3D Printing Guide

How To Find The Right PLA Print Temperature For Your 3D Printer

Paul Chow

Updated on January 14, 2025

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PLA (Polylactic Acid) is one of the most popular materials used in 3D printing. It does have many desirable properties, such as biodegradability and ease of use. However, coming up with the best print quality requires understanding and adjusting the print temperature to suit specific needs.

Understanding PLA

Before delving into the specifics of the print temperature, it’s important to understand what PLA is and how it works. PLA is a thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane. When heated, this material melts and can be precisely guided to form intricate 3D designs.

It’s known for its low melting point, which is why it’s a favorite among 3D printing enthusiasts. PLA is ideal for beginners or those working on intricate designs as it allows for detailed print jobs with less risk of warping or deformation.

It’s also suitable for a wide range of applications, including prototypes, educational models, and decorative items. PLA’s environmentally friendly nature also makes it a preferred choice for those conscious of their action’s impact on the environment.

Why Do PLA Temperature Settings Matter?

When it comes to 3D printing, the temperature settings directly influence the final product. Knowing this, balancing the temperature is key to avoiding common printing issues, such as stringing, blobbing, poor layer adhesion, and incomplete extrusion.

In fact, here’s a rundown on the different outcomes when you use temperatures that are too high or too low:

Prevent Stringing

When the temperature is set too high, or above 230°C, the PLA becomes overly fluid, leading to stringing. Stringing occurs when thin strands of plastic form between different parts of the print, resembling spider webs. It usually happens due to the excess molten plastic being dragged by the moving nozzle.

To solve this, lower the nozzle temperature slowly until the stringing stops. Additionally, consider increasing retraction settings to reduce oozing during travel moves.

Avoid Blobbing

High temperatures can also cause blobbing on the print surface. It’s where excess molten plastic accumulates to form blobs or zits on the print surface. It’s often due to the plastic continuing to ooze from the nozzle as it moves to a new position. As such, it disrupts the print’s smoothness and precision. You can reduce the nozzle temperature in small increments and adjust retraction settings to minimize oozing and accumulation of excess PLA.

Use the Right Amount of Filament

Over-extrusion is another possible consequence of printing with a high temperature. In this scenario, the printer pushes out more filament than required. As a result, it causes the layers to be thicker than intended.

This can lead to a rough and uneven surface finish and may require extensive post-processing to rectify. To avoid over-extrusion, lower the nozzle temperature and check the extrusion multiplier or flow rate settings to make sure you get an accurate PLA deposition.

Strengthen Your Prints

Conversely, the PLA doesn’t melt properly when the temperature is too low, which leads to poor layer adhesion. Here, the individual layers of the print don’t bond well. As a result, you get a weak final print that’s prone to breaking along the layer lines.

For a better outcome, increase the nozzle temperature slowly until the layers adhere properly. Make sure that the cooling is not too aggressive, as it can also impact layer adhesion.

Reduce Waste

Low temperatures can also lead to incomplete extrusion, which happens when the PLA is not molten enough to flow smoothly through the nozzle. With this happens, you may see gaps in the print, under-extrusion, or even nozzle clogs. It leads to waste of both time and material.

Increase the nozzle temperature slightly to aid smoother extrusion. Check that the nozzle is not clogged and the filament is feeding properly. Pay attention to your PLA print temperature so that your 3D prints come out looking great and lasting longer every time.

What’s the Best Temperature For PLA Printing?

As mentioned, you want to get the temperature settings just right to get the best print quality. Generally, the optimal print temperature for PLA is between 190°C and 220°C—a range that is broad enough to cater to different printers and desired results. However, it’s important to note that these values can slightly differ based on the specific brand or color of PLA you’re using. Let’s talk more about that.

Factors That May Affect PLA Print Temperature

When 3D printing with PLA, achieving the perfect print isn’t just a matter of setting the temperature within a certain range. Several factors can influence the optimal print temperature for PLA. Understanding these can help fine-tune the settings to achieve the best possible results.

PLA brand

Different PLA brands have different formulations, which can affect the optimal printing temperature. Some printers may incorporate additives or have varying levels of purity. As such, they require adjustments to the standard temperature settings.

It’s good practice to refer to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature settings as a starting point. Then, be prepared to make incremental adjustments based on the print quality.

Color and pigmentation

The color of the PLA filament can also impact the required print temperature. The pigments used to color the filament can alter its thermal properties. Often, it requires a higher temperature for proper extrusion.

For instance, black PLA may require a different temperature compared to white PLA, even if they are from the same brand. This is because the black pigment absorbs more heat than lighter colors. So, a slightly lower temperature may be required to prevent overheating and other related issues.

Printer calibration

The calibration and accuracy of the 3D printer itself also play a significant role in determining the correct temperature settings. A well-calibrated printer will have accurate temperature readings and consistent heating, which allows for more reliable printing.

Conduct regular maintenance and calibration checks to confirm the accuracy of your printer’s temperature settings. You should also make sure that the printer’s components, like the hot end, extruder, and thermistor, are working correctly and do not require any replacements.

Nozzle diameter

The diameter of the printer nozzle affects how much PLA is extruded and at what speed. A smaller nozzle diameter may require a higher temperature for smooth flow. Meanwhile, a larger diameter may require a lower temperature to avoid overheating and over-extrusion.

Print speed

The print head’s speed can also influence the optimal temperature. Faster print speeds may require higher temperatures to make sure the PLA is molten enough to be extruded smoothly. On the other hand, slower speeds may benefit from lower temperatures to avoid stringing and blobbing.

Ambient temperature

The room where you’re printing can impact the print temperature as well. Higher temperatures may be needed in colder environments to compensate for heat loss. In contrast, a lower setting may be sufficient in warmer environments to prevent overheating.

Layer height

The height of each layer can affect how much heat the PLA requires to bond properly. Thinner layers may need higher temperatures to promote proper adhesion between layers. However, you’ll want to use lower temperatures for thicker layers to prevent overheating or over-extrusion.

Bed temperature

While primarily affecting adhesion, the bed temperature can also impact the overall print temperature. A heated bed can help maintain the temperature of the extruded PLA. It allows for more consistent printing and reduces the risk of warping and delamination.

Printer’s condition

Lastly, your printer’s current condition can influence the PLA print temperature. An older or heavily used model might require slight changes in temperature compared to a newer machine. Regular servicing and maintenance will keep your printer in optimal condition. This way, you can guarantee accurate temperature settings.

How To Find The Best PLA Temperature Setting

With so many factors coming into play, testing, and experimentation are the most reliable ways to find the optimal PLA print temperature for your specific printer. Here are the steps to do so:

Start with Small Test Prints

Begin experimenting with small, simple models that print quickly. For example, you might print a small calibration cube or a simple overhang model to allow for rapid adjustments.

A calibration cube is a basic 3D-printed box, usually 20mm on each side. Printing a calibration cube helps you check if your printer is accurately measuring dimensions and if the PLA print temperature is set correctly. If the cube comes out too small or too large, you might need to adjust your print temperature or other settings.

Another great test is the overhang model. Overhangs are parts of the print that extend out without any support underneath. Printing an overhang model helps you see how well your PLA filament handles angles and bridges at different temperatures.

For example, you can print a model with various overhang angles, like 30°, 45°, and 60°, to observe how each angle turns out. If the overhangs droop or fail, you might need to increase the print temperature or adjust the fan speed to help the PLA cool faster and hold its shape better.

Establish a Baseline

Next, use the manufacturer’s recommended settings for both the printer and the PLA filament as your baseline. This provides a solid starting point from which you can make incremental adjustments based on the outcomes of your test prints.

If your PLA recommends a print temperature of 200°C, start with that temperature. Also, set your printer’s bed temperature to around 60°C to ensure the first layer sticks well.

Observe and Document

Observe each test print carefully, noting any issues or abnormalities, such as stringing, warping, or layer separation. Take note of the temperature settings, observed issues, and other relevant parameters, including print speed and bed adhesion.

If your printed parts have gaps or the layers aren’t sticking well, write down the exact temperature and settings you used. Maintaining a detailed log lets you track your adjustments and their impacts over time. This helps you understand how your printer and filament behave under different conditions.

Maintaining a detailed log is important as you experiment with printing since it lets you track your adjustments and their impacts over time. Note the exact print temperature you used, the speed of the print, and the fan speed. If you’re testing different temperatures, label each print with the temperature setting.

For example, Print 1 at 195°C, Print 2 at 200°C, and so on. This way, you can easily compare how each temperature affects the quality of your PLA prints. If one temperature results in smoother layers and fewer defects, you’ll know that’s the better setting for your printer and filament.

Aside from written notes, take photos of each printed test model. Pictures can help you see differences that might not be obvious at first glance.

Make Incremental Adjustments

Make small, incremental adjustments to the temperature settings based on your observations. A change of 2°C to 5°C can often resolve minor issues without introducing new ones.

For example, if you notice that your printed layers are not sticking well at 200°C, try increasing the temperature to 202°C and see if the layer adhesion improves. Similarly, if you see too much stringing at 200°C, lowering the temperature to 198°C might help reduce the excess filament.

When making adjustments, focus on one setting at a time to clearly see its effect on your prints. If you decide to change the print temperature, keep the print speed and fan speed the same until you see how the temperature change affects your PLA prints. This way, you can accurately determine which setting is responsible for any improvements or new issues.

Repeat and Refine

After each adjustment, another test print will be conducted, and the results will be observed carefully. For example, if you increase the print temperature to improve layer adhesion, print the calibration cube again to see if the layers are sticking better.

Compare this new print to the previous one and note any improvements or new issues, such as reduced warping or smoother surfaces. If the printed cube shows better layer bonding but you notice some stringing, it’s time to make another small adjustment.

Expand to More Complex Models

Once you have refined your settings with simpler models, you can move on to more complex and detailed prints. Doing this will allow you to confirm the effectiveness of your temperature settings across a wider range of print scenarios and guarantee their reliability.

For example, try printing a detailed figurine with small features to see how well the PLA handles fine details. If the layers are smooth and the details are sharp, your temperature settings are likely spot on.

Another great example is printing a functional part, like a small gear or a hinge. These parts have moving pieces that need to fit together perfectly. A well-adjusted PLA printing temperature will produce parts that fit well, while parts that are too tight or too loose will require more tweaking.

Be Flexible and Patient

There’s always something new you can learn when it comes to 3D printing. Try new techniques, settings, and materials regularly, which can help you discover better ways to set your PLA temperature.

Finding the perfect PLA temperature setting takes time, so be patient with your adjustments. Resist the temptation to make big jumps in temperature changes in your haste to start printing, which can lead to more problems and make it harder to find the optimal setting.

Does Printing PLA Hotter Make It Stronger?

When you print PLA at a higher temperature, it can sometimes make your prints stronger. This is because a hotter temperature helps the layers of PLA stick together better.

For example, if you print a small gear at 200°C, the layers might bond tightly, making the gear sturdy and less likely to break. This stronger layer adhesion can improve the overall strength of your printed parts.

However, printing PLA too hot can also cause problems. If the temperature is too high, the PLA can become too runny and create issues like stringing or blobbing. Printing a detailed model at 240°C might result in extra strands of plastic between parts, making the print look messy and weaker in those areas.

Additionally, overheating can lead to warping, where the edges of your print lift off the bed, reducing its strength and stability.

Advanced Tips For Optimizing PLA Print Temperature

Here are eight additional tips and tricks that could help enhance the quality of your prints and improve the efficiency of your 3D printer:

Experiment with Different Nozzle Materials

Different nozzle materials have varying thermal conductivities, which affects how they heat up and cool down. Experiment with nozzles made of brass, stainless steel, or hardened steel. Observe the differences in temperature behavior and print quality. Then, adjust the temperature settings accordingly to accommodate the thermal properties of the nozzle material.

Fine-tune Cooling Settings for Overhangs and Bridges

Overhangs and bridges can be challenging to print due to the lack of support underneath. As such, these require precise cooling management. Adjust the cooling settings specifically for sections with overhangs and bridges. Use increased cooling to solidify the filament quickly and maintain shape and detail.

Use Variable Layer Heights

Different layer heights can affect the bonding between layers and the overall appearance of the print. So, try experimenting with variable layer heights. Thinner layers may require lower temperatures for proper bonding, while thicker layers may require higher temperatures. Adjust the temperature settings according to the layer height for optimal print quality.

Explore Advanced Slicing Settings

Slicing software offers many features that can be tweaked to optimize print temperature and quality. Experiment with advanced options in your slicing software, such as adaptive layer height, coasting, and combing. Observe the impact of these settings on temperature behavior and print outcomes.

Optimize Retraction Settings

Proper retraction settings can prevent stringing and oozing, especially at higher temperatures. Fine-tune the retraction distance and speed to minimize stringing and oozing without causing under-extrusion or nozzle clogs. Additionally, consider the filament path and hotend design when adjusting retraction settings.

Experiment with Enclosure Temperatures

Maintaining a stable environment within a printer enclosure can reduce temperature changes. You can experiment with different enclosure settings, especially when printing large or complex models. This way, you can maintain a stable temperature around the print and reduce the risk of warping and layer separation.

Explore Different Bed Adhesion Methods

The method you use for bed adhesion can affect the initial layer’s quality as well as the ease of print removal. Consider different bed adhesion methods, such as glue sticks, hairspray, or specialty adhesion sheets. Then, adjust the bed temperature settings to optimize adhesion and release.

Leverage Temperature Towers

Temperature towers can help you identify the best print temperature for each type of filament. Print temperature towers for each new PLA filament to identify the right temperature range for overhangs, bridging, and stringing. With this, you can fine-tune your temperature adjustments during prints.

Perfecting Your PLA Prints

Many 3D printing enthusiasts prefer PLA to other filament types due to its user-friendly nature and relative safety. Moreover, just like any other filament, you can optimize it to get high-quality results.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and get to know your PLA printer well. Through continuous testing and tweaks to the different parts of the system, you can find the best setting to produce precise, high-quality PLA prints.