Material Name:

Conductive PLA

Description:

Conductive PLA is a composite 3D printing filament that blends Polylactic Acid (PLA) with conductive carbon black or graphene fillers. This unique material retains the user-friendly printing characteristics of standard PLA while introducing electrical conductivity, enabling the creation of low-voltage electronic components, circuits, and interactive devices directly from a 3D printer. Conductive PLA allows makers, engineers, and hobbyists to prototype capacitive touch sensors, wearable electronics, and electromagnetic shielding components without the need for traditional wiring or assembly. The material offers good dimensional stability, minimal warping, and a matte black surface finish due to the conductive additives. While it provides moderate conductivity, it is not suitable for high-current applications or replacing conventional conductive materials like copper. Additionally, the presence of conductive fillers can affect the mechanical properties, making the material slightly more brittle than standard PLA.

Material Type:

Conductive Thermoplastic Composite

Price:

Available color:

Black

Process compatibility:

FDM compatible

Special Properties:

Electrically Conductive
Easy to Print
Low Warping
Good Surface Finish

Limitations:

Limited Conductivity
Brittle Compared to Standard PLA
Abrasive to Nozzles
Higher Cost

Key Conductive PLA properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D printing needs.

Strength3 of 5

Flexibility2 of 5

Detail Resolution3 of 5

Surface Smoothness4 of 5

Heat Resistance2 of 5

Chemical Resistance2 of 5

Ease of Printing4 of 5

Cost Efficiency2 of 5

Conductive PLA is ideal for creating 3D printed electronic components, low-voltage circuits, and interactive devices. It enables the integration of conductive pathways within printed parts, facilitating the development of prototypes and educational projects that combine structural and electrical functions.

Electronics Applications

Capacitive touch sensors

Low-voltage circuits
EMI/RFI shielding components

Education Applications

Interactive models

Electronic learning kits
Demonstration tools

Wearable Technology Applications

Conductive traces for wearable devices

Flexible sensors
Smart clothing prototypes

Art and Design Applications

Interactive installations

Light-up sculptures
Functional art pieces

Additional Applications

Prototyping Electronic Devices

Custom Circuit Boards
Electromagnetic Shielding

Capacitive Touch Buttons

Slightly more brittle than standard PLA due to conductive fillers; suitable for low-stress applications.

Property	Value, metric
Tensile Strength	Approximately 25 MPa
Tensile Modulus	Approximately 2,000 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)	2-3%
Flexural Strength	Approximately 40 MPa
Flexural Modulus	Approximately 2,500 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength	Approximately 12 J/m
Shore Hardness	Shore D 75

Characteristics

Printing with Conductive PLA is similar to standard PLA but may require adjustments due to the conductive fillers. A hardened steel nozzle is recommended to prevent abrasion. The material prints at standard PLA temperatures and exhibits good bed adhesion and low warping.

Type	Value
Lead Time	2-5 business days
Wall Thickness	Minimum 1.0 mm
Tolerance	±0.15%, minimum ±0.1 mm
Max Part Size	Up to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height	0.1 mm to 0.3 mm

Thermal Properties

Similar to PLA with low heat resistance; parts may deform at temperatures above 50°C.

Property	Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)	Approximately 55°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient	Approximately 70 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)	65
Max Service Temperature	Up to 50°C before significant deformation may occur

Electrical Properties

Provides electrical conductivity suitable for low-voltage applications and capacitive sensing.

Property	Value, metric
ESD Safety	Not suitable for ESD-sensitive applications without proper grounding.
Conductivity	Surface resistivity typically around 15 Ω·cm to 1,000 Ω·cm

NOTE: The provided values are approximate and can vary based on the specific Conductive PLA formulation and manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data sheet for precise information.

Find your queries

Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)

What is Conductive PLA, and how does it differ from standard PLA?: Conductive PLA is a composite filament that combines standard PLA with conductive additives like carbon black or graphene, allowing it to conduct electricity to some extent. It retains the ease of printing of PLA while introducing electrical conductivity.

What are the primary applications of Conductive PLA?: It's used for creating low-voltage circuits, capacitive touch sensors, electromagnetic shielding, and other electronic components in prototypes and interactive projects.

How conductive is Conductive PLA?: Conductive PLA has higher resistivity compared to metals, typically ranging from 15 Ω·cm to 1,000 Ω·cm. It's suitable for low-current applications but not for high-power electrical components.

Is Conductive PLA safe to handle and print?: Yes, it is generally safe to handle and print with standard safety precautions. However, due to conductive additives, it may be slightly abrasive, so using a hardened nozzle is recommended.

Can Conductive PLA be used in standard FDM printers?: Yes, Conductive PLA can be used in most FDM printers without significant modifications, though adjustments to settings may be necessary to optimize print quality.

What are the ideal print settings for Conductive PLA?: Print temperatures between 210-230°C, bed temperature of 50-60°C, and slower print speeds of 30-50 mm/s are recommended. Using a hardened steel nozzle is advised due to abrasiveness.

Do I need to adjust printer settings compared to standard PLA?: Yes, you may need to slightly increase the print temperature and slow down the print speed to account for the conductive additives.

Does Conductive PLA require a heated bed?: A heated bed at around 50-60°C can improve adhesion but is not strictly necessary.

How can I prevent nozzle wear when printing with Conductive PLA?: Use a hardened steel or wear-resistant nozzle to prevent abrasion caused by the conductive fillers.

Can Conductive PLA be printed with fine nozzles for detailed work?: It's recommended to use a nozzle size of at least 0.4 mm to prevent clogging due to the particle size of conductive additives.

Can Conductive PLA prints be soldered?: Direct soldering is not recommended as the heat can deform the plastic. Instead, conductive adhesives or low-temperature soldering techniques can be used.

How do I connect electronic components to Conductive PLA parts?: Components can be attached using conductive paint, conductive epoxy, or by designing slots and connectors into the print.

Can Conductive PLA prints be painted or coated?: Painting over Conductive PLA can insulate the surface, reducing conductivity. If painting is necessary, mask off areas that need to remain conductive.

Is it possible to sand or drill Conductive PLA prints?: Yes, but care should be taken to avoid damaging the conductive pathways, and always use proper safety equipment to handle fine particles.

How do I clean Conductive PLA prints?: Clean with a dry cloth or compressed air. Avoid using solvents that could affect the material's properties.

Why is my Conductive PLA print failing to conduct electricity?: Poor conductivity can result from insufficient layer adhesion, contamination, or incorrect print settings. Ensure optimal printing parameters and clean filament.

How can I improve layer adhesion with Conductive PLA?: Increase print temperature slightly, ensure proper bed leveling, and slow down print speeds to enhance layer bonding.

What causes brittle Conductive PLA prints?: Excessive cooling or printing at too low temperatures can make prints brittle. Adjust settings to maintain material integrity.

Why is my nozzle clogging when printing with Conductive PLA?: Clogs can occur due to the conductive particles. Use a larger nozzle size (0.4 mm or larger) and ensure the filament is dry.

How do I reduce stringing and oozing with Conductive PLA?: Fine-tune retraction settings, lower print temperatures, and consider enabling wipe and coasting settings in your slicer.

Can I mix Conductive PLA with other filaments in dual-extrusion printing?: Yes, you can combine Conductive PLA with standard PLA or other materials to create prints with both conductive and insulating areas.

How does humidity affect Conductive PLA filament?: Like regular PLA, Conductive PLA is hygroscopic. Moisture absorption can affect print quality and conductivity. Store filament in a dry environment.

Is Conductive PLA suitable for EMI/RFI shielding applications?: It can provide some level of electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio-frequency interference (RFI) shielding but is less effective than metals.

Can Conductive PLA be used for capacitive touch sensors?: Yes, it's ideal for creating capacitive touch interfaces due to its ability to conduct small electrical charges.

Is it possible to recycle Conductive PLA?: Recycling options are limited due to the conductive additives. Disposal should follow local regulations for composite materials.

Related Articles

3D Printing Concepts

Related Articles

Industries

Industries

Related Articles

3D Printing Concepts

3D Printing Concepts

Related Articles

3D Printing Concepts

3D Printing Concepts

3D Printing Concepts

Related Articles

Industries

Industries

Industries

Industries

Related Articles

Prototyping

Basic

Industries

Services

Material

Company

Resources

Material Name:

Conductive PLA

Description:

Material Type:

Conductive Thermoplastic Composite

Price:

Available color:

Process compatibility:

Special Properties:

Limitations:

Applications

Electronics Applications

Education Applications

Wearable Technology Applications

Art and Design Applications

Additional Applications

Characteristics

Thermal Properties

Electrical Properties