3D Printing Filament Roll PLA

PLA(Poly Lactic Acid) is a special type of thermoplastic made from organic materials, namely cornstarch and sugarcane. The main benefits of PLA are that it is safer and easier to use. Compared to ABS, PLA produces 3D parts which are more aesthetically pleasing. This finish is thanks to its unique sheen and smooth appearance.

The melting point of PLA is much lower than ABS and that makes it weaker. This matters if you are printing moving parts or exposing the parts to high temperatures. Both of these things can result in the 3D objects, cracking, warping or even melting. 

PLA print temperature range: 180°C – 230°C (low)

Applications of PLA 3D Filament

PLA has wide-ranging uses. At the professional level, PLA filament uses include medical stitching. We can also see PLA used for various surgical implants, including surgically implanted pins, rods, screws, and mesh. The applications work thanks to the material’s degradable properties. At the amateur level, PLA filament is great for producing a whole range of consumer items. Other benefits of PLA are that it prints faster than ABS, and there’s no need for a heated printer bed. The end products are a decent strength, durable, and offer some degree of impact resistance. Aside from 3D printing, other products that use PLA include food packaging, disposable tableware, and diapers, as a few examples.

Pros and cons of PLA 3D Filament

Pros

• No harmful fumes, produces a sweet aroma when heated
• Easier to work with compared to ABS (great material for beginners)
• Compared to ABS, PLA is less prone to warping
• Available in special effects like glow-in-the-dark colors and translucency

Cons

• Susceptible to clogging the printer nozzle
• Can attract moisture that makes it potentially brittle and more difficult to print
• Less sturdy overall than ABS