Filaments are amongst the essential 3D printing elements as we cannot design any article without them. A 3D filament may come in a plastic form or any other material other than plastic.

This blog aims to help you study the properties of PLA 3D printing filament, so, you can easily differentiate it with other available products in the market.

What is PLA?

PLA or Polylactic acid is a prominent leader of the 3D printing industry. For all the right reasons, PLA is one of the most widely used and suggested material for desktop 3D printers. It has the rightness of being odor-free and low-warp. It does not need a heated bed PLA is the primary natural material used in 3D printing made of thermoplastic aliphatic polyester. It is, thus, one of the most environmentally friendly printer materials available.

PLA is, moreover, a is a vegetable-based plastic material and uses cornstarch as a raw material. PLA is an entirely biodegradable thermoplastic polymer consisting, which needs less energy to process compared to conventional plastics.

Amongst all 3D printing materials, PLA is one of the most prominent additive manufacturing materials.

PLA Plastic and 3D Printing

PLA is used in 3D printing using FDM technology together with ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). This material is one of the primary elements of this process. These plastic materials are often compared because they are the two choices available to consumer printers. PLA plastic is simple-to-use.

Over the years, a variety of PLA filaments have been created that we get to see in the industry. We can safely say the possibilities offered by PLA seem endless.

Application and Advantages of PLA

APPLICATION:

PLA comes in a spool-shaped wire form. It is fed into the extruder head where plastic is melted and are deposited in fine falls on the printing tray. As the material is transparent in its original form, it is used to make objects adding different colors and texture. Once cooled, PLA contracts less than ABS material, which gives it excellent sculptural flexibility during the production process.

PLA can be useful in product design as it can be used for rapid prototyping. However, the main uses are toys, figurines, non-functional prototypes, to name a few.

ADVANTAGES:

PLA material has many significant benefits, which is precisely why this is the most common plastic material for 3D desktop printers. PLA filaments can fit in much different application for one good reason, i.e., it comes in various shades and styles.

why IS PLA Good for 3D PRINTING?

As we read above, PLA is one of the conventional plastics used on 3D printing. PLA filament for 3D printing is also available in different colors and shades.

PLA 3D printing is a favorite concept, serving the satisfaction of the purpose of cost-effective, non-petroleum synthetic production. Durability and natural degradation are the main advantages of PLA when examined in different environmental conditions.

WHAT ARE the features of PLA?

Now that we know, what is PLA and how PLA 3D printing is a popular idea, below are the few features of PLA 3D printing filament:

• It is biodegradable and does not emit any ultra-fine particles (UFCs).
• Extrusion temperatures may vary between 160 and 220 ° C, depending on specifications and color.
• PLA printed parts are somewhat lustrous.
• PLA is less prone to print warping.
• PLA is more soggy and sticky than ABS material.
• The heat deflection point of PLA is at around 60 ° C.
• PLA requires more pressure in extruding because of increased friction coefficient.
• PLA has a bright and promising future, as it is a new and advanced introduction in the printer world.
• The filament of PLA is fragile.
• It is a choicest 3D printer material for newcomers for active printing and insignificant warp.

When to use PLA 3D Printer Filament?

The valid question, in this case, might be when not to use PLA. PLA is fragile when compared with other 3D printer filaments, so it is advised to avoid using it when the products may be bent, twisted, and dropped continuously in the making process.

It should also be avoided for products to withstand higher temperatures, as PLA appears to bend about 60 ° C or higher temperatures. PLA makes an excellent choice in 3D printer filament for all other applications.

If you are looking for fairly-priced, top-quality 3D printing filaments in Toronto, we can help. As a leading filament store in Canada, we carry a wide range of products, including PLA 3D printing filaments, ABS material, and more. We also have carbon 3D printer and other accessories.

Browse through our selection and shop products that suit your needs. We offer a low price guarantee to make your shopping experience worry-free!

Also Read:

Top Benefits of Different Types of PLA Metal Filaments

Things to Consider When Choosing 3D Printing Filament

Popular Types of 3D Printing Filament for 3D Printers