Advanced Filament Guide - PLA+ Filament

PLA+ Filament Overview

3D META’s PLA+ 3D printing filament is produced with high-quality, specially modified, toughened polylactic acid (PLA) material, producing a filament that is twice as strong as ordinary PLA filament. Our PLA+ filament has exceptional bed and layer adhesion, does not warp or crack, has excellent dimensional stability and is manufactured under strict QA standards.  3D META’s PLA+ filament is biodegradable and come on recyclable plastic spools. All up our PLA+ filament is easy to print, consistent, reliable, high-quality filament that you can use with confidence.

Key Features of PLA+ Filament:

• Manufactured with high-quality materials: All raw ingredients used to produce our PLA+ filament are of the highest quality. 
• Stronger than ordinary PLA: PLA+ offers enhanced durability and impact resistance, making it suitable for functional parts that require extra strength.
• Exceptional bed and layer adhesion: Experience excellent bed adhesion and inter-layer bonding, which minimizes the risk of warping or cracking during the printing process.
• No warping or cracking: Say goodbye to failed prints caused by temperature fluctuations. PLA+ is known for its dimensional stability and resistance to warping.
• 100% Biodegradable: PLA+ is an environmentally friendly choice that’s biodegradable, allowing you to create with a smaller environmental footprint.
• Manufactured under strict QA procedures: Each spool of PLA+ is manufactured under strict quality assurance standards, ensuring consistency, reliability, and exceptional performance.
• Consistent, reliable, and easy to print with filament: Enjoy hassle-free printing with a filament that feeds smoothly, sticks firmly to the print bed, and produces high-quality results every time.

PLA+ Print Settings

Applications for PLA+ Filament:

PLA+ filament is versatile and easy to work with, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D printer, PLA+ offers the durability and print quality needed for various projects:

• Decorative and Ornamental Pieces: Thanks to its smooth finish and wide range of available colours, PLA+ is perfect for printing detailed models, figurines, and other decorative items.
• Cosplay Props: PLA+ filament’s strength and easy post-processing make it ideal for creating cosplay props and accessories that need to be both lightweight and durable.
• Product Prototyping: Engineers and designers often use PLA+ for prototyping because of its ease of use, which allows for quick iterations and adjustments.
• Functional Parts: Due to its improved strength over standard PLA, PLA+ can be used for functional parts, printer upgrades, and more robust prototypes.

While PLA+ is highly versatile, it’s important to note that it has low UV resistance, making it less suitable for outdoor use. For projects exposed to sunlight or harsh weather conditions, consider alternatives like PETG or ASA for better durability and UV resistance.

PLA+ Technical Specifications

Storage and Drying for PLA / PLA+ Filament:

Proper storage of your PLA+ filament is crucial to maintaining its quality and performance. PLA+ filament is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can negatively affect print quality. To keep your PLA+ filament in optimal condition:

• Store in a Cool, Dark, and Dry Place: Keep your filament in an airtight container or resealable bag with desiccants to prevent moisture absorption.
• Drying Methods: If your filament has absorbed moisture, you can dry it using a dedicated filament dryer, a food dehydrator, a kitchen oven, or even your 3D printer if it’s fully enclosed. For PLA and PLA+ filaments, we recommend drying at a temperature of 40℃ - 45℃ for a minimum of 4 – 6 hours.

 Post-Processing PLA+ 3D Prints

Post-processing your PLA+ 3D prints can enhance their appearance, strength, and functionality. Here’s how you can achieve professional results with gluing, painting, and sanding/smoothing.

Gluing

Gluing PLA+ prints is straightforward and effective for assembling multi-part projects or repairing broken pieces. For the best results, use cyanoacrylate (super glue) or epoxy adhesive. Ensure the surfaces are clean and smooth before applying the glue. For stronger bonds, lightly sand the areas to be joined, creating a better surface for the adhesive to grip. Clamp or hold the parts together firmly until the glue cures fully, ensuring a strong, durable bond.

Painting

Painting PLA+ allows you to add colour and detail to your 3D prints, giving them a polished, professional look. Before painting, lightly sand the surface to remove any imperfections and apply a primer suited for plastics. The primer helps the paint adhere better and provides a smooth base for your colour coat. Acrylic paints work well on PLA+, offering a wide range of finishes from matte to glossy. Multiple thin coats yield the best results, and a clear protective spray can be applied to seal the paint and add durability.

Sanding / Smoothing

Sanding and smoothing are key to achieving a high-quality finish on PLA+ prints. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 100-200 grit) to remove larger imperfections and layer lines, then progress to finer grits (up to 1000-2000 grit) for a smoother surface. Wet sanding can further reduce scratches and leave a polished look. For a glassy finish, consider using a PLA-compatible smoothing compound or apply a thin layer of epoxy resin after sanding. Taking time to sand and smooth your prints can dramatically improve their appearance, making them look professionally finished.