Bambu Lab PLA Aero Filament 1.75mm 1KG – Ultra-Lightweight Foaming PLA for RC & Drones
Bambu Lab PLA Aero is an active foaming PLA filament specifically engineered for lightweight applications like RC planes, drones, and UAVs. During printing, foaming additives sublimate at high temperatures creating tiny bubbles, resulting in parts that are only 50-80% the density of standard PLA. When printing models of the same volume, PLA Aero is approximately half the weight of PLA Basic while maintaining good impact resistance.
Perfect for aerodynamic models, gliders, and any application where weight reduction is critical. The matte surface texture also provides excellent dyeing and painting results for a professional finish.
Bambu Lab PLA Aero Key Features
- 50-80% Density – Dramatically lighter than standard PLA prints
- Active Foaming – Creates internal bubbles for weight reduction
- Impact Resistant – Tougher than wood-PLA, survives crashes
- Tunable Weight – Adjust temp and flow to control foam expansion
- Matte Surface – Excellent for painting and dyeing
- RFID & AMS Compatible – Automatic settings with Bambu systems
Bambu Lab PLA Aero Printing Parameters
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 210-230°C | Higher temp = more foaming |
| Bed Temperature | 45-60°C | Standard PLA bed temp |
| Print Speed | 60-80mm/s | Slower speeds recommended |
| Flow Ratio | ~0.5 (50%) | Lower flow for foaming materials |
| Nozzle Size | 0.4mm / 0.6mm / 0.8mm | Standard nozzle tested |
| Drying | 55°C for 8 hours | Highly moisture sensitive |
Weight Reduction Guide
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Higher Temperature | More foaming = lighter weight, lower density |
| Lower Flow Rate | More expansion = lighter weight |
| Lower Temperature | Less foaming = higher density, stronger |
| Higher Flow Rate | Less expansion = heavier, denser |
Print density can drop to as low as 42% of PLA Basic by tuning these parameters.
PLA Aero vs Standard PLA Comparison
| Property | PLA Aero | PLA Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Print Density | 50-80% (tunable) | 100% |
| Same-Volume Weight | ~50% lighter | Standard |
| Impact Resistance | Better than wood-PLA | Standard |
| Surface Finish | Matte/textured | Smooth/glossy |
| Paintability | Excellent | Good |
PLA Aero Applications
- RC Planes – Lightweight airframes and components
- Drones & UAVs – Weight-critical flight components
- Gliders – Optimal weight distribution for soaring
- Aerodynamic Models – Wind tunnel testing pieces
- Decorative Items – Large prints that need to be light
- Cosplay Props – Large pieces that won’t weigh you down
PLA Aero Printing Tips
- Dry Thoroughly – PLA Aero is highly moisture sensitive; dry before every use.
- Slower Speeds – High-speed printing is not recommended for foaming materials.
- Tune for Weight – Adjust temperature and flow to achieve desired density.
- AMS Caution – Soft filament may cause loading issues; monitor carefully.
- Post-Processing – Matte surface accepts paint and dye better than glossy PLA.
Bambu Lab PLA Aero Specifications
| Brand | Bambu Lab |
| Material | PLA Aero (Active Foaming PLA) |
| Filament Density | 1.24 g/cm³ (similar to regular PLA) |
| Print Density | 50-80% of PLA Basic (tunable) |
| Diameter | 1.75mm ± 0.03mm |
| Net Weight | 1kg per spool |
| RFID Enabled | Yes (AMS compatible) |
Bambu Lab PLA Aero FAQ
Q: How does PLA Aero create lightweight prints?
A: PLA Aero contains foaming additives that sublimate (turn to gas) when heated in the nozzle. This creates tiny bubbles inside the printed material, dramatically reducing density and weight.
Q: How much weight can I save?
A: Depending on settings, prints can be 50-80% the density of standard PLA. At optimal tuning, same-volume prints weigh approximately half as much as PLA Basic.
Q: Is PLA Aero as strong as regular PLA?
A: PLA Aero trades some absolute strength for weight savings, but it’s more impact-resistant than wood-filled PLAs. It’s designed to survive the crashes and hard landings common with RC models.
Q: Why is slower printing recommended?
A: The foaming process requires time to occur properly. High-speed printing doesn’t allow adequate time for the material to expand, reducing the weight-saving effect.
Q: Can I use PLA Aero with the AMS?
A: Yes, but monitor carefully. PLA Aero is relatively soft, which may occasionally cause loading or unloading issues in the AMS.
Related Products
Looking for other lightweight or specialty Bambu Lab filaments? Explore our collections:
- Lightweight Filaments – More weight-saving options
- Bambu Lab PLA – Standard PLA options
- All Bambu Lab Filaments – Browse full range
- RC Plane Supplies – Related RC products



















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