA is ideal for low-cost prototyping, container manufacturing, and functional parts that carry light loads.
Cost Efficient
Lightweight
Lead Time
3~6 days
Tolerance
± 0.3% (minimum of ± 0.3mm)
Min. Order
1
Reference Unit Price Range
0.09 - 0.20
Advantages
- Cost Efficient
Disadvantages
- Limited heat resistance
- Limited weather resistance
- Limited chemical resistance
- Limited toughness
- Limited wear resistance
Performance Snapshot
Material Characteristics at a Glance
Relative performance profile across key engineering parameters. Values are contextual — not absolute stress ratings.
Cost Efficient
ExcellentSource score: 5/5
Lightweight
HighSource score: 4/5
Surface Quality
MediumSource score: 3/5
Moisture Resistance
MediumSource score: 3/5
Dimensional Stability
MediumSource score: 3/5
High Strength
MediumSource score: 3/5
Rigidity
MediumSource score: 3/5
Heat Resistance
LowSource score: 2/5
Weather Resistance
LowSource score: 2/5
Surface Finish Options
Surface Finish Options
Available finish options for PLA.
As Printed
Color
White
Surface
Ra 8-18 μm (as printed)
Accuracy
± 0.3% (minimum of ± 0.3mm)
Painting
Finish options
Glossy and matte paint finishes available
Best for
Adding custom color and a protective paint layer to PLA parts for low-cost rapid prototyping.
Note
Validate paint adhesion, masking boundaries, and coating coverage on PLA before production, especially around interfaces, edges, and fine details.
Silk Screening
Print method
Single- or multi-color graphics on flat or gently curved surfaces
Best for
Applying logos, labels, or functional graphics to flat areas of PLA parts used for low-cost rapid prototyping.
Note
Confirm printable area, ink adhesion, and graphic registration on PLA before production.
Industries & Applications
Where PLA Delivers
Industrial Manufacturing
- Low-cost rapid prototyping
- Appearance and display models
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Industrial design models
Equipment
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Prototype equipment components
Education
- Low-cost rapid prototyping
- Appearance and display models
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Education models
Research & Development
- Low-cost rapid prototyping
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
Consumer Electronics
- Product enclosure prototypes
- Fit-check and assembly models
- Custom test fixtures
- Low-volume concept validation builds
Entertainment & Collectibles
- Low-cost rapid prototyping
- Appearance and display models
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Art and cultural-creative models
Architecture
- Low-cost rapid prototyping
- Appearance and display models
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Architectural models
Construction
- Low-cost rapid prototyping
- Appearance and display models
- Functional prototype testing
- Assembly testing
- Architectural models
Technical Specifications
Design Guidelines
Material Properties
Process & Dimensional Specs
Ready to Order?
Upload your 3D file and receive a quote for PLA parts. Typical turnaround is 3~6 days from order confirmation.
Every order includes: Dimensional inspection report · NDA-ready file handling · Pre-shipment QC photography · DDP door-to-door logistics · Engineering review on request
Talk to a Process Engineer
Have a tight-tolerance or complex geometry requirement? Our engineers review your drawing before quoting to flag potential issues.
Compare & Decide
Related & Alternative Materials
FDM · Standard Plastics
PETG
FDM · Black & White
PETG is a strong and durable plastic similar to ABS, but harmless to human health. PETG is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most common synthetic materials, and modified with ethylene glycol. Therefore, PETG is stiffer, stiffer, more precise, and easier to use in 3D printing and processing than PET.
SLA · Resins
Standard Resin (White)
SLA · White
Standard Resin (white) has excellent surface details and pure white texture. It is one of the most commonly used resin materials and has excellent dimensional accuracy. This material is suitable for pipe parts, fasteners, electronic product casings, automobile casings and instrument panel components, etc. that require high toughness and heat resistance. Prints come offline and are ready to use, with a matte finish, opaque appearance and precise detail.
FDM · Standard Plastics
ABS
FDM · Black & White
Known for its durability, strength and heat resistance, ABS is ideal for parts that need to withstand stress or impact, such as pipes or housings for electrical components. It is recommended to use a closed environment when printing ABS to prevent deformation and ensure stable print quality. Bambu Lab ABS is a versatile consumable material with excellent strength that enables the manufacture of durable and long-lasting parts. It offers significant improvements in strength and durability compared to PLA and PETG, especially when printing in enclosed printers.
Unionfab is China's Largest 3D Printing Manufacturing Company for Rapid Prototyping and On-Demand Production Parts.
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