PLA Print Temperature: Nozzle and Bed Settings

PLA is among the easiest filaments to print. Prusa recommends 215 degrees C for the first layer and 210 degrees C for the rest, with the bed at 60 degrees C. Polymaker's PolyLite PLA gives a wider window: 190 to 230 degrees C at the nozzle and 25 to 60 degrees C on the bed. Start in the middle of the range on the spool label, then adjust in small steps. Modified blends are covered in PLA+ vs PLA.

This article is based on manufacturer documentation (sources below), not on our own printing. Treat every number as a starting point, because filament brands, colors and printers differ.

PLA temperature settings at a glance

Notice the gap between makers on the drying temperature. That is why the label on your spool or the maker's page comes before any general table.

Nozzle temperature

Prusa says PLA melts at around 175 degrees C, and that it can be printed at fairly low temperatures. The recommended printing temperatures are well above the melting point so the plastic flows through the nozzle at speed.

How to pick a number

1. Start from the middle of the range on the spool label. For Polymaker PolyLite PLA that is around 210 degrees C, which matches Prusa's figure.
2. If you see stringing or blobs, lower the nozzle temperature in steps of about 5 degrees C. See fixing stringing for the full order of checks.
3. If layers separate or the extruder clicks, raise it by 5 degrees C, or slow the print down.
4. Print the same small model after each change and compare.

Printing hotter can improve layer bonding but increases oozing. Printing cooler reduces strings but weakens layers. Printing speed changes the balance: faster printing needs hotter plastic because it has less time to melt in the nozzle.

Bed temperature

Prusa recommends 60 degrees C, and notes that PLA does not strictly need a heated bed. Polymaker's range runs from 25 to 60 degrees C. A bed around 55 to 60 degrees C is a common starting point on a clean textured or smooth PEI plate. If a first layer will not stick, check the plate is clean and the nozzle height is right before raising the bed temperature. Our guide to fixing a bad first layer goes through this in order.

Prusa also says smooth or satin powder-coated sheets work for PLA, and that a smooth sheet works better for parts with a small contact area. PLA can also be printed on glass, Kapton tape or with a glue stick.

Cooling and speed

Polymaker lists the part cooling fan as on for PolyLite PLA. Cooling lets PLA solidify before the next layer, which helps overhangs and small details. Its suggested speed is 40 to 60 mm/s, which is conservative compared with the speeds modern printers advertise. Raise speed gradually and raise nozzle temperature if you see weak layers or under-extrusion.

Retraction starting points

Polymaker's page lists retraction of 1 mm at 20 mm/s for direct-drive extruders and 3 mm at 40 mm/s for Bowden (indirect drive) setups. Prusa notes PLA is sometimes prone to stringing and oozing, which proper retraction reduces.

Why PLA temperature matters beyond the print

• Heat resistance: Prusa says PLA softens and deforms above 60 degrees C, so a part left in a hot car can sag even though it printed fine.
• Moisture: wet PLA strings and looks rough no matter how well you tune temperature. See how to dry filament and how to store filament.
• Variants: blends and special effects (silk, matte, wood, carbon fiber) often print at different temperatures. Bambu Lab's drying table, for instance, lists different drying settings for Basic, Silk and wood-filled PLA. Follow the label for those.

Common mistakes

• Copying one number for every brand. The range printed by the maker is the reference.
• Changing several settings at once. Change one, print one test, and compare.
• Ignoring the chamber. Enclosed printers can get hot enough to soften PLA near the extruder, which can cause jams. If you print PLA in an enclosure, leave the lid or door open if you see heat creep. This is general practice, not a specific maker figure. See enclosed vs open-frame printers for the wider picture.

Looking to compare materials rather than tune one? Our PETG vs PLA comparison covers where each fits.