Cheap PLA Filament on Amazon: A Buyer’s Guide Breakdown
When starting with 3D printing or looking to stay on budget, finding affordable yet reliable filament can be a challenge. With the huge selection of PLA options on Amazon, it’s easy to get lost in the choices.
Here’s a guide to help you choose a budget-friendly PLA filament that still performs well.
Introduction: Balancing Cost and Quality
Finding PLA filament that strikes the right balance between affordability and quality is something every 3D printing enthusiast looks for. Especially if you are looking into making money from 3d printing.
In this guide, we’ll cover a few of the best cheap PLA options available on Amazon that deliver solid performance without costing too much.
Popular Pick for Cheap PLA: Overture PLA
One of the most widely recommended filaments on Amazon is Overture PLA.
Known for being cost-effective, it’s also praised for its consistency and printability. Overture has a decent selection of colors, making it useful for a range of projects. However, some users mention that the cardboard spool can be inconvenient.
Despite this minor issue, Overture remains a top choice for many, especially for those new to 3D printing or looking to experiment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Budget-friendly and popular among hobbyists and beginners |
| Quality | Consistent print quality across a range of 3D printers |
| Spool Type | Eco-friendly cardboard spool, though less durable than plastic |
| Color Range | Available in a wide selection of colors |
| Clog-Free Design | Designed to prevent nozzle clogs, making it easier for beginners |
| Packaging | Comes vacuum-sealed to prevent moisture absorption and has a tangle-free design |
| Diameter Tolerance | Tight tolerance of +/- 0.03 mm for precise prints |
| Recommended Printing Temp | 190°C to 220°C, with a heated bed temperature of 25°C to 60°C |
| Printer Compatibility | Works with most FDM 3D printers, including Creality Ender, Prusa, and other open-source models |
| Odor | Odorless during printing, suitable for home and office environments |
Great Selection and Affordable Price: Polymaker PLA
Polymaker PLA, particularly the PolyLite and PolyTerra series, is another solid option.
This brand offers a wide choice of colors and textures, making it suitable for various applications. Despite using a cardboard spool, Polymaker’s PLA is compatible with advanced printing systems, which makes it appealing for more complex projects.
Its affordability combined with performance makes it a strong contender on this list.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Range | Includes PolyLite for general use and PolyTerra for eco-friendly projects |
| Eco-Friendly Options | PolyTerra PLA is made from bioplastics and organic materials; Polymaker plants a tree per spool |
| Print Quality | Known for smooth and consistent prints with uniform diameter and low shrinkage |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most FDM 3D printers, including Creality Ender, Prusa, and Anycubic |
| Color & Texture Variety | Offers a wide selection of colors and finishes, including matte, silk, and metallic |
| Spool Type | Uses cardboard spools as part of its sustainability initiative |
| Mechanical Properties | Slightly tougher than standard PLA, with better impact resistance for functional prints |
| Diameter Tolerance | Tight tolerance of +/- 0.02 mm for reliable and accurate prints |
| Recommended Printing Temp | Prints well between 190°C to 230°C, with a heated bed temperature of 25°C to 60°C |
| Odor | Produces little to no odor during printing, suitable for indoor use |
Popular Cheap PLA Alternative: ELEGOO PLA
ELEGOO is often associated with resin printers, but their PLA filament is also gaining popularity as a budget-friendly alternative.
For those who print in high volume or frequently need basic colors like black, ELEGOO offers bulk purchasing options at very competitive prices. The filament is well-spooled and runs smoothly through most printers, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save without sacrificing too much quality.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Very budget-friendly, especially for bulk purchases of basic colors like black and white |
| Print Quality | Smooth prints with reliable spooling, even in larger quantities |
| Compatibility | Works with most FDM 3D printers, including popular models like Creality Ender and Prusa |
| Spool Type | Comes with well-wound spools, ensuring smooth feeding during printing |
| Bulk Purchase Options | Offers bulk options, making it cost-effective for high-volume printing |
| Color Range | Available in a variety of basic colors, ideal for functional or prototyping projects |
| Diameter Tolerance | Consistent diameter tolerance, ensuring reliability and reducing the risk of print failures |
| Recommended Printing Temp | Prints best at 190°C to 220°C, with a heated bed temperature between 25°C and 60°C |
| Odor | Minimal to no odor during printing, making it suitable for indoor use |
Worthy Mention: SUNLU PLA
SUNLU is another affordable filament that gets a lot of love from the community. It’s widely available and comes in a variety of colors.
Some users have reported inconsistencies in the printing temperature, which can be a slight drawback. However, when bought at the right price, SUNLU PLA can be a good option, particularly for hobbyists or those printing non-critical parts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Affordable and widely available, often found on sale |
| Print Quality | Generally reliable, though some users report inconsistencies in print temperature |
| Color Range | Offers a wide selection of colors for various project needs |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most FDM 3D printers, including Creality Ender and Prusa models |
| Spool Type | Comes with standard plastic spools, ensuring ease of use during printing |
| Inconsistent Temperature | Some batches may require adjustments to printing temperatures for optimal results |
| Diameter Tolerance | Tolerance of +/- 0.02 mm, contributing to consistent print quality |
| Recommended Printing Temp | Prints best at 200°C to 230°C, with a heated bed temperature between 50°C and 60°C |
| Odor | Low odor, making it suitable for indoor environments |
Final Tips for Filament Selection and Use
When choosing PLA filament, the main factors to consider are price, availability, and how well it suits your specific projects. Whether you go with Overture, Polymaker, ELEGOO, or SUNLU, each of these brands offers something for 3D printing enthusiasts working within a budget.
Make sure to keep your filament dry with a filament dry box or other methods to get the best results from your prints.
If you’ve tried any of these filaments or have other recommendations, feel free to share your experiences in our Facebook Group or our Members-Only Discord Server!
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