Published on Mon Apr 05 2021 11:35:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Prusament PLA Vanilla White: A Deep Dive into a 3D Printing Staple

Prusament PLA Vanilla White has become a mainstay in the 3D printing community, renowned for its consistent quality and ease of use. This article provides a comprehensive overview of this specific filament, focusing on its specifications, optimal usage, and a detailed evaluation of its performance characteristics.

What is Prusament PLA?

Prusament PLA is a premium polylactic acid (PLA) filament manufactured by Prusa Research. What sets it apart is its commitment to precise manufacturing tolerances and rigorous quality control. Each spool comes with a quality guarantee, ensuring consistent diameter and ovality, vital for reliable 3D printing. The “Vanilla White” variant is a particular shade of white, aiming for a warm, natural appearance compared to harsher, brighter whites.

Detailed Specifications

• Material: PLA (Polylactic Acid)
• Diameter: 1.75mm +/- 0.02mm
• Ovality: +/- 0.01mm
• Spool Weight: 1kg (2.2 lbs)
• Density: 1.24 g/cm³
• Glass Transition Temperature: 60-65°C (140-149°F)
• Recommended Nozzle Temperature: 210-230°C (410-446°F)
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 55°C (131°F)
• Print Speed: 40-60 mm/s (can be adjusted based on printer and model complexity)
• Origin: Made in Czech Republic by Prusa Research
• Spool Dimensions: Standard spool size, fits most 3D printers. Check compatibility with your specific printer.

Usage Tips for Optimal Prints

To achieve the best results with Prusament PLA Vanilla White, consider the following tips:

1. Storage: PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Store the filament in a dry, airtight container, ideally with desiccant packets, when not in use. This will prevent print quality issues like stringing, popping, and inconsistent extrusion.
2. Bed Adhesion: Clean your print bed thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before each print. A textured PEI bed generally provides excellent adhesion for PLA. If necessary, use a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray to further improve adhesion, especially for larger prints.
3. Temperature Calibration: While the recommended nozzle temperature range is 210-230°C, optimal temperature can vary slightly depending on your printer and the complexity of the model. Run a temperature tower test to determine the ideal temperature for your setup.
4. Print Speed: Start with a print speed of 40-60 mm/s and adjust as needed. Slower speeds often result in better layer adhesion and detail, while higher speeds can reduce print time.
5. Cooling: Adequate cooling is essential for PLA, especially for intricate models. Ensure your printer’s cooling fan is functioning correctly and consider adjusting fan speed based on the model’s features. Overhangs and bridges benefit greatly from strong cooling.
6. First Layer: A well-calibrated first layer is crucial for successful prints. Make sure your bed is level and that the nozzle is at the correct distance from the bed. The first layer should be slightly squished to ensure good adhesion.
7. Retraction Settings: Fine-tune your retraction settings to minimize stringing. Increase retraction distance and speed in small increments until stringing is eliminated.
8. Draft Prevention: PLA is susceptible to warping, especially in cooler environments. Ensure your printer is in a draft-free area or use an enclosure to maintain a consistent ambient temperature.

Performance Evaluation

Here’s a detailed breakdown of Prusament PLA Vanilla White’s performance, rated out of 10:

• Print Quality: 9/10 - Consistently produces smooth, detailed prints with minimal imperfections when printing at the appropriate temperatures.
• Toughness: 6/10 - PLA is not known for its toughness compared to other filaments like PETG or ABS. However, Prusament PLA exhibits reasonable strength for general-purpose printing.
• Flexibility: 3/10 - PLA is a relatively rigid material with limited flexibility. It is not suitable for applications requiring high flexibility or impact resistance.
• Warping: 7/10 - PLA is less prone to warping than ABS, but it can still occur, especially with large prints. Proper bed adhesion and draft prevention are essential.
• Adhesion: 9/10 - Excellent adhesion to a PEI bed with proper preparation. Glue stick or hairspray may be necessary for large, complex prints.
• Moisture Sensitivity: 6/10 - PLA is moderately hygroscopic and can absorb moisture if not stored properly, leading to printing issues.
• Color Range: 7/10 - While Prusament offers a good selection of colors, the “Vanilla White” is a specific shade. The range itself is pretty decent.
• Temperature Range: 8/10 - The recommended temperature range of 210-230°C is typical for PLA and provides a reasonable margin for error.
• Odor & Fumes: 9/10 - PLA is known for its low odor compared to other filaments like ABS. The fumes produced are generally considered to be non-toxic and minimal.
• Spool Winding Quality: 10/10 - Prusament is renowned for its meticulously wound spools, which minimizes the risk of tangles and print failures.

Average Score: 7.4/10

Conclusion

Prusament PLA Vanilla White is a reliable and high-quality filament suitable for a wide range of 3D printing applications. Its consistent diameter, excellent bed adhesion, and low odor make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced users. While it may not be the toughest or most flexible material, its ease of use and excellent print quality make it a solid choice for general-purpose 3D printing projects. By following the usage tips outlined in this article, you can maximize your chances of achieving successful and visually appealing prints with this versatile filament.

Written by Alex