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Tough PLA

Discover Tough PLA, a modified PLA material offering enhanced impact resistance and durability while maintaining the ease of printing associated with standard PLA.

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Material Name:

Tough PLA

Description:

Tough PLA is a specially formulated version of standard Polylactic Acid (PLA) designed to offer increased toughness, impact resistance, and durability. By modifying the polymer structure or adding impact modifiers, Tough PLA achieves mechanical properties closer to those of ABS while retaining the user-friendly characteristics of PLA, such as low warping, minimal shrinkage, and ease of printing without a heated bed. It provides an excellent balance between strength and flexibility, making it suitable for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and end-use applications that require enhanced durability. Tough PLA also maintains the biodegradability of standard PLA and produces parts with a smooth surface finish, accommodating post-processing techniques like sanding and painting. This material is ideal for users seeking improved mechanical performance without the printing challenges associated with materials like ABS or Nylon.

Material Type:

Modified Biodegradable Thermoplastic Polymer

Price:

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Available color:

Black
White
Red
Blue
Green
Gray

Process compatibility:

  • FDM compatible

Special Properties:

  • High Impact Resistance
  • Enhanced Durability
  • Easy to Print
  • Minimal Warping

Limitations:

  • Lower Heat Resistance Compared to ABS
  • Slightly Less Rigid Than Standard PLA
  • Not Suitable for High-Temperature Applications
  • Limited Chemical Resistance

Material rating

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

Strength4 of 5
Flexibility3 of 5
Detail Resolution4 of 5
Surface Smoothness4 of 5
Heat Resistance3 of 5
Chemical Resistance2 of 5
Ease of Printing5 of 5
Cost Efficiency4 of 5

Applications

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Tough PLA is ideal for producing durable prototypes, mechanical parts, and end-use components that require increased impact resistance and strength without the complexities of printing with materials like ABS. Its enhanced mechanical properties make it suitable for functional applications across various industries.

Automotive Applications
  • Prototype parts
    Clips and fasteners
  • Interior components
Consumer Products Applications
  • Durable gadgets
    Protective cases
  • Toy components
Education Applications
  • Functional models
    Robotics parts
  • Mechanical assemblies
Manufacturing Aids Applications
  • Jigs and fixtures
    Tooling components
  • Custom equipment parts
Additional Applications
  • Functional Prototypes
    Mechanical Parts
  • Snap-Fit Parts
    End-Use Products

Mechanical Properties

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Offers improved impact resistance and toughness compared to standard PLA, suitable for parts requiring durability and mechanical strength.

Property Value, metric
Tensile StrengthApproximately 50 MPa
Tensile ModulusApproximately 2,700 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)20%
Flexural StrengthApproximately 80 MPa
Flexural ModulusApproximately 2,500 MPa
Notched Izod Impact StrengthApproximately 120 J/m
Shore HardnessShore D 80

Characteristics

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Printing with Tough PLA is straightforward and user-friendly, similar to standard PLA. It does not require a heated bed and exhibits low warping and good layer adhesion. Tough PLA allows for higher printing speeds and produces parts with a smooth surface finish. It is compatible with most FDM printers and is ideal for users seeking improved mechanical performance without additional printing challenges.

Type Value
Lead Time1-4 business days
Wall ThicknessMinimum 1.0 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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Similar to standard PLA with moderate heat resistance; parts may deform at higher temperatures.

Property Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)Approximately 60°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion CoefficientApproximately 70 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)65
Max Service TemperatureUp to 55°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 SafetyNot ESD safe
ConductivityNon-conductive; insulating properties
info-iconNOTE: The provided values are approximate and can vary based on the specific Tough 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 Tough PLA, and how does it differ from standard PLA?
Is Tough PLA still biodegradable? content-show
Can Tough PLA be used for functional parts? content-show
How does Tough PLA compare to ABS in terms of strength? content-show
Is Tough PLA suitable for outdoor applications? content-show