In the world of 3D printing, the quality of the filament you use is just as important as the printer itself. A high-performance printer will only achieve its potential when paired with reliable, precisely manufactured filament. The ELEGOO PLA Filament is designed to address this need by offering excellent dimensional accuracy, smooth feeding, and consistent printing results across different projects.
This review takes a deep dive into the features, specifications, design, performance, pros & cons, and ideal users of the ELEGOO PLA filament to help you decide whether it’s the right material for your 3D printing setup.
Key Features
- Material: Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament
- Weight: 1kg spool (approximately 2.2 lbs)
- Diameter: 1.75mm with ±0.02mm dimensional accuracy
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable material
- Low shrinkage and minimal warping
- Good toughness and strength for prototypes and functional parts
- Compatible with most FDM/FFF 3D printers
- Comes in cardboard spool packaging for eco-conscious disposal
Design and Build Quality
ELEGOO has designed this PLA filament with a focus on precision and reliability. The filament is produced with strict quality control processes to maintain a tight tolerance of ±0.02mm. This ensures a smooth and consistent feed through the extruder, minimizing common issues like clogs, uneven layering, or stringing.
The spool itself comes in a cardboard design rather than plastic. This not only reduces environmental impact but also makes disposal easier. The cardboard spool is sturdy enough to support the weight of the filament without bending or breaking during use.
The filament’s 1.75mm diameter is industry-standard, making it compatible with nearly all consumer 3D printers. Its smooth surface and even winding reduce tangling, which is particularly important for long prints where interruptions can cause wasted time and material.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | PLA (Polylactic Acid) |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm |
| Tolerance | ±0.02mm |
| Spool Weight | 1kg (2.2 lbs) |
| Recommended Print Temperature | 190°C – 220°C |
| Heated Bed Temperature | 50°C – 60°C (optional) |
| Packaging | Cardboard spool |
| Eco Features | Biodegradable, low-odor, environmentally friendly |
| Compatibility | FDM/FFF 3D printers with 1.75mm extruder |
Performance and Print Quality
When it comes to performance, the ELEGOO PLA filament delivers stable and consistent results. Its precise dimensional accuracy ensures smooth feeding through the printer’s extruder, reducing the likelihood of blockages or uneven extrusion.
Printability
PLA is one of the easiest materials to print with, and ELEGOO’s version lives up to this reputation. The recommended printing temperature range of 190°C to 220°C offers flexibility depending on the printer and project. A heated bed is not strictly necessary, though using one at 50°C to 60°C can improve adhesion for larger prints.
Surface Finish
The filament produces parts with a smooth surface finish and minimal stringing, making it ideal for prototypes, models, and display pieces. The low shrinkage rate helps reduce warping, ensuring dimensional accuracy even on larger prints.
Strength and Durability
PLA is not as strong or heat-resistant as ABS or PETG, but it offers good rigidity and toughness for everyday applications. The ELEGOO filament strikes a balance between printability and mechanical performance, making it suitable for hobby projects, educational models, and functional prototypes.
Ease of Use
One of the main advantages of ELEGOO PLA is its user-friendly nature. Beginners in 3D printing can start with this filament without worrying about complex settings or special equipment. The eco-friendly, low-odor formulation also makes it safer to use indoors compared to other materials that emit stronger fumes.
The cardboard spool packaging is another convenience factor. It’s lightweight, environmentally friendly, and compatible with most spool holders. The winding on the spool is neat, reducing the risk of tangling mid-print.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent dimensional accuracy (±0.02mm) ensures smooth extrusion
- Low shrinkage and minimal warping improve print success rates
- Eco-friendly PLA material with low odor and biodegradability
- Compatible with most 1.75mm printers
- Cardboard spool packaging reduces plastic waste
- Smooth surface finish ideal for models and prototypes
- Beginner-friendly and reliable for long prints
Cons
- Not as heat-resistant as ABS or PETG
- Brittle compared to flexible filaments (not suitable for stress-bearing parts)
- Limited outdoor durability, as PLA can degrade with prolonged sun exposure
- Cardboard spool may absorb moisture if stored in a very humid environment
Who Is This Filament Best For?
The ELEGOO PLA filament is versatile enough to cater to different users:
- Beginners in 3D printing: Easy to use, reliable, and forgiving, making it a great entry-level material.
- Hobbyists and makers: Perfect for crafting, model-making, and decorative objects that require good surface quality.
- Educators and students: PLA’s eco-friendly nature and ease of use make it safe and practical for classroom demonstrations.
- Prototype builders: Useful for rapid prototyping where dimensional accuracy and smooth finishes matter.
- Eco-conscious users: The biodegradable PLA material and recyclable cardboard spool make it a sustainable choice.
Comparison with Other Filaments
Compared to other filament types like ABS, PETG, or TPU, ELEGOO PLA provides:
- Easier printability than ABS or PETG: No strong fumes, no enclosure needed.
- Better surface finish than TPU: TPU is flexible but harder to print with.
- Less heat resistance than ABS/PETG: Not suitable for parts exposed to high heat.
- Lower cost and eco-friendly advantage over many alternatives.
This balance makes PLA a practical everyday filament for most projects where extreme durability or flexibility is not required.
Final Verdict
The ELEGOO PLA Filament (1kg, 1.75mm) is a dependable and affordable choice for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts. Its tight dimensional accuracy, smooth extrusion, and eco-friendly design make it one of the most reliable PLA options on the market.
While it doesn’t offer the heat resistance or toughness of more advanced filaments, it excels in areas where PLA is most useful: easy handling, smooth finish, consistent results, and eco-conscious packaging.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly filament for everyday 3D printing projects, the ELEGOO PLA filament is a solid choice that balances quality with ease of use.