PLA
The easiest and cheapest 3D printing material — great for form-fit prototypes, not for heat or load.
Key properties
| Key properties |
|---|
| Very easy to print |
| Lowest cost |
| Brittle vs ABS |
| Low heat resistance (~55°C) |
| Compostable variants |
Common applications
- Form-fit prototypes
- Visual models
- Jigs and fixtures
- Consumer products (non-thermal)
- Education
Processes available
- FDM 3D printing
Surface finishes
- As printed
- Sanded
- Painted
Cost & pricing
Cheapest FDM material — ideal for iteration.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does production take?
Lead time depends on the process and quantity — 3D printing typically ships in 2–3 business days, CNC machining in 3–5, and injection molding in 10–15 after tooling. You'll see the exact lead time on every quote.
What is the standard tolerance?
CNC-machined parts are held to ±0.1 mm as standard, with ±0.05 mm achievable on critical features. 3D-printed parts are typically ±0.2–0.3 mm. Add your critical dimensions in the notes field.
What is the minimum order quantity?
There is no minimum order — we produce single prototype parts as easily as large production runs. Quantity discounts start from around 10–25 pieces.
What surface finishes are available?
A wide range of finishes is available locally, including as-machined/printed, bead blasting, anodizing (clear, black, gold), powder coating, painting and polishing.
How do I get a quote?
Upload your CAD file (STL, STEP, IGES or 3MF) to the instant-quote tool — the VoluFab pricing engine returns a real quote in seconds, with DFM feedback included.
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