| 1 | Standard PLA
Best overall value | Nozzle: 190–220°C
Bed: 45–60°C
Density: approximately 1.24 g/cm³
Diameter tolerance: target ±0.02 mm | Prototypes, educational models, decorative parts, general-purpose printing, and low-stress components. | $8–18 | 100–500 kg | Request diameter-test data, moisture-control procedures, batch traceability, SDS, and a sample spool. Verify that the quoted price includes the specified spool, vacuum bag, desiccant, and carton. | 7–20 days after approval | Generally non-dangerous for transport. Sea freight is economical for pallets; air freight is practical for samples but has a higher cost per kilogram. Protect cartons from humidity. | Inconsistent diameter or moisture can cause under-extrusion, brittle filament, and variable surface quality. |
| 2 | PLA+ / Toughened PLA
Improved durability | Nozzle: 195–225°C
Bed: 45–65°C
Usually higher impact resistance than standard PLA
Blend composition may vary by supplier | Functional prototypes, brackets, housings, fixtures, and parts requiring better toughness than ordinary PLA. | $9–22 | 100–500 kg | Ask for tensile, impact, elongation, and heat-deflection data using stated test standards. Confirm whether “PLA+” is a defined formulation or only a marketing term. | 10–25 days after approval | Standard cargo handling is normally suitable. Use moisture-barrier packaging because additives and pigments can make print behavior more sensitive to humidity. | Mechanical properties can differ substantially between batches and suppliers despite similar “tough” labeling. |
| 3 | Matte PLA
High visual quality | Nozzle: 190–220°C
Bed: 45–60°C
Low-gloss surface
Usually hides layer lines better than glossy PLA | Display models, architectural prototypes, product mockups, gifts, and consumer-facing parts. | $10–24 | 100–300 kg | Compare sample prints for color consistency, layer adhesion, bridging, overhangs, and dimensional accuracy. Request color cards and a tolerance range for every color. | 10–25 days after approval | Pigment and additive content may increase product weight slightly. Confirm the actual net filament weight rather than relying only on spool size. | Surface appearance and shade may vary between production lots, especially for dark or pastel colors. |
| 4 | Silk PLA
Decorative finish | Nozzle: 190–220°C
Bed: 45–60°C
Metallic or satin visual effect
Lower functional durability than many engineering blends | Decorative objects, figurines, ornaments, awards, cosplay details, and visual prototypes. | $11–26 | 100–300 kg | Require test prints at multiple speeds. Check gloss consistency, pigment dispersion, color matching, layer adhesion, and whether the effect changes with print orientation. | 10–25 days after approval | No special dangerous-goods requirement is normally expected. Prevent crushing and heat exposure that could deform retail packaging during long transit. | The shiny effect can hide weak interlayer bonding or produce inconsistent appearance at different temperatures. |
| 5 | High-Temperature PLA
Post-processable | Nozzle: commonly 210–240°C
Bed: 50–70°C
May be annealed to improve heat resistance
Annealing can change dimensions | Heat-exposed prototypes, tooling concepts, educational engineering parts, and applications requiring post-processing. | $12–28 | 100–300 kg | Request before-and-after annealing data, dimensional shrinkage data, glass-transition or heat-deflection test results, and a defined annealing procedure. | 15–30 days after approval | Packaging is generally standard, but high ambient temperatures in containers can soften or deform poorly packed spools. Use strong cartons and avoid direct sun exposure. | Heat resistance claims may not be comparable unless the test method, annealing cycle, and specimen dimensions are identical. |
| 6 | Wood-Filled PLA
Natural texture | Nozzle: 195–230°C
Bed: 45–60°C
Abrasive particles: low to moderate
Larger nozzle, often 0.4–0.6 mm, may reduce clogging | Architectural models, sculptures, props, craft items, and parts intended for sanding or staining. | $14–32 | 100–300 kg | Confirm filler percentage and particle size. Test nozzle wear, clogging frequency, color variation, sanding behavior, and moisture sensitivity. | 15–30 days after approval | Fillers can increase settling or brittleness if storage is poor. Use sealed moisture-barrier bags and request clear handling instructions for warehouse storage. | Natural filler variation can affect color, flow rate, strength, and dimensional consistency. |
| 7 | Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced PLA
Stiff and lightweight | Nozzle: 200–230°C
Bed: 45–65°C
High stiffness-to-weight ratio
Hardened-steel or equivalent wear-resistant nozzle recommended | Lightweight brackets, jigs, fixtures, robotics prototypes, drone components, and dimensionally stable parts. | $18–38 | 100–300 kg | Verify fiber percentage, tensile and flexural data, nozzle-wear guidance, fiber length, print-orientation data, and electrical or regulatory declarations where relevant. | 15–35 days after approval | The filament is usually shipped as ordinary cargo, but reinforced material is more expensive per kilogram and should be packed against abrasion and spool damage. | Increased stiffness does not necessarily mean higher impact strength; parts may remain relatively brittle across the layer direction. |
| 8 | Glass-Fiber-Reinforced PLA
Dimensional stability | Nozzle: 205–235°C
Bed: 50–70°C
Improved stiffness and reduced warping in suitable formulations
Hardened nozzle recommended | Engineering prototypes, mounting fixtures, low-load tooling, and parts needing greater rigidity. | $16–35 | 100–300 kg | Request fiber content, moisture absorption data, tensile and flexural results, abrasion recommendations, and evidence that the extrusion line is designed for filled materials. | 15–35 days after approval | Heavier filler content can increase freight cost by actual weight. Confirm the net filament mass and carton gross weight for freight quotations. | Fiber alignment and nozzle wear can change surface finish, strength, and dimensional accuracy during long production runs. |
| 9 | Recycled-Content PLA
Lower-impact option | Nozzle: 190–225°C
Bed: 45–65°C
Recycled content may range from partial to high content
Properties depend on feedstock control | General prototypes, educational programs, sustainability-focused products, and non-critical decorative parts. | $8–20 | 100–500 kg | Request a documented recycled-content percentage, chain-of-custody evidence, contaminant controls, color-batch controls, tensile data, and environmental claims substantiation. | 10–30 days after approval | No special shipping classification is normally required. Make sure sustainability documentation matches the product actually shipped and the destination-market requirements. | Greater batch-to-batch variation may occur in color, odor, melt flow, and mechanical performance. |
| 10 | Transparent or Natural PLA
Light-transmitting parts | Nozzle: 195–225°C
Bed: 45–60°C
Translucent rather than optically clear in ordinary FDM printing
Print settings strongly affect appearance | Light covers, display prototypes, containers, signage, decorative parts, and visual testing models. | $9–22 | 100–300 kg | Test haze, bubbles, moisture level, color stability, layer adhesion, and print transparency at the intended wall thickness. Avoid suppliers that describe ordinary FDM PLA as optical-grade clear without test evidence. | 10–25 days after approval | Standard transport is generally suitable. Use sealed packaging and protect clear filament from dust, scuffing, and heat deformation. | “Transparent” results vary significantly with layer height, infill, wall count, temperature, and post-processing. |
