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PLA

Discover PLA, an eco-friendly thermoplastic popular in FDM 3D printing, known for its ease of use, biodegradability, and excellent surface finish—ideal for prototypes, educational projects, and hobbyist creations.

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Material Name:

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Description:

PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. It is one of the most commonly used materials in FDM 3D printing due to its low printing temperature, minimal warping, and ease of use. PLA offers good tensile strength and produces parts with a smooth surface finish, making it ideal for detailed prototypes, aesthetic models, and educational projects. Its biodegradability and bio-based origin make it an environmentally friendly option compared to petroleum-based plastics. While PLA is not as heat-resistant or impact-resistant as other materials like ABS, it remains a popular choice for applications where mechanical stress is minimal.

Material Type:

Biodegradable Thermoplastic Polymer

Price:

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Available color:

Black
White
Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
Transparent
Metallic

Process compatibility:

  • FDM compatible

Special Properties:

  • Easy to Print
  • Biodegradable
  • Minimal Warping
  • Good Surface Finish

Limitations:

  • Low Heat Resistance
  • Brittle Compared to Other Plastics
  • Limited Mechanical Strength
  • Not Suitable for High-Stress Applications

Material rating

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

Strength4 of 5
Flexibility3 of 5
Detail Resolution3 of 5
Surface Smoothness2 of 5
Heat Resistance4 of 5
Chemical Resistance3 of 5
Ease of Printing2 of 5
Cost Efficiency3 of 5

Applications

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PLA is ideal for creating prototypes, concept models, decorative items, and educational tools where ease of printing and visual appeal are prioritized over mechanical performance. Its low warping tendency and biodegradability make it suitable for hobbyist projects and classroom settings.

Education Applications
  • Classroom models
    Educational tool
  • Student projects
Prototyping Applications
  • Concept models
    Visual prototypes
  • Form and fit testing
Art and Design
  • Sculptures
    Decorative pieces
  • Architectural models
Consumer Products Applications
  • Toys and figurines
    Household items
  • Promotional items
Additional Applications
  • Rapid Prototyping
    Low-Stress Functional Parts
  • Hobbyist Projects
    Mold Patterns

Mechanical Properties

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Offers decent tensile strength with low flexibility, suitable for parts not subjected to mechanical stress.

Property Value, metric
Tensile StrengthApproximately 50 MPa
Tensile ModulusApproximately 3,500 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)6%
Flexural StrengthApproximately 80 MPa
Flexural ModulusApproximately 3,800 MPa
Notched Izod Impact StrengthApproximately 16 J/m
Shore HardnessShore D 83

Characteristics

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Printing with PLA is straightforward and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike. It requires lower extrusion temperatures and does not necessitate a heated bed, though one can be used to improve adhesion. PLA has minimal warping and good layer adhesion, resulting in high-quality prints with fine details and smooth surfaces.

Type Value
Lead Time1-3 business days
Wall ThicknessMinimum 0.8 mm
Tolerance±0.15%, minimum ±0.1 mm
Max Part SizeUp to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height0.05 mm to 0.3 mm

Thermal Properties

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Has a low heat resistance; parts may deform at relatively low temperatures.

Property Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)Approximately 55°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion CoefficientApproximately 68 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)60
Max Service TemperatureUp to 50°C before significant deformation may occur

Electrical Properties

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Acts as an electrical insulator, suitable for non-conductive applications.

Property Value, metric
ESD SafetyStandard PLA is not ESD safe; special ESD-safe variants are rare.
ConductivityNon-conductive; good insulating properties
info-iconNOTE: The provided values are approximate and can vary based on the specific 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 PLA, and why is it popular for 3D printing?
Is PLA environmentally friendly? content-show
Can PLA be used for food-related items? content-show
How does PLA compare to ABS in terms of strength and durability? content-show
Is PLA suitable for outdoor use? content-show