Eager to know or perhaps you have been asked – what is PLA in 3d printing? Well, here we will share all we have discovered on PLA in 3d printing and how it is applied to achieve the desired result by a user.
With our expository in previous articles, it is no longer news that the art of 3d printing goes beyond being artistic.
We can agree that the power of 3D printing lies in the ability to not just create excellent model objects on screen but in the ability to produce these nearly impossible designs in reality as to enhance functionality and performance.
This also implies that it’s pertinent that users of 3d printers can evaluate different technologies and processes, as well as make appropriate choice of materials selection and capabilities ideal for each design.
This is largely where this article compiled to answer the question ‘what is PLA in 3d printing?’ comes in. So, without further ado, let’s get on it.
What is PLA?
PLA is an acronym for (polylactic acid), it is also a widely used plastics in the additive manufacturing sector, unlike many other material options available on the market. After its invention in 1930 by Chemist. Wallace Carothers, who also happens to be the founder of nylon and neoprene.
PLA is a material that has proven to be an asset in filament or pellet form, for desktop 3D printers or for more industrial solutions. PLA is often preferred as a more sustainable thermoplastic because it is sourced from natural and renewable resources unlike petroleum.
Also, it has somewhat more eco-friendly potential, and has spread to a variety of industries and applications.
In this guide we will learn all about this material, including its characteristics, ease of printing, some applications as well as the main manufacturers in the market.
Characteristics of PLA
PLA is made from organic and renewable resources materials like earlier stated, such as corn starch, sugarcane and tapioca roots. Polymer production is possible through the fermentation of carbohydrate sources.
The natural product is grinded to enable starch separation from corn, then it is blended with acid or lactic monomers. Once this is done, the starch is split into dextrose (D-glucose) or corn sugar.
Finally, glucose fermentation produces the basic component of PLA which is L-lactic acid.
This results in an eco-friendly and renewable material that, depending on temperature and humidity conditions, can become biodegradable.
PLA is manufactured from renewable materials such as corn starch, but the full ability that it is biodegradable is still debated in recent years.
With the sustainability of the material and its environmental impact being questioned.
Yes, it’s true that plastic is obtained from renewable resources, but to decompose, the actions of living organisms that enable decomposition depend on certain aerobic conditions.
This means that PLA will degrade rapidly when subjected to industrial composting processes. Otherwise, it may take up to 80 years to decompose in the open.
Also, PLA in 3D printing has a characteristic that makes it to be considered a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid. Which means that its viscosity (resistance to flow) changes depending on the stress to which it is subjected.
Therefore, it has an undefined viscosity value, rather varies according to manufacturing conditions.
The Role of PLA in 3D Printing
No doubts, the role of PLA in 3D printing remains major, and is a regularly used material in FFF 3D printing, especially by those who are starting off in the 3D industry, due to its easy print ability.
It can generally be found in filament form, as well as pellet or granule form, and although the material feed source and the melting system changes depending on the PLA format, the characteristics of the material and the final parts will not vary from one type to another.
But we be talking more on PLA in filament form, as it is the most common form in which it is usually found.
PLA is considered a semi-crystalline polymer having a melting temperature of 170-180°C, which is relatively low compared to its ABS filament counterpart that melts at a temperature between 200 – 260°C.
This low melting point for PLA removes its need to use a heated tray and an enclosed printing chamber.
Also, the filament has great performance by combining high printing speed with fairly sharp edges, it provides the material with proper cooling abilities.
Also, the resulting parts may come off with a very low deformability.
PLA has a higher viscosity than other standard thermoplastics, which can lead to clogging if handled carelessly.
Well, PLS and ABS as we know are not the only filament forms for 3D printing. There’s a ton of options in the marketplace and countless material options available, such as PLA vs. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), ASA, PLX, PRO HT, HI-TEMP, Carbon Fiber, Bio-ABS, and more.
Additionally, the PLA filaments have a shelf life of at least 1 year if stored at 15 to 25°C. If we compare PLA with ABS, another of the most commonly used thermoplastics in FDM 3D printing, we will agree that, the strength and flexibility differs between the former and the latter and one is less susceptible to warping.
Even so, it is most recommended to use PLA in parts that do not have high mechanical complexity, because working with it is much easier.
Also, where post-processing is involved, PLA generally will require simple steps. When removing parts, you may encounter problems with the adhesion of the first print layer.
We recommend you use special adhesives on the printing plate to facilitate the removal of the parts.
To improve the surface condition of the parts, if necessary, the user can sand them and treat them with acetone.
Applications of PLA in 3D Printing
As outlined above, PLA is a relatively accessible plastic that is easy to use in 3D printing, especially among makers.
But like everything else, it has disadvantages. Its properties result in fragile printed parts that are not so durable and are sensitive to sunlight and high temperatures.
This is why it is used primarily for creating decorative elements, gadgets and toys, and several industries use this thermoplastic for prototyping.
Companies that use PLA in 3D printing get to save lot of money, although it’s not always the first option. It can also be used by automotive manufacturers to create some cars or for certain elements of the dashboard.
However, it is important to note that PLA has a low glass transition temperature, and so it is discouraged for food industries to create cups that should contain hot liquids. But it is food contact safe, and is widely used in packaging.
PLA Filament Prices
The price of PLA filament varies currently depending on the colors and characteristics sought.
Hybrid filaments like wood or fiber reinforced filaments are constantly on a price increament considerably.
Nevertheless, the price of a standard filament generally lies between 20 and 70 euros per kilogram.