I have been printing with PLA for awhile now. I am using the stock G firmware, Slic3r, and modded 1.1.29.42 ver of XYZware. I started with simple mods using kapton tape to create a better air duct/shroud to basically close off the gaps around the extruder fan forcing more air around the filament barrel. This still required the top to be open and usually required an external fan blowing in to help cool. I have since created a replacement fan mount/shroud for the extruder fan and added heat sinks to the extruder. I can now print in PLA with the door and top closed without any issues.
Here are some pictures of my mods that allow me to print with PLA including my initial tape shroud that has been replaced with the printed fan mount/shroud. I have tested several colors of "Gizmo Dorks" PLA from Amazon and some Shaxon translucent yellow PLA that I picked up at Fry's. Gizmo Dorks filament is affortable and both ABS and PLA print great in my printer. The Shaxon prints ok but the print quality doesn't compare to Gizmo's. I also included a few quick test prints pictures. Both were printed at higher than normal speeds.
I am currently working on mods that replace the stock nozzle/block with a generic heater block with interchangeable nozzles. I have a .2mm nozzle on my printer at the moment. (not pictured or in the video). I will try to post pictures of my latest mods when I have it apart again. My next challenge is to be able to print NinjaFlex!
All of my printable DaVinci parts are on Thingiverse dot com /sedzen/designs
I also have a Youtube video showing my Modded XYZprinting Da Vinci 1.0 printing PLA (search youtube for "sedzen da vinci")
Post's attachmentsExt Fan.jpg 1.38 mb, 2 downloads since 2014-09-03
Heat Sinks.jpg
Heat Sinks.jpg 1.68 mb, 1 downloads since 2014-09-03
Octo.jpg 1.21 mb, 1 downloads since 2014-09-03
PLA Fan.jpg 1.34 mb, 1 downloads since 2014-09-03
Tape Duct.jpg
Tape Duct.jpg 1.5 mb, 1 downloads since 2014-09-03
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