PLA 3D printer is an excellent organic source for desktop 3D printing. It offers high strength, low printing temperatures, and medium durability. Because of its biodegradability, it requires less energy during 3D printing.
In the world of 3D printing, PLA stands out due to its numerous advantages. With this inexpensive and organic filament, users can achieve excellent printability. PLA is manufactured from raw materials such as starch or sugar.
The term “PLA” is derived from polylactic acid, a natural source. Compared to other filaments that contain petroleum-based materials, PLA offers improved and desirable printing characteristics. PLA 3D printer filament comes in various forms.
What is PLA 3D Printer Filament?
Polylactic acid, known as PLA, is an organic material widely used in desktop 3D printing. It is an ideal filament that does not require a heated bed for printing, as it can be printed at low temperatures.
PLA is very inexpensive and easy to use, making it perfect for producing parts for a wide range of applications. PLA is derived from crops like sugar and starch, which makes it biodegradable and energy-efficient. PLA has many properties that make it unique compared to other filaments. It offers standard toughness and delivers smooth printing results.
PLA 3D printer filament has a low printing temperature, typically ranging between 180°C and 230°C, which allows for high-quality results at lower temperatures. PLA filament is also available in a wide variety of colors, making it highly suitable for beginners due to its ease of use.
PLA 3D Printer Filament Technical Specifications
- Temperature: 180°C–230°C
- Heated print bed: Optional
- Strength: High
- Durability: Medium
- Tolerance: 0.05mm
- Flexibility: Low
- Size: 1.75mm
- Heat resistance: 40°C–50°C
- Cooling: Cooling fan is essential
- Filament storage: Airtight container
- Enclosure: Not essential
Important Considerations for 3D Printing with PLA
- Temperature Requirement: The first and most important consideration is temperature. Since PLA has low heat resistance, it is not suitable for high-temperature applications. Under high stress or heat, the filament may deform.
- Food Safety: PLA is food-safe when it is in its raw form, but once it has been 3D printed, it is no longer safe for food contact.
- Filament Leakage: When heated, PLA filament can discharge, causing your printer’s extruder to leak plastic while moving between parts of a print. A cooling fan is essential to mitigate this issue.
Applications
The applications of PLA 3D filament depend on its material properties. PLA is commonly used to make:
- Prototypes
- Pastry molds
- Props
- Containers
It is also used to print:
- Tools
- Jigs and fixtures
Pros and Cons of PLA Filament
Like all filaments, PLA has its advantages and disadvantages, which manufacturers should be aware of before starting a project. Now we move to glimpse at the pros and cons of the pla 3d printer filament.
Pros:
- Easy and environmentally friendly to use
- Biodegradable, requiring less energy during printing
- Prints at low temperatures (180°C–230°C)
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- High glass transition temperature
- Inexpensive
- Odor-free during printing
- Impressive shelf life
- Good strength
- Standard dimensional accuracy
- Medium durability
- Smooth results.
Cons:
- Can ooze and requires cooling fans
- Low heat resistance
- Not ideal for outdoor use
- Filament may become brittle and break
FAQs
- What is PLA?
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a key filament material used in desktop 3D printing. Its low temperature requirements and cost make it ideal for 3D printing. - Is PLA water-soluble?
PLA is an organic material but is not naturally waterproof. However, with the addition of certain elements, it can become waterproof. - For what purposes is PLA filament best?
PLA filament is best suited for desktop 3D printing at low temperatures. It offers high strength but has little flexibility. - Is sunlight harmful to PLA?
Yes, UV light can degrade PLA within 12 hours. Exposing PLA spools to sunlight can cause them to become brittle.
Conclusion
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of PLA 3D printer filament. PLA is derived from raw materials like starch and sugar and is known for its low printing temperature, high strength, and medium durability.
These inexpensive filaments enable users to achieve high-quality desktop 3D printing results without cracking or odor issues. Compared to other filaments, PLA offers excellent printability and smooth surface finishes.
PLA 3D printer filament is widely considered one of the best materials for desktop printing. It does not require any special conditions for use, making it highly accessible. Users can even obtain this material at a low cost. In this article, our topic of discussion is a complete guide to PLA 3D printer filament. We hope you find it helpful.
