Discover Lightweight PLA—a special-purpose FDM 3D printing thermoplastic designed to produce low-density, lightweight parts
ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial.
Material Name:
Lightweight PLA
Description:
Lightweight PLA is an innovative version of standard PLA (Polylactic Acid) that incorporates foaming
technology to create low-density, lightweight 3D printed parts. Engineered to foam and expand during the
printing process, it reduces the overall weight of printed objects by up to 50% compared to regular PLA.
The foaming behavior is temperature-dependent, allowing users to control the density and weight of the
part by adjusting printing temperatures and speeds. Lightweight PLA retains many of PLA's user-friendly
characteristics, such as ease of printing, low warping, and good surface finish, while offering
significant weight savings. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where weight is a
critical factor, such as in model airplanes, drones, RC cars, and other lightweight structural components.
However, printing with Lightweight PLA may require fine-tuning of parameters to optimize the foaming
effect and achieve the desired balance between weight, strength, and surface quality.
Material Type:
Foaming Thermoplastic (PLA-based)
Price:
Available color:
White
Natural Shades
Process compatibility:
FDM compatible
Special Properties:
Low Density / Lightweight
Temperature-Dependent Foaming
Good Surface Finish
Easy to Sand and Paint
Limitations:
Requires Careful Temperature
Control
Potential for Inconsistent Layer
Adhesion
Lower Strength Compared to Solid
PLA
Limited Color Availability
Material rating
Key Lightweight 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 Smoothness3 of
5
Heat Resistance2 of 5
Chemical Resistance2 of
5
Ease of Printing3 of 5
Cost Efficiency3 of 5
Applications
Lightweight PLA is ideal for producing low-density, lightweight parts where weight
reduction is critical without compromising too much on mechanical properties. It is particularly suited for
models, drones, and RC components that benefit from reduced mass.
Aerospace Modeling Applications
Model airplanes
Drone frames
Glider components
Automotive Modeling Applications
RC car parts
Lightweight prototypes
Aerodynamic testing models
Education and Research Applications
Physics experiments
Structural models
Educational tools
Additional Applications
Lightweight Prototypes
Architectural Models
Hobbyist Projects
Weight-Sensitive Components
Mechanical Properties
Offers reduced weight with moderate strength, suitable for applications where weight savings are
prioritized over maximum strength.
Property
Value, metric
Tensile Strength
Approximately 16 MPa
Tensile Modulus
Approximately 1,800 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)
5%
Flexural Strength
Approximately 30 MPa
Flexural Modulus
Approximately 1,800 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength
Approximately 10 J/m
Shore Hardness
Shore D 70
Characteristics
Printing with Lightweight PLA requires careful management of printing temperatures and
speeds to control the foaming behavior. Higher temperatures increase foaming, reducing density, while lower
temperatures result in less foaming. Adjusting extrusion multipliers may be necessary to achieve optimal
results.
Type
Value
Lead Time
1-4 business days
Wall Thickness
Minimum 1.0 mm
Tolerance
±0.20%, minimum ±0.2 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 standard 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
Acts as an electrical insulator; not suitable for electrical applications.
Property
Value, metric
ESD Safety
Not ESD safe
Conductivity
Non-conductive; insulating properties
NOTE: The provided
values are approximate and can vary
based on the specific Lightweight PLA formulation and
manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data
sheet for precise information.
Find your queries
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
General
Printing
Post-procesing
Troubleshooting
Advanced
What is Lightweight PLA, and how does it differ from standard PLA?
Lightweight PLA is a foaming PLA filament designed to produce low-density, lightweight prints by
expanding during extrusion.
How does the foaming process in Lightweight PLA work?
The filament contains additives that cause it to foam at higher temperatures, reducing density
and weight of the printed part.
Is Lightweight PLA suitable for functional parts?
It's best suited for applications where weight reduction is critical, such as model airplanes or
drones, rather than high-stress functional parts.
Can Lightweight PLA be used with any 3D printer?
It can be used with most FDM printers capable of maintaining consistent temperatures, but may
require fine-tuning of settings.
Is Lightweight PLA biodegradable?
Yes, it retains the biodegradable properties of standard PLA, being derived from renewable
resources.
What are the ideal print settings for Lightweight PLA?
Print temperatures between 210-250°C, bed temperature of 50-60°C, and adjustments to flow rate
and speed to control foaming.
How do I control the foaming behavior of Lightweight PLA?
Higher temperatures increase foaming and reduce density, while lower temperatures decrease
foaming. Adjusting print speed also affects foaming.
Does Lightweight PLA require a heated bed?
A heated bed helps with adhesion but is not strictly necessary, depending on the printer and
print size.
Can I achieve detailed prints with Lightweight PLA?
Fine details may be challenging due to the foaming action. It's better suited for larger, less
detailed parts.
How do I prevent clogging when printing with Lightweight PLA?
Ensure the filament is dry, use a clean nozzle, and adjust print settings to accommodate the
foaming behavior..
Can Lightweight PLA prints be sanded and painted?
Yes, they can be sanded and painted, though the foamed structure may require gentle handling to
avoid damage.
Is it possible to glue Lightweight PLA parts together?
Yes, adhesives suitable for PLA can be used to bond Lightweight PLA parts.
How do I remove support material from Lightweight PLA prints?
Supports can be removed manually, but care must be taken due to the material's lower
strength.
Can Lightweight PLA be annealed?
Annealing is not recommended, as the foamed structure may collapse or deform under heat.
How do I achieve a smooth surface finish on Lightweight PLA prints?
Sanding and applying fillers or primers can help smooth the surface before painting.
Why is my Lightweight PLA print uneven or inconsistent?
Inconsistent foaming due to temperature fluctuations can cause uneven prints. Maintain stable
temperatures and adjust settings.
How can I improve layer adhesion with Lightweight PLA?
Ensure proper print temperatures and adjust flow rates to compensate for the material's
expansion.
What causes bubbles or holes in Lightweight PLA prints?
Over-foaming due to high temperatures can create bubbles or voids. Lower the print temperature
to control foaming.
Why are my Lightweight PLA prints weak or fragile?
The reduced density leads to lower strength. Optimize print settings to balance weight and
structural integrity.
How do I fix stringing and oozing in Lightweight PLA prints?
Adjust retraction settings and lower print temperatures to reduce stringing caused by the
foaming action.
Can I mix Lightweight PLA with standard PLA in dual-extrusion printing?
It's possible, but differences in print temperatures and material behavior may complicate the
process.
Is Lightweight PLA suitable for temperature-sensitive applications?
No, it has similar or lower heat resistance compared to standard PLA and may deform under
heat.
How does humidity affect Lightweight PLA?
Moisture absorption can affect foaming behavior and print quality. Store the filament in a dry
environment.
Are there different grades or types of Lightweight PLA?
Some manufacturers offer variations with different foaming characteristics or densities.
Can Lightweight PLA be recycled or composted?
It is biodegradable like standard PLA but check local recycling and composting
capabilities.
Explore Related 3D Printing Materials
This material is used with FDM 3D printing technology. Explore other materials that may suit your project:
sushant@iamrapid.com
+91
8629044664
Basic
