Tough PLA is a technical PLA (polylactic acid) material with toughness similar to ABS. Ideal for reliably printing functional prototypes and tooling at larger sizes, our Tough PLA offers the same safe and simple use as regular PLA.

Note: The information provided here applies to Ultimaker Tough PLA, similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third-party filaments.

Compatibility

Ultimaker Tough PLA can be printed on the Ultimaker S5 and Ultimaker 3 family printers using an Ultimaker AA Print core. On other Ultimaker 3D printers, you may use this material experimentally, although no official print profiles are supplied.

Note: Ultimaker Tough PLA is not supported on the Ultimaker 2+ (Extended), Ultimaker 2 Go, Ultimaker 2 (Extended), Ultimaker Original+, and Ultimaker Original

Tough PLA can also be used for dual-extrusion prints, in combination with PVA, Breakaway, or another color of Tough PLA. Below you can find the complete compatibility overview for Tough PLA.

Recommended settings and configuration

Note: Always use the latest version of Ultimaker Cura and make sure that your 3D printer is updated with the latest firmware version to include the correct material profile for Ultimaker Tough PLA.

Temperatures

Just as regular PLA, Tough PLA prints at moderate temperatures. The nozzle temperature is between 210 and 220 °C and the build plate temperature is set to 60 °C. These temperatures are the same for both the Ultimaker S5 and Ultimaker 3. Depending on the selected profile in Ultimaker Cura there are small differences in the nozzle temperatures. These have been optimized to print properly with the selected print core size and layer height profile.

Note: The correct temperatures are automatically used based on the printer, nozzle size, and profile you select in Ultimaker Cura.

Adhesion

Tough PLA adheres well to the glass plate, so printing the initial layer is usually easy. For the best results, especially with large prints, it is advised to apply a thin layer of glue (included in the accessory box of your 3D printer) to the glass plate. Printing with Ultimaker Tough PLA doesn’t require any additional accessories.

In Ultimaker Cura the default build plate adhesion type for all Tough PLA profiles is with a brim. This enables even large models to adhere well to the build plate.

Print environment

Tough PLA is an easy-to-print material and therefore does not require additional accessories to create a stable printing environment. However, on the Ultimaker 3, you can use the front enclosure from the Advanced 3D Printing Kit to obtain more consistent and reliable 3D prints.

Health and safety

Ultimaker Tough PLA emits a low level of gases and particles when 3D printed in accordance with the recommended temperatures in the table above. To ensure a comfortable and healthy working environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area.

For more information, download the safety data sheet for Ultimaker Tough PLA here.