Discover Tough PLA, a modified PLA material for FDM 3D printing offering enhanced impact resistance and durability while
maintaining the ease of printing associated with standard PLA.
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:
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
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
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
Offers improved impact resistance and toughness compared to standard PLA, suitable for parts requiring
durability and mechanical strength.
Property
Value, metric
Tensile Strength
Approximately 50 MPa
Tensile Modulus
Approximately 2,700 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)
20%
Flexural Strength
Approximately 80 MPa
Flexural Modulus
Approximately 2,500 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength
Approximately 120 J/m
Shore Hardness
Shore D 80
Characteristics
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 Time
1-4 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
0.05 mm to 0.3 mm
Thermal Properties
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 Coefficient
Approximately 70 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)
65
Max Service Temperature
Up to 55°C before significant deformation may occur
Electrical Properties
Acts as an electrical insulator; suitable for non-conductive 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 Tough 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 Tough PLA, and how does it differ from standard PLA?
Tough PLA is a modified PLA filament with enhanced impact resistance and durability, bridging
the gap between PLA and ABS in terms of mechanical properties.
Is Tough PLA still biodegradable?
Yes, Tough PLA retains the biodegradable properties of standard PLA, being derived from
renewable resources like cornstarch.
Can Tough PLA be used for functional parts?
Yes, its increased toughness makes it suitable for functional prototypes and end-use parts that
require more durability than standard PLA offers.
How does Tough PLA compare to ABS in terms of strength?
Tough PLA offers improved impact resistance over standard PLA but may not match ABS in heat
resistance and flexibility.
Is Tough PLA suitable for outdoor applications?
Like standard PLA, Tough PLA is susceptible to UV degradation and may not be ideal for prolonged
outdoor use without protective coatings.
What are the ideal print settings for Tough PLA?
Print temperatures between 210-230°C, bed temperature of 50-60°C, and standard PLA print speeds
are recommended.
Do I need a heated bed to print with Tough PLA?
A heated bed is recommended to improve adhesion and reduce the risk of warping, although Tough
PLA is less prone to warping than ABS.
Can I use standard PLA print profiles for Tough PLA?
You may need to adjust temperatures slightly higher than standard PLA settings to account for
the modified properties.
Does Tough PLA require an enclosure when printing?
No, an enclosure is not necessary, as Tough PLA has minimal warping and prints well in open
environments.
How does Tough PLA adhere to the print bed?
It adheres well to surfaces like glass, PEI sheets, or with the use of adhesives like glue
sticks for improved adhesion.
Can Tough PLA prints be sanded and painted?
Yes, Tough PLA can be sanded and painted similarly to standard PLA, allowing for smooth finishes
and customization.
Is it possible to glue Tough PLA parts together?
Yes, super glue (cyanoacrylate) works well for bonding Tough PLA parts.
Can Tough PLA be smoothed using chemical solvents?
Chemical smoothing is not effective with PLA-based materials. Mechanical sanding is the
preferred method for surface finishing.
How do I remove support material from Tough PLA prints?
Supports can be removed manually. Using proper support settings can make removal easier without
damaging the part.
Can Tough PLA be annealed to improve its properties?
Annealing can increase heat resistance and strength but may cause dimensional changes. It should
be done carefully.
Why is my Tough PLA print stringing or oozing?
Adjust retraction settings and lower print temperatures to reduce stringing. Tough PLA may
require fine-tuning compared to standard PLA.
How can I improve bed adhesion for Tough PLA prints?
Ensure the bed is clean and level, and consider using a heated bed with adhesives like glue
stick or blue tape.
What causes layer separation in Tough PLA prints?
Layer separation can occur if the print temperature is too low or if cooling is excessive.
Adjust settings accordingly.
Why are my Tough PLA prints brittle?
Moisture absorption can make Tough PLA brittle. Store filament in a dry environment and dry if
necessary.
How do I fix under-extrusion when printing with Tough PLA?
Check for nozzle clogs, ensure proper filament tension, and verify that the extruder is
calibrated correctly.
Can Tough PLA be used in dual-extrusion printers?
Yes, it can be paired with standard PLA or soluble support materials, considering compatible
print temperatures.
How does Tough PLA handle moisture compared to standard PLA?
Tough PLA can be more sensitive to moisture and should be stored properly to maintain print
quality.
Are there different brands or variations of Tough PLA?
Yes, various manufacturers offer their own formulations of Tough PLA, which may have slightly
different properties.
Is Tough PLA suitable for mechanical parts like gears?
It can be used for mechanical parts that require impact resistance but may wear faster than
materials like Nylon for gears.
Can I recycle Tough PLA or mix it with standard PLA for recycling?
Recycling options are limited, and mixing with standard PLA may affect material properties.
Check local recycling capabilities.
Explore Related 3D Printing Materials
This material is used with FDM 3D printing technology. Explore other materials that may suit your project:
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