How to print with Ultimaker PLA

 

PLA (polylactic acid) is one of the most widely used 3D printing materials and also the recommended material for beginners. It prints fast, is safe, and can be used for a broad range of models and applications. The following is everything you need to know about printing with Ultimaker PLA.

Note: The information provided here applies to Ultimaker PLA, similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third-party filaments.

Compatibility

Ultimaker PLA can be printed on all Ultimaker 3D printers with all nozzle sizes as a single material. On the Ultimaker S5, S3 and Ultimaker 3, you should use the AA print cores.

PrinterCompatible print cores / nozzlesUltimaker S5 (Pro Bundle)AA 0.25, AA 0.4, AA 0.8Ultimaker S3AA 0.25, AA 0.4, AA 0.8Ultimaker 3 (Extended)AA 0.25, AA 0.4, AA 0.8Ultimaker 2+ (Extended)0.25, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8Ultimaker 2+ Connect0.25, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8Ultimaker 2 Go0.4Ultimaker 2 Extended0.4Ultimaker Original+0.4Ultimaker Original0.4

Ultimaker PLA has optimised settings for the Ultimaker Pro Bundle, Air Manager and Material Station. This ensures a good end of filament and end of print experience in the Material Station and an optimal build environment with the Air Manager. Please make sure to use the latest version of Ultimaker Cura and ensure the firmware has the latest update.

On the Ultimaker S5, Ultimaker S3 and Ultimaker 3, PLA can also be printed in combination with PVA, Breakaway or another color of PLA. This overview shows the materials PLA is compatible with.

 

The experimental and not supported combinations have not been verified, since limited use cases are available. Results are dependent on the model type that is used.

Recommended settings and configuration

Note:  Always use the latest version of Ultimaker Cura and make sure that your 3D printer is updated with the latest firmware version to include the correct material profile for Ultimaker PLA.

Temperatures

Ultimaker PLA prints at moderate temperatures, mostly around 200-210 °C, depending on the selected nozzle size and print profile. Profiles for the 0.25 mm nozzles use a slightly lower temperature though, and the 0.8 mm profiles require a higher temperature.

For the build plate, a temperature of 60 °C is used for heated build plates, but it is also possible to print PLA on a cold build plate using the blue tape.

Note:  The correct temperatures are automatically used based on the printer, nozzle size, and profile you select in Ultimaker Cura.

Adhesion

PLA usually adheres well to the heated glass plate, but it is recommended to apply a thin layer of glue to improve build plate adhesion(included in the accessory box of your 3D printer).
If you’re using a printer without a heated build plate such as the Ultimaker 2 Go, we recommend using blue tape for adhesion, since even with glue objects will warp on a cold build plate.

Caution:  The addition of glue is recommended to improve adhesion and thereby prevent the chance of print failure and printer damage. Additionally, the use of glue can prevent overadhesion that can lead to damage to the build plate.