PLA filament is one of the most popular filament types, and getting the best results can be tricky, especially if you’re a beginner. So, how exactly can you get the best results by using a PLA filament and ensuring that your print quality is in pristine condition?
In this guide, we are covering top tips that are going to take your PLA filament game to the next level. By the end, you will be printing high-quality materials without having to worry about poor print quality at all.
#1. Store Filament Properly to Avoid Moisture
One of the biggest issues and the thing that could potentially destroy your print quality is if the PLA filament becomes a victim of moisture. The nature of many filaments out there is hygroscopic, which means they will absorb moisture at some point, especially if they are not stored properly.
So, what do you do in this situation? When the PLA material absorbs too much moisture, it instantly leads to poor results in your print. Why? That’s because it could become brittle and cause many issues, including inconsistent extrusion, which could ultimately affect your final result.
But this begs the question: how do you actually avoid moisture with your filaments? The answer to that is simple. Firstly, you need to make sure that your filaments are stored properly. To avoid any moisture issues, you can put your filament in an airtight container, which would be perfect.
If you want to go to the next level, then having silica gel in that jar would also decrease the likelihood of any kind of moisture occurring. You should always remember that filaments are prone to moisture and if you don’t store them correctly, then your final result will be affected.
There are also many airtight storage bags that could add another layer of protection for your PLA filament. Some bags can be vacuumed out, which would mean that there is no chance of moisture occurring in the first place.
As you keep your PLA moisture-free, your output quality will improve to a degree you might have never even thought about.
#2. Choose the Best PLA Filament Temperature Settings for Optimal Results
The most important aspect to notice when you’re printing is knowing the right temperature for your PLA filaments. With so many types of filaments available in 3D printing, it can be especially confusing to know which temperature is ideal for your specific filament.
There are many filaments that print at relatively high temperatures but since we are focusing on PLA today, it is important to know its value as well for PLA. The printing temperature is generally kept between 180°C and 220°C if you would start printing at a lower temperature and gradually go higher.
With such flow, printing won’t just be better, but your results will also be much more streamlined and crisp. There are many things you need to consider while choosing the right temperature setting for your PLA filament.
The first one is to know what your specific PLA filament brand says the right temperature is for your filament. For example, Chitu Systems Conjure Silk Rainbow PLA Filament can print perfectly between 200°C and 230°C.
If your brand doesn’t specify the filament temperature then it’s important to ask them for optimal results. However, the best case scenario is if you ask the manufacturer directly.
Companies like Chitu Systems have their temperature mentioned with all the products, making it easier for you to understand what is the right temperature for your PLA filament.
#3. Use Heating Bed to Enhance Your Output
This one might not be the most important tip but it is something that could elevate your print quality and make miles of a difference. Heating beds are often used to keep the layers warm and make sure that your print will be optimal.
While PLA filament doesn’t require a heating bed to work, if it’s available, it can make your print much better, especially when there are other things that are not optimal. A moderate heat setting using a heat bed would be perfect in order to improve your print quality.
In general, having the temperature of the heating bed between 50°C and 60°C not only enhances the adhesion of your filament on the bed, but for larger models, it makes sure that warping or lifting off won’t happen.
These things can ultimately make a big difference in your print quality. Moreover, if you don’t have a specific heating bed, you can either buy one or just use the room temperature for smaller objects. For bigger ones, a heating bed might be important.
#4. Choosing the Right Surface
Many people often forget the use cases of the right surface for a PLA filament. Adhesion is a big part of the game because it allows your filament to stick on the bed, not letting it more or falling off. There are many good surfaces like Glass, PC, PEI, and other plates, that allow you with a better adhesion overall.
Amongst these surfaces, PEI is the best because it allows easy removal and also strong adhesion of the filament to the plate without using any kind of glue. So, when you choose the right surface, make sure to choose PEI since it is one of the best plates for better adhesion.
#5. Consider a High-Quality Filament
Lastly, to get the best quality results from a PLA filament, you must find the right product that won’t cause any issues. Chitu Systems is one such brand as they allow some of the highest-quality PLA filaments that are ideal for your goals.
For example, the Matte Rainbow PLA Filament for creating two, three, or four colored products and there are a host of other products that you can choose in order to elevate your 3D Printing experience.
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