[3D Printing Knowledge] Comprehensive Guide to PLA Properties for Finer Prints!
PLA is currently the most popular FDM 3D printing material. This polylactic acid material is biodegradable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to print. Understanding its properties quickly will make your 3D prints even more perfect. Hundreds of color combinations are already available on the market, and while intuitive use can also be successful, we have compiled some key points that we hope will inspire you with new ideas for your creations.
．Basic Properties
PLA is the easiest material to print. Even without complex parameter settings, it offers advantages such as adaptability to temperature, low warping, and a milder printing odor. Aside from industrial needs, many users have only ever used PLA for 3D printing. If you are new to 3D printing, this is the best starting point! Its 3D printing quality is also more stable, making it an ideal choice for art models and industrial prototypes.
In terms of raw materials, PLA can be easily mixed with pigments, for example, there are gradient-colored filaments available on the market. Except for certain industrial applications that require significant load-bearing and durability, PLA can handle most basic everyday applications, and its durability has improved in recent years. For instance, the latest Ultimaker Tough PLA offers strength close to ABS while being easy to print.
．Low Heat Resistance
Of course, no material is perfect. PLA has poor heat resistance; while it varies between manufacturers and blends, it typically softens between 50°C and 60°C. Using PLA improperly in environments requiring fire resistance, hot water, or even direct sunlight can be dangerous. Additionally, its biodegradable nature is a double-edged sword. In a typical indoor environment, biodegradation is almost negligible. However, in some outdoor environments, continuous high temperatures and pressure, humidity, and other conditions suitable for microbial growth can make PLA products brittle. Using other materials like ABS, CPE, and PC is more suitable for these locations.
．Food Safety
Current PLA filaments are still not recommended for direct food contact. In their natural state, the composition of mixtures changes with additives and pigments. While some special blends are food-safe, the stacked texture produced by FFF printing characteristics can harbor microscopic bacteria. Therefore, for manufacturing tableware, the recommended approach is to 3D print a prototype and then use the final product for silicone molding or cast it with compliant materials. (Further reading: 3D Printing "Perfect" Molds)
．Nozzle temperature: 190-220°C
．Bed temperature: 0°C (with blue tape) or 50-70°C
．Printing speed: 10-100 mm/s (this depends on the 3D printer's capabilities)
．Bed temperature: 0°C (with blue tape) or 50-70°C
．Printing speed: 10-100 mm/s (this depends on the 3D printer's capabilities)
As with other materials, before starting to print, ensure your print bed is level and clean. If the object has difficulty adhering to the print bed, you may need to provide more detailed settings for the first layer. (The above are common reference values for PLA printing. If your 3D printer already has PLA parameters, you can usually use them directly.)
．PLA Post-Processing
(I) Cutting and Sanding
．Physical methods:
Sanding, drilling, and cutting can be performed, but be careful to avoid softening due to friction heat, which could deform the PLA. For example, when drilling with power tools, allow the 3D print and tool to cool down intermittently. For sanding, use wet sanding (with wet sandpaper or rinsing) to prevent overheating.．Physical methods:
．Chemical methods:
PLA 3D prints can be smoothed using various methods. If you prefer not to sand or clean dust, polishing is also an option. For example, the specialized filament from PolySmooth can be surface-polished with alcohol. When paired with a Polysher alcohol polishing machine, it can generate uniform vapor particles, resulting in a smooth and even surface.
(II) Assembling Objects
PLA is easy to color and glue. Most paints (spray paint, acrylic paint, etc.) and adhesives (super glue, foam glue, etc.) can be used, making PLA an ideal choice for props and decorative parts. Considering the unique 3D printing texture, when using acrylic paint, it's recommended to apply it layer by layer, allowing each layer to dry, as shown in the Minion example below.
Regarding assembled parts, the latest dual-extruder printers offer different options. Support material is automatically calculated for the hollow parts of movable components, allowing for the creation of integrated movable structures without the need for adhesive and with greater testing capabilities. Alternatively, consider modeling methods before 3D printing to create movable objects without support structures. (Further reading: 3D Printing a Four-Axis Movable Fidget Spinner)
Overall, PLA is an easy-to-use and versatile material that is also suitable for post-processing. Its main drawback is low heat resistance. We hope this summary provides more inspiration for your use. Considering how chemical or physical properties can often produce different effects, if you have other common practices, please feel free to send us a private message to share with everyone.
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