Polylactic Acid(PLA) is one of the most common 3D printing materials. Because of its unique properties, its status and application in additive manufacturing are increasing daily.
Let’s take a look at how this material is combined with 3D printing, and how it compares with other materials.
Is Polylactic Acid Biodegradable?
PLA is a bio-based thermoplastic material primarily derived from the fermentation of renewable plant resources.
| PLA | |
| Chemical Formula | |
| Raw Material |
|
| Appearance |
|
| Synthesize Method |
|
| Density | 1.20-1.30 g/cm³ |
| Glass Transition Temperature | Approximately 60°C |
| Melting Point | 155-185°C |
| General Processing Temperature | 170～230℃ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.025 W/(m·K) |
| Tensile Strength | 40-60 MPa |
| Stiffness | 3000-4000 MPa |
| Solubility |
|
| Transparency | Ideal for products requiring a transparent effect |
| Acid and alkali stability |
|
| Thermal Stability |
|
| Abrasion resistance | Suited for applications requiring a low coefficient of friction |
| Chemical resistance |
|
| Photostability |
|
| Oxidative stability |
|
| Additive compatibility | Compatible with various additives such as plastic, fillers, dyes, stabilizers, etc. |
Biodegradability
PLA is considered an environmentally friendly material because it is derived from renewable resources and is biodegradable.
In addition, it has certain antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility, which makes it widely used in the medical field.
While it is often marketed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics, the term biodegradable can be somewhat misleading.
- In Industrial Composting Facilities: PLA can break down effectively within a few months under the right conditions(Temperatures above 58°C and high humidity), turning into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter.
- In typical landfill environments: The breakdown process can take much longer, sometimes several years.
Moreover, for PLA to decompose efficiently, it requires specific temperature and humidity levels that are not commonly found in natural settings.
3D Printing PLA
Drawbacks and Benefits of 3D Printing PLA
Environmentally friendly
PLA is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics. It is a preferred choice for both hobbyists and professionals looking to minimize their environmental impact.
Easy to Print
The ease of use property makes PLA a widely used material. It adheres well to the print bed, reducing the chances of warping and allowing for more accurate prints.
Additionally, PLA emits a pleasant, sweet smell(harmless) when heated, making the printing process more enjoyable.
Poor Thermal Properties
However, it’s essential to note that while PLA is suitable for many applications, it does have limitations. It tends to be less heat-resistant than other materials, making it unsuitable for high-temperature environments.
How to do 3d printing with PLA filament?
- Check Printer: Ensure you have a compatible 3D printer. Most printers can handle PLA, but it’s always good to check the specifications.
- Prepare a 3D model: Usually this step is finished with slicing software, which converts the design into a format suitable for printing.
- Adjust settings: Such as layer height, print speed, cooling fan setting, and printing temperature(typically around 190-220°C) for good printing quality.
- Load: Put the PLA filament into the printer’s extruder. Make sure the filament is properly fed and free from tangles.
- Start Printing: Start the process and monitor it for any issues, especially during the first few layers, as they are crucial for adhesion.
- Time to Cool: After the print is complete, allow it to be properly cooled before removing the 3D printed part from the print bed.
- Post-processing: Use techniques like sanding or painting for a polished finish.
Common Applications of PLA 3D Printing
Manufacturers use PLA for many industries and a wide range of applications.
Automotive
Manufacturers utilize the lightweight nature of PLA to create:
- Rapid prototypes for design iterations and testing
- Custom parts
- Components that require durability without adding excessive weight to vehicles
Consumer Goods
PLA is commonly used to produce items like:
- Household products
- Toys
Its biodegradable properties appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, making it a popular choice for brands looking to enhance their sustainability efforts.
The vibrant colors and smooth finishes achievable with PLA also contribute to its appeal in this sector.
Medical
PLA is a valuable material for advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes. Its biocompatibility allows for safe interaction with human tissues.
It is employed for creating:
- Implants
- Surgical tools
- Anatomical models
ABS vs PLA for 3D Printing
If you want to know more about ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic its properties and its advantages, please click here.
And here is its impact on cost and environment.
| Attribution | ABS Filament | PLA |
| Source | Synthetic from three substances | Derived from renewable resources |
| Strength and Durability | Better(Good impact resistance) | Worse(More Brittle) |
| Print Difficulty | Harder | Easier |
| Suited application |
|
|
| Heat Resistance | Better(Higher Melting Point) | Worse |
| Heated Bed | Require a heated bed to prevent warping | No need |
PLA vs PETG
If you are interested in PETG(Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified) and how it is being used in additive manufacturing, please click here.
| Attribution | PETG | PLA |
| Eco-Friendly |
|
|
| Use Difficulty |
|
|
| Durability | Offers good strength and flexibility | Not durable |
| In high-temperature application | Higher resistance to heat | Not suitable |
| Chemical Resistance | Better in more demanding conditions | Worse |
| Suited Prints | Functional parts | Custom Parts |
ASA vs PLA
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) and PLA are two popular materials used in 3D printing, each with distinct characteristics and applications.
| Attribution | ASA | PLA |
| Use difficulty | Relatively Harder | Easier to print for beginners |
| Suited Parts |
|
|
| Flexibility | Relatively worse |
|
| Weather Resistance | Good(can withstand UV exposure and high temperatures) | Relatively Worse |
| Mechanical Strength | Good durability | Relatively Worse |
PLA vs Resin
Resin is often associated with SLA printing. If you are interested in this technology, please click here.
And here are links to FDM printing(click here), and SLS printing(click here).
| Attribution | Resin | PLA |
| Technology often associated with | SLA (Stereolithography) | FDM(Fused deposition molding) SLS(Selective Laser Sintering) |
| Surface Finish | Superior detail and smoother finishes | Create minimal warping during painting |
| Precision | Create complex geometries and fine details | Not as precise in details |
| Suited Parts |
|
|
| Cost | Higher | More affordable |
| Post-Processing | Require | Seldom require |
PLA vs PLA+ Filament
PLA+ is an enhanced version of PLA. However, this upgrade is not all-encompassing, and makers still need to choose the right filament for the situation.
| Attribution | PLA+ | PLA |
| Impact resistance | Better | Worse |
| Overall Strength | Better | Worse |
| Brittleness | Reduced | High |
| Layer Adhesion | Improved by additives | Relatively worse |
| Printing temperature | Require Higher temperature | Prefer Low Temperature |
| Price | More expensive | cheaper |
Best 3D Printer PLA Filament
In conclusion, PLA is one of the most widely used materials to use in 3D printing. It was made from renewable resources and a variety of applications and end-use parts benefited from PLA.
3D Printing Shop Near Me
As the world’s leading digital manufacturing platform, PLA has been used as a 3D printing material for XMAKE for a long time. Our manufacturers have rich experience in dealing with PLA’s properties.
Apart from PLA, we can also handle many different materials like ABS, PETG, PP, PE, Inconel, Casting resin, and stainless steel.
FAQS About Polylactic Acid
Q1: What are the best practices for setting the right temperature when 3D printing with PLA?
A: The right temperature for extruding PLA typically ranges from 180°C to 220°C.
It’s essential to start at a lower temperature and gradually increase it to find the optimal setting for your specific printer and PLA brand. It ensures high-quality prints and dimensional accuracy.
Q2: How can I prevent stringing and oozing while printing with PLA?
A: To minimize stringing and oozing, adjust your retraction settings in your slicer software. Increasing the retraction distance and speed can help pull the filament back into the nozzle during non-print moves.
Additionally, maintaining the right temperature and using an enclosure can further reduce these issues.
Q3: Can PLA be used for applications requiring higher durability, or is nylon a better choice?
A: While PLA is a go-to material for many applications due to its ease of printing, it may not be suitable for high-durability applications.
Nylon is known for its strength and flexibility, making it a better choice for applications requiring higher performance. However, PLA can also be blended with other materials to enhance its properties.
Q4: What is the benefit of using a glue stick on the print bed when using PLA?
A: Applying a glue stick to the print bed can enhance adhesion for PLA prints, helping to keep the first layer in place.
This is particularly useful for prints with a large surface area or when printing on materials that may not provide adequate adhesion on their own.
Q5: Are there any specific hardware requirements for printing with PLA on a desktop 3D printer?
A: Most desktop 3D printers can handle PLA filament without any special modifications.
However, ensuring your printer has a high-quality nozzle and is capable of maintaining the right temperature is essential for achieving optimal results.
Additionally, having a heated bed can be beneficial for larger prints.
Reference
- Advances in Lactic Polyacid Processing for 3D Printing, Journal of Manufacturing Processes – X-MOL.(n.d.). https://www.x-mol.com/paper/1749282840428384256/t?adv
- Application of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Powder in SLS 3D Printing|Shenzhen Guanghua Weiye Co. (n.d.). https://www.brightcn.net/Company/News-822.html
