Cheapest PLA Filament: Budget-Friendly 3D Printing Materials
Note: We have researched 13 PLA filaments for you.
Last updated on 28.06.24 um 01:35
As the realm of 3D printing continues to expand, the importance of finding cost-effective materials that do not compromise on quality becomes paramount for hobbyists and professionals alike. In this pursuit, PLA filament stands out as a popular choice due to its ease of use and environmentally friendly nature.
Our assessment focuses on sourcing the most economical options available that still meet the high standards required for consistent and reliable printing. We delve into various brands and types, gauging their performance and durability, to provide you with a comprehensive guide that balances budget and excellence.
Our assessment focuses on sourcing the most economical options available that still meet the high standards required for consistent and reliable printing. We delve into various brands and types, gauging their performance and durability, to provide you with a comprehensive guide that balances budget and excellence.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.
Pictured: 3DHoJor 3D Printing Filament High-Spe...
What to Look for in Cheapest PLA Filaments
Important criteria
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Consistent diameter
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No bubbles or inclusions
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Uniform color
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Good tensile strength
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Proper spool winding
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Low moisture content
1.) Quality and Consistency
It's important to verify the quality and consistency of the cheapest PLA filament you are considering. Poor quality filament can lead to printing problems, such as clogging the nozzle or producing weak, brittle prints. Look for reviews or ask for recommendations to find a reliable manufacturer. Ensure that the diameter of the PLA filament is consistent throughout the spool, as fluctuations can affect print quality. A consistent diameter will lead to better extrusion and ultimately higher quality prints.
2.) Material Purity and Additives
Check the purity of the PLA filament. Impure materials can introduce contaminants that affect print quality and can be harmful if the print is intended for contact with food or skin. Also, consider if the filament has additives that enhance its properties, such as UV resistance or increased strength. Some cheap filaments may include unnecessary additives that compromise the filament’s performance or may not be as eco-friendly as pure PLA.
Pictured: SUNLU 10kg PLA 3D Printer Filament Bu...
3.) Brand Reputation and Support
Research the brand of the filament. A well-established brand with good customer support is often a safer bet than an unknown manufacturer. A reliable brand may also offer support in case of issues with their filament. It's worth paying a bit extra for this assurance, especially if you rely on 3D printing extensively. Read customer feedback and testimonials about their experiences with the filament, keeping in mind that less reputable brands may cut corners affecting filament quality.
4.) Spool Size and Storage
Consider the size of the spool and how much filament you are getting for the price. While a larger spool can offer a better price per quantity, ensure that it fits your printer's spool holder. Also, examine the packaging and storage instructions. Good quality filament should be vacuum-sealed with a desiccant pack to prevent moisture absorption. Moisture can cause PLA to degrade, leading to poor print quality and may require you to dry the filament before use.
The Cheapest PLA Filaments of our Choice
Our Pick
ANYCUBIC PLA Plus (PLA+) 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm
Type/Color: 1kg Pla+ Black
Properties
- High toughness and impact resistance
- Prints smoothly with few layers
- High dimensional accuracy with controlled wire diameter
- Minimizes cracks and warping
- Seamless extrusion for refined finish
- No tangle hassle, easy to use
- Compatible with most FDM 3D printers
- Vacuum packaging for enhanced printing experience
$ 18.99 *
View
on Amazon
2
GIANTARM Dual Color PLA Filament
Properties
- Dual Color Silk PLA: Composed of two colors, changeable angle.
- Shiny Surface: Smooth, no extra polishing needed.
- Toughness Enhanced PLA Filament: Good toughness, high purity.
- 1.75mm PLA Filament: Diameter accuracy +/- 0.02mm.
- Clog-free & Bubble-Free: 24hr dried, vacuum sealed.
$ 19.99 *
View
on Amazon
Price Pick
ERYONE Silk Tri-Color Coextrusion PLA Filament,3D
Size: Silk PLA-250g
Properties
- Shiny Silk Coextruded PLA: Smooth and shiny finish
- High Compatibility: 1.75mm filament diameter, +/- 0.03mm accuracy
- No Warping Multicolor Filament: Tangle-free, no warping
- Strong Layer Adhesion: Good first layer adhesion
- Exquisite Packaging: Reusable vacuum sealed packaging
4
FF SUNSENKJ Color Change PLA Plus Filament 1.75mm 250g Spool
Size: 1.75mm
Properties
- Recommended printing temp: Nozzle 200-240°C, bed 50-60°C, 30-350mm/s
- Adjust temp for speed, room temp, print appearance
- Chameleon_Burnt Titanium colors: Black, Dark Purple, green, Spark Blue
- Chameleon_Nebula Purple colors: Dark Purple, Blue, Spark Blue
- No tangles, clogging; Length: 80±5m, neatly wound
- Wide compatibility with 1.75mm FDM 3D printers
- Good vacuum packaging for quality assurance
$ 8.98 *
View
on Amazon
5
Creality 3D Printer Filament
Type/Color: Black & White
Size: 2Kg
Properties
- Cost-effective filament bundle with classic black and white
- Smooth and stable printing experience with patented design
- Tidy and less-tangle filament to avoid breaking
- Dimensional accuracy guarantee with advanced measuring system
- Compatible with 99% FDM & FFF 3D printers
$ 27.99 *
View
on Amazon
6
POJECITY Kingroon PLA 3D Printer Filament
Type/Color: 1kg Black
Properties
- Toughness Enhanced PLA Filaments
- Incredible ease of printing
- Optimized printing quality
- High purity with low shrinkage
- Superb layer bonding
- Meeting demands for printing functional parts
- Clog-Free, Bubble-Free & Easy-to-use
- Complete drying for 24 hours
- Dimensional Accuracy & Consistency
- Strict tolerances of 1.75mm diameter
- +/- 0.02mm dimensional accuracy
- 1 kg spool
- Wide Compatibility
- Works perfectly with all common 1.75mm FDM 3D printers
- High quality standards in manufacturing accuracy
- Excellent service
- Customer-centric company
- Committed to providing good service
- Prompt assistance for customer inquiries
7
CCTREE PLA Plus (PLA+) 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm
Type/Color: Grey
Size: ST-PLA 1.75MM 1KG
Properties
- Upgraded nonbrittle PLA with good strength and impact resistance
- High rigidity and good glossiness for professional printing
- Incredible ease of printing with high purity and low shrinkage
- Strict tolerances and dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.03mm
- Neatly wound filaments to reduce tangles and breakage
- Recommended temperature range for nozzle/extrusion and bed/platform
- Compatible with most FDM 3D printers for versatility
- Vacuum packaging ensures no bubbles and easy printing
- Quality problems addressed within 24 hours
$ 17.99 *
View
on Amazon
9
ELEGOO PLA Filament 1.75mm Clear 1KG
Type/Color: 1kg Clear
Properties
- High-Quality PLA Filaments
- Lower melting temperature and easy to use
- Low warp, shrinkage, odorless printing, glossy finish
- Dimensional Accuracy & Consistency
- Strict tolerances, +/- 0.02 mm accuracy, 1 kg spool
- Less-tangle and Easy to Use
- Neatly arranged, less tangled, larger inner diameter design
- Clog-Free & Bubble-Free
- No clogging, superb layer bonding, great fluidity
- Complete dried for 24 hours before packaging
- Wide Compatibility
- Universal compatibility with most common 1.75mm FDM printers
$ 17.99 *
View
on Amazon
10
Comgrow 6KG PLA 3D Printer Filament
Size: PLA
Properties
- High-quality PLA filament: Nozzle temperature 210-220°C
- Strong toughness, low shrinkage, better layer adhesion
- Functional print projects, dimensional accuracy & consistency
- Self-adaptive control system, 1.75mm diameter, tolerance +/- 0.02mm
- Clog-Free & No Bubble: No moisture, high-precision printing
- Less-tangle & Easy to Use with Auto-mechanical winding
- Recommended Extrusion/Nozzle Temperature 180℃ - 215℃
- Wide Compatibility: Works with all 1.75mm FDM printers
In other categories
- Rank 2 of 18 in Cheapest 3D Printer Filament
$ 79.99 *
View
on Amazon
11
AMOLEN Silk PLA 3D Printer Filament
Size: 1KG
Properties
- Silk multicolor rainbow PLA for surprise effects
- Quality PLA filament with strong toughness and no warping
- High compatibility with most FDM 3D printers
- Transparent spool shows filament color & consumption
- After-sales service with technical guidance and support
In other categories
- Rank 7 of 18 in Cheapest 3D Printer Filament
- Rank 9 of 13 in Strongest 3D Printing Filament
$ 29.99 *
View
on Amazon
12
eSUN High Speed PLA Filament 1.75mm
Type/Color: Blue
Size: High Speed PLA 1.75mm 1KG
Properties
- Print 6x faster than ordinary PLA at 300mm/s.
- High compatibility with various 3D printers listed.
- Maintain quality and smooth extrusion at high speed.
- Balanced high speed printing and quality output.
- Easy to print with high success rate.
- Made from renewable plant resources, low odor.
13
3DHoJor 3D Printing Filament High-Speed PLA
Type/Color: Basic-black
Properties
- High-Speed PLA Filament: Allows up to 300mm/s printing speed.
- Clog-free & Less-tangle: No overlap or tangle.
- High Compatibility: Works with Most FDM 3D Printers.
- Dimensional Accuracy & Consistency: Accuracy +/- 0.03mm.
- Easy to print: Suitable for novices and professionals.
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Top Picks for Affordable PLA Filament
Budget Shoppers
Looking for PLA filament that won't break the bank? Explore our curated list of the most cost-effective options available online. Get the perfect balance between quality and affordability for your 3D printing projects.
Bulk Buyers
Stocking up on PLA filament can save you time and money. We've gathered the best deals for bulk purchases that allow you to keep printing without constant reordering. Dive into our recommendations for large-quantity buys.
First-Time Users
New to 3D printing? We've identified the most user-friendly PLA filament options that provide quality results without a steep learning curve. Start your 3D printing journey with confidence and ease.
Eco-Conscious Buyers
If you prioritize environmentally friendly options, we've selected PLA filaments that align with your values. Find sustainable and affordable filaments to keep your 3D printing green and cost-effective.
Questions You Might Ask
PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. It's popular for 3D printing because it's easy to print with, requires lower printing temperatures compared to other materials, and is relatively odorless, making it suitable for use in homes and schools.
When buying PLA filament, consider the diameter of the filament to match your printer specifications (commonly 1.75mm or 2.85mm), the color and transparency options you desire, the spool size to ensure it fits your printer, and the manufacturer's reputation for consistent quality.
PLA filament should be stored away from sunlight in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption and degradation. It's often recommended to use airtight containers with desiccants to absorb any moisture. Keeping it away from heat sources is also important to prevent the filament from becoming brittle over time.
PLA is not the best choice for outdoor applications as it is not UV or heat resistant and can degrade over time when exposed to the elements. For outdoor use, materials like ABS or PETG are more suitable due to their higher durability and resistance to weather conditions.
PLA is generally very forgiving and easy to print with. It typically requires a lower extrusion temperature between 180°C and 220°C. A heated bed is not necessary but can be used at around 30°C to 60°C to help the first layer stick better. It's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's recommended settings for the best results.
Currently Active Poll
How to Choose Affordable PLA Filament
Embarking on the 3D printing journey? PLA filament is your trusty sidekick for creating impressive prints without breaking the bank. But with a vast array of options, finding that sweet spot of quality and affordability can be daunting. Fret not! In this guide, we'll navigate the maze of choices to find the PLA filament that's easy on your wallet but still makes those layers stick like a dream.
Understanding PLA Filament
Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) filament is the go-to material for many 3D printing enthusiasts. It's derived from renewable resources, making it biodegradable and eco-friendly. Its low printing temperature and minimal warping simplify your printing experience, especially if you're a beginner.
PLA's versatility makes it ideal for a variety of projects, from detailed models to simplistic household items. It comes in a kaleidoscope of colors and finishes, giving your creations that custom touch. However, not all PLA is created equal; let's dive into what makes a good PLA filament stand out.
Pay attention to diameter consistency and purity of the PLA. Fluctuations in diameter can cause printing problems, and impurities may lead to weak prints. Choosing a reputable brand could mean the difference between a triumphant print and a tangled mess.
Price versus Performance
The lure of cheap PLA filament can be strong, but remember, you often get what you pay for. Extremely low-priced PLA may save you pennies now but cost you in print quality and wasted time. Strike a balance between cost-efficiency and reliable performance by setting a reasonable budget.
While you shouldn't overpay, investing in mid-range filaments can lead to fewer print failures and more consistent results. Keep an eye out for deals and bulk discounts from reputable suppliers; buying in bulk can reduce the cost per spool significantly without compromising on quality.
Don't forget to check online reviews and forums. The 3D printing community is vocal about their experiences, and their insights can guide you to filaments that are both economical and effective.
Testing and Sampling
Dive into the world of samples before committing to a full spool. Many manufacturers offer sample packs, allowing you to test different filaments at a fraction of the cost. This way, you can assess print quality, adhesion, and finish before investing more.
Take notes during your tests and be mindful of print settings. What works for one PLA brand may not be ideal for another. Calibration is key, and finding the optimal settings for your printer with each filament can ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Lastly, consider the environmental conditions of your workspace. Humidity and temperature can affect how PLA prints and stores. If your region is prone to high humidity, look for brands that offer vacuum-sealed packaging to preserve filament quality.
Sustainability and Brand Reputation
Eco-consciousness doesn't have to go out the window when looking for affordable PLA. Some manufacturers focus on sustainability, offering recycled or biodegradable options at competitive prices. Supporting companies with green initiatives can be beneficial for both you and the planet.
The credibility of a brand is just as important as the price tag. Established brands with a track record of quality are often more consistent in their filament production. It's worth checking out a company's history, their customer service, and after-sales support.
Remember, sometimes a slightly higher investment upfront can save you time and resources in the long run. Finding a filament that prints smoothly, supports your creative endeavors, and doesn't harm the environment is a win-win situation.
Making the Purchase
Armed with knowledge, it's time to make your purchase. Look for vendors with reliable shipping and return policies to ensure a smooth transaction. Local suppliers might offer the added benefit of lower shipping costs and faster delivery.
Be wary of 'too good to be true' deals from unknown brands — a poor-quality filament could lead to clogged nozzles and failed prints. Stick to your researched choices and don't be swayed by flashy sales on subpar material.
Once you've secured your filament, it's all about fine-tuning your skills and testing the limits of your 3D printer. With the right PLA in hand, you're all set to breathe life into your digital creations, without draining your wallet.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
In assessing the most affordable PLA filament options available, we've carefully curated a collection of resources for your consideration. This includes a variety of expert opinions, thorough test reports, and authentic user experiences. Our selections have been organized into four distinct categories, comprising expert reviews, active forum discussions, insightful Reddit threads, and informative video content. These links have been chosen based on their relevance and the value they provide to anyone seeking guidance on low-cost PLA filament choices.
forum.prusa3d.com
Prusament seems to sell for anywhere between $20-ish (US) to $70-ish, depending on the phase of the moon. As expected, I've always had good luck with it.
theFoxSmart.com is my go-to for value. $9.99 a kilo with $4 flat rate shipping. They only have blue, yellow and orange right now.
I'd vote for Polymaker, Overture, Hatchbox, or eSun. They're all relatively affordable at 20-30 per kg most of the time. Sometimes less if ...
The best deal I've gotten was from Sunlu for "Blind Box" punk silk and PLA at $11/kg with free shipping, and if you use a coupon you can get it...
My absolute favorite PLA to use is, CC3D PLA MAX Pla +. Depending on sales and color, it's $13-19 a roll. It prints extremely smooth and gets...
The Best / Cheapest 3d Printing PLA Filaments for Print Farm ...
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