water-soluble support for PLA. water + soap: no chemistry.
PLA is the most-printed material in 3D printing. PVA is the only truly water-soluble support compatible with PLA temperatures (190–220°C). Clean overhang surfaces without mechanical removal.
| Formula | (C₂H₄O)ₙ |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ |
| Tg (glass transition) | 75°C |
| Nozzle temp | 195–215°C |
| Bed temp | 55–65°C |
| Enclosure | no |
| Difficulty | ★★★: intermediate |
Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert
| Formula | (C₂H₄O)ₙ |
|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.19 |
| Tg (°C) | 75 |
| Print ease (0-10) | 4 |
| Tensile (0-10) | 3 |
| Flexibility (0-10) | 4 |
| Impact resistance (0-10) | 3 |
| Heat resistance (0-10) | 5 |
| UV resistance (0-10) | 5 |
| Chemical resistance (0-10) | 1 |
| Cost (0-10) | 5 |
| Safety (0-10) | 9 |
| Finishing (0-10) | 3 |
| Bed adhesion (0-10) | 7 |
| Accuracy (0-10) | 6 |
| Drying temperature (ASTM) | 45-55 °C |
|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature (OrcaSlicer/Bambu) | 220-240 °C |
| Bed temperature (OrcaSlicer/Bambu) | 45-65 °C |
| Property | PVA | ABS | ASA | CF-Filled (PLA/PETG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print ease | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Tensile | 3 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Flexibility | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Impact resistance | 3 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Heat resistance | 5 | 8 | 8 | 3 |
| UV resistance | 5 | 3 | 9 | 4 |
| Chemical resistance | 1 | 6 | 7 | 5 |
| Cost | 5 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Safety | 9 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Finishing | 3 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Bed adhesion | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Accuracy | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Brand | Manufacturer | EUR/kg | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSUN ePVA | eSUN | 40 | budget |
| eSUN PVA | eSUN | 50 | mid |
| Polymaker PolyDissolve M1 | Polymaker | 65 | mid |
| Bambu Support W | Bambu Lab | 70 | mid |
| Ultimaker PVA | Ultimaker | 80 | premium |
Compatible printers: 573