PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament for 3D printers, a biodgradable material, is widely used in everyday life, especially in food packaging and plastic bags. In 3D printing, PLA filament has quickly become the preferred material, aligning with the sustainable, custom production principles of 3D printing.
This bioplastic is mainly produced from natural sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or beet. Designed for industrial-grade biodegradability, 3D printer PLA filament is naturally beige and translucent but often dyed with pigments, which can affect its biodegradability in industrial environments.
A key advantage of PLA filament in 3D printing is its ease of printing. It melts at a relatively low temperature (190 to 220°C), minimizing warping risks and ensuring a smooth, neat surface finish. While it's biodegradable under industrial conditions, a PLA-printed object won't degrade at room temperature.
Post-processing of PLA-printed objects is also straightforward. The material can be easily sanded and bonded with cyanoacrylate glue. Affordable (around €25 for a 1kg spool), PLA filament offers a wide range of colors and formats.
Choosing the right PLA filament for 3D printing can be challenging due to the variety of brands and packaging options. PLA can be mixed with fillers like wood, stone, or metals, potentially limiting its biodegradability.
The main limitation of PLA filament is its limited heat resistance, deforming around 40°C. Variants like PLA x-3 or HD PLA can undergo post-print heat treatment to enhance heat resistance, possibly slightly altering the printed object's dimensions.
For applications requiring high heat resistance, filaments like ABS or PET-G are preferred.
Manufacturing Process of PLA Filament for 3D Printing Originally a staple in packaging, PLA filament's consumption is growing due to interest in environmental alternatives. Initially in the form of 3-4mm translucent pellets, these are delivered in big-bags to PLA filament manufacturers by bioplastic producers, who then transform them into filaments for 3D printers.
karl-Emerik ROBERT