Product Description
| Model Item |
PF001 Single Color - Normal |
| Description of goods |
PLA 3D Printer Filament |
| Size(cm) |
1.75±0.03mm |
| Pakcage(Pcs/sets)/ctn |
Customize |
| Carton size(cm) |
Customize |
| Material |
PLA |
| Color |
our stock color or Custom PMS Colors |
Company Profile
About PLA (Polylactic Acid) 3D printer filament
PLA (Polylactic Acid) 3D printer filament is one of the most popular materials used in 3D printing, particularly in desktop Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers. PLA is favored for its ease of use, environmental benefits, and suitability for a wide range of applications. Here's a comprehensive overview of PLA 3D printer filament:
1. Material Composition
- Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like cornstarch, sugarcane, or other plant-based materials. It is composed of lactic acid molecules, which are polymerized to form the PLA resin used in 3D printing.
2. Characteristics of PLA Filament
- Ease of Printing: PLA is known for its low printing temperature (typically between 180°C and 220°C) and minimal warping, making it ideal for beginners and hobbyists. It adheres well to the print bed, often without the need for a heated bed.
- Biodegradability: PLA is biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, breaking down into carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to petroleum-based plastics like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
- Non-Toxic: PLA is generally considered safe and non-toxic, emitting fewer fumes during printing compared to other plastics. This makes it suitable for use in home environments and educational settings.
- Surface Finish: PLA produces a smooth surface finish with good detail and minimal layer visibility, making it ideal for aesthetic and decorative applications.
- Rigidity: PLA is relatively rigid and brittle compared to other 3D printing materials like ABS or PETG. While it offers good strength, it is less flexible and more prone to breaking under stress or impact.
3. Types of PLA Filament
- Standard PLA: The most common type of PLA filament, available in a wide range of colors and diameters (typically 1.75mm or 2.85mm).
- PLA+ (PLA Plus): Enhanced PLA variants that offer improved strength, toughness, and heat resistance compared to standard PLA. PLA+ is often less brittle and better suited for functional parts.
- Silk PLA: PLA filament with a special additive that gives the printed parts a glossy, metallic-like finish, often used for decorative items.
- Wood-Filled PLA: PLA blended with wood fibers, creating a filament that mimics the look and feel of real wood. It can be sanded and stained like wood, making it popular for artistic and design projects.
- Glow-in-the-Dark PLA: PLA filament infused with phosphorescent materials that glow in the dark after being exposed to light. This is often used for novelty items and creative projects.
- Composite PLA: PLA mixed with other materials like metal powders, carbon fiber, or ceramic, giving the filament unique properties like increased strength or aesthetic appeal.
4. Applications
- Prototyping: PLA is commonly used for rapid prototyping due to its ease of use and good dimensional accuracy. It's suitable for creating mockups, models, and functional prototypes.
- Educational Use: Given its non-toxic nature and ease of printing, PLA is a popular choice in educational settings, from schools to universities, for teaching 3D printing.
- Decorative Objects: PLA's smooth finish and availability in a variety of colors make it ideal for printing decorative items, such as vases, figurines, and art pieces.
- Consumer Products: PLA is used to create custom and low-volume consumer products, including phone cases, kitchen utensils, and toys.
- Medical Applications: PLA is biocompatible, making it suitable for some medical applications, such as custom prosthetics, dental models, and surgical guides.
5. Advantages of PLA Filament
- User-Friendly: PLA is easy to print with, requiring minimal adjustments to printer settings. It's less prone to warping, making it suitable for large prints without the need for a heated bed.
- Environmental Benefits: Made from renewable resources and biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, PLA is one of the most eco-friendly 3D printing materials available.
- Versatility: PLA's wide range of variants, from standard to composite filaments, allows for a diverse set of applications, from functional parts to artistic creations.
6. Disadvantages of PLA Filament
- Lower Heat Resistance: PLA has a lower heat deflection temperature (around 60°C to 65°C) compared to materials like ABS or PETG. This makes it unsuitable for parts that will be exposed to high temperatures.
- Brittleness: PLA is more brittle than other thermoplastics, meaning it can crack or shatter under impact or stress, limiting its use in high-stress applications.
- Degradation Over Time: While PLA is biodegradable, this also means it can degrade over time when exposed to moisture and UV light, which may not be ideal for long-term outdoor use.
7. Considerations for Printing with PLA
- Printer Settings: PLA prints best at temperatures between 180°C and 220°C, with a print speed of 30-60 mm/s. Bed temperature is typically not required, but if used, it should be around 40°C to 60°C.
- Storage: PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. It should be stored in a dry, cool place or in an airtight container with desiccants to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to poor print quality.
- Post-Processing: PLA can be sanded, painted, or glued easily, making it suitable for post-processing techniques to achieve the desired finish.
8. Market Trends
- Sustainability Focus: As sustainability becomes increasingly important, the demand for PLA and other biodegradable filaments is growing. More manufacturers are exploring ways to improve the performance and environmental impact of PLA.
- Advancements in PLA Formulations: Research and development are leading to new PLA formulations with enhanced properties, such as increased strength, flexibility, and heat resistance, making PLA more competitive with other engineering-grade materials.
Conclusion
PLA 3D printer filament is a versatile, eco-friendly, and easy-to-use material that is ideal for a wide range of 3D printing applications. Its biodegradability, coupled with its ease of use, makes it a top choice for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike. While it has some limitations, ongoing innovations in PLA formulations continue to expand its potential uses in the world of 3D printing.
FAQ
1. who are we?
We are based in Guangdong, China, start from 2019, sell to Eastern Europe(25.00%),Western Europe(15.00%),Southern Europe(15.00%),North America(12.00%),Northern Europe(11.00%),Central America(9.00%),Southeast Asia(8.00%),South America(5.00%). There are total about 201-300 people in our office.
2. how can we guarantee quality?
Always a pre-production sample before mass production; Always final Inspection before shipment;
3.what can you buy from us?
Eco-Friendly 3D PLA Printer Filament, Silicone Kitchen Utensils,Sustainable Bamboo Fiber Tableware,Recycled PET Plastic Tableware,Reusable Eco Home Products,Pet Supplies,Silicone Baby Feeder and so on.
4. why should you buy from us not from other suppliers?
1. Professional research&design team with over 15 years experience
2. High effeciency & high precision machines
3. OEM&ODM available
4. Quick response&timely after sale service
5. what services can we provide?
Accepted Delivery Terms: FOB,CFR,CIF,EXW,FAS,CIP,FCA,CPT,DEQ,DDP,DDU,Express Delivery,DAF,DES;
Accepted Payment Currency:USD,EUR,JPY,CAD,AUD,HKD,GBP,CNY,CHF;
Accepted Payment Type: T/T,L/C,D/P D/A,MoneyGram,Credit Card,PayPal,Western Union,Cash,Escrow;
Language Spoken:English,Chinese
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