PLA Settings
| Nozzle Temp | 190-220C |
| Bed Temp | 50-60C |
| Print Speed | 50-80 mm/s |
| Cooling Fan | 100% |
| Retraction | 0.5-1.0 mm (direct drive) / 4-6 mm (Bowden) |
Tips for PLA
- PLA is the easiest material to print -- great for beginners.
- Keep the cooling fan at 100% for best overhangs and bridging.
- Avoid enclosures -- PLA prefers cooler ambient temperatures.
- Store in a sealed bag with desiccant, or use a filament dryer.
- Bed adhesion is usually excellent with just a clean, level bed.
PLA+ Settings
| Nozzle Temp | 200-230C |
| Bed Temp | 55-65C |
| Print Speed | 50-80 mm/s |
| Cooling Fan | 80-100% |
| Retraction | 0.5-1.0 mm (direct drive) / 4-6 mm (Bowden) |
Tips for PLA+
- PLA+ is a modified PLA with improved toughness and heat resistance.
- Print slightly hotter than standard PLA for best layer adhesion.
- You can reduce fan speed to 80% for improved strength.
- Ideal for functional parts where standard PLA might be too brittle.
- Dry your filament -- PLA+ is just as moisture-sensitive as PLA.
PETG Settings
| Nozzle Temp | 230-250C |
| Bed Temp | 70-85C |
| Print Speed | 40-60 mm/s |
| Cooling Fan | 30-50% |
| Retraction | 1.0-2.0 mm (direct drive) / 4-7 mm (Bowden) |
Tips for PETG
- PETG loves to string -- reduce fan speed and dial in retraction carefully.
- Do not use too much fan -- 30-50% is the sweet spot for strength.
- Print the first layer slowly (20-30 mm/s) for reliable adhesion.
- Increase Z-offset slightly compared to PLA to avoid nozzle dragging.
- PETG absorbs moisture fast in NZ -- a filament dryer is essential.
- Use a PEI sheet or textured build plate for easy removal.
General Tips for NZ Printers
- Dry your filament. In NZ's humidity, this is the single most impactful thing you can do for print quality. Read our guide.
- Level your bed properly. A good first layer is the foundation of every successful print.
- Start with manufacturer settings and adjust in small increments. Change one variable at a time.
- Print a temperature tower for each new roll to find the optimal nozzle temperature for that specific filament.