(506) 2240-6804
What is pla for 3d printing
Ultimate Materials Guide - Tips for 3D Printing with PLA
Overview
Polylactic Acid, commonly known as PLA, is one of the most popular materials used in desktop 3D printing. It is the default filament of choice for most extrusion-based 3D printers because it can be printed at a low temperature and does not require a heated bed. PLA is a great first material to use as you are learning about 3D printing because it is easy to print, very inexpensive, and creates parts that can be used for a wide variety of applications. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly filaments on the market today. Derived from crops such as corn and sugarcane, PLA is renewable and most importantly biodegradable. As a bonus, this also allows the plastic to give off a sweet aroma during printing.
- Low Cost
- Stiff and good strength
- Good dimensional accuracy
- Good shelf life
- Low heat resistance
- Can ooze and may need cooling fans
- Filament can get brittle and break
- Not suitable for outdoors (sunlight exposure)
Hardware Requirements
Before 3D printing with PLA make sure your 3D Printer meets the hardware requirements listed below to ensure the best print quality.
Bed
Temperature: 45-60 °C
Heated Bed Optional
Enclosure not required
Build Surface
Painter’s tape
PEI
Glass plate
Glue stick
Extruder
Temperature: 190-220 °C
No special hot-end required
Cooling
Part Cooling Fan Required
Fan Speed: 100%
Best Practices
These tips will help you reduce the chances of common 3D printing issues associated with PLA such as stringing, oozing, or under-extrusion.
Fine Tune the Retractions to Prevent Oozing
One of the most common problems with PLA is oozing. Since the filament flows relatively easily when compared to the other materials, it has a tendency to continue flowing during travel movements at the end of a segment. This creates strings or hairs on your part, and dialing in your retraction settings is the best way to combat this behavior! Different brands of PLA and different printers may need slightly different retraction settings, so you may need to experiment to find the best value for your printer.
Simplify3D added a very useful feature in Version 4.0 that can help with this, by allowing you to quickly try dozens of different settings, and then look at the final part to determine which one worked the best on your specific setup. For example, you could setup two vertical pillars which are printed side-by-side to evaluate stringing when moving back-and-forth between each pillar. Then go to Tools > Variable Settings Wizard and choose how you want to adjust your settings during the print. For example, you could try a different retraction distance for each 20mm section of the print and then pick the value that works best in the end. For more tips on how to reduce stringing and oozing, be sure to check out our Print Quality Guide which contains an entire section dedicated to this issue: How to Reduce Stringing and Oozing.
Optimize Your Cooling Settings
Cooling is one of the most important aspects of printing with PLA. Having a dedicated part cooling fan makes a huge difference in the quality of the printed parts.
The freshly extruded plastic needs to cool down below the glass transition temperature as quickly as possible. This will prevent the plastic from stringing and producing other artifacts. We recommend setting the fan to 100% throughout the print, except for the first 1-2 layers where you want to form a strong bond with the print bed. Simplify3D also includes a useful option on the Cooling tab of your process settings that can automatically reduce the print speed for small parts, ensuring that the layers have sufficient time to cool. This can greatly improve the print quality by allowing the layer to solidify before printing the next layer on top of it. This setting can be found on the Speeds tab of your process settings.
Choose the Correct Extruder Temperature
This is a great tip for any filament, but is especially useful for PLA which often contains different combinations of additives depending on the manufacturer. These different additives can lead to variations in printing temperature between 190-230 degrees Celsius.
If you are not printing at the right temperature this can lead to several print quality issues including oozing, stringing, and under-extrusion. PLA can also be combined with different fills like metal, wood, and fiber that give it different characteristics than a standard homogeneous PLA. These may require different settings or even different hardware. Be sure to check with the manufacturer of your filament to verify the optimal temperature to use for your specific filament. If you have trouble with stringing, try reducing this temperature by 5-10 degrees, which will help prevent the excess oozing. If you’re struggling with under-extrusion, try increasing the temperature by 10 degrees so that the material flows more easily through the nozzle.
Pro-Tips
- Using a fan that cools the 3D printed part from all directions is highly recommended. Many popular 3D printers have community-designed attachments that can be printed and retrofitted onto your machine to improve the cooling airflow.
- Increasing the number of perimeter outlines for your PLA prints will create a strong bond between each layer, creating stronger parts that are less prone to breaking.
Get Started with PLA
Now that you are ready to start printing with PLA, here’s a bit more information to help you get started. Start thinking of project ideas by reviewing our common applications, try out one of the provided sample projects, or find a new filament to try from our list of popular material brands.
Common Applications
- Test and calibration items
- Dimensionally accurate assemblies
- Decorative Parts
- Cosplay Props
Sample Projects
- LA Spring Motor, Rolling Chassis
- G – Clamp
- Storm Trooper Helmet
Popular Brands
- Polymaker PLA, PolyMax, PolyPlus
- ColorFabb PLA/PHA
- Hatchbox PLA
- eSun PLA
- Filamentum PLA
All you need to know about PLA for 3D printing
Published on August 19, 2019 by Carlota V.
PLA, also known as polylactic acid or polylactide, is a thermoplastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch, tapioca roots or sugar cane, unlike other industrial materials made primarily from petroleum. Due to its more ecological origins this material has become popular within the 3D printing industry, we have begun to see it in medical applications and in food products.
To get to know more about this material, we have prepared a complete guide about PLA filament for 3D printing. What are the best printing parameters? How does PLA filament differ from the ABS filament? Who are the manufacturers? When is it best to use it and for what type of applications?
The production of PLA plastic
PLA was created in the 1930s by the American chemist Wallace Carothers, most recognised for the development of nylon and neoprene in the chemical company DuPont. But it wasn’t until the 1980s that PLA was finally produced for use by the American company Cargill.
This thermoplastic polymer is produced by fermenting a carbohydrate source such as corn starch. In this case, the natural product is ground to separate the starch from the corn, mixing it with acid or lactic monomers. With this mixture the starch is broken into dextrose (D-glucose) or corn sugar. Finally, glucose fermentation produces L-lactic acid, the basic component of PLA. This material is considered a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid. This means that its viscosity (flow resistance) will change depending on the stress to which it is subjected. Specifically, PLA is a fine cut material, which means that the viscosity decreases as you apply stress.
PLA filament in 3D printing
PLA filament has gained wide acceptance within additive manufacturing partly because it is made from renewable products and also because of its mechanical properties. It is often the preferred choice for beginners in 3D printing as it is a very easy material to work with. This material, considered a semi-crystalline polymer, has a melting temperature of 180ºC, lower than ABS filament, which starts melting between 200ºC and 260ºC.
This means that when printing with PLA, the use of a heated printing bed is not necessary, and the closed chamber is not a necessity either. The only drawback is that the PLA filament has a higher viscosity which can clog the print head if you are not careful.
This filament does not have the same mechanical properties as the ABS filament; the second is much more resistant and flexible. However, PLA has greater resistance to heat, so it is often used in the food industry. Even so, its is often recommended to work with it if the project does not have major mechanical complexities, as it is much simpler. For example, PLA does not require complex post-processing. It can be sanded or treated with acetone if required and the supports are usually very easily to remove. There may be some problems with the first layer of this material, therefore it is recommended to add adhesive tape onto the printing tray to facilitate its detachment once the piece is finished.
Is it truly sustainable?
In recent year, the sustainability of PLA filament has been questioned.
Possibly because the term biodegradable, which is often used to refer to this filament, has been leading to confusion. Indeed, the material is created from renewable materials that you find in nature, however it does not make this material necessarily biodegradable. This material can decompose, but only under certain aerobic conditions. For example, PLA can degrade rapidly when subjected to industrial composting, otherwise it can take up to 80 years to decompose in the open, becoming like other plastics, a plastic pollutant. If you are interested in finding out more about the environmental impact of PLA filament, we interviewed three experts who gave us their exclusive insights on this subject.
PLA is made from renewable materials such as corn starch
The main manufacturers of PLA filament
Being one of the most popular materials within 3D printing there are many manufacturers today. The Austrian company WeforYou, a developer of polymers and sustainable solutions, is among the most prominent.
The German company Evonik focused on the development of PLA for the medical sector, the American company NaturaWorks large producer of biopolymers, and the company Corbion, based in the Netherlands, focused on the development of high-performance resins with PLA.
The price of the PLA filament may currently vary depending on the colours and characteristics you are looking for. Hybrid filaments such as wood, conductors, etc. can cause the price to go up. In general, the price of a desktop filament is between 20€ – 70€ per kilogram. There are also 3D printers capable of producing pellets, which could drastically reduce the price of the material.
PLA is one of the most popular materials in the 3D printing industry, especially for extrusion technologies
Did you learn something about PLA for 3D printing? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages! And remember to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, to get all the latest news in 3D printing send straight to your inbox!
PLA and ABS for 3D printing: what's the difference?
3DPrintStory 3D printing process PLA and ABS for 3D printing: what's the difference?
PLA or ABS: Which one to use and when? The article reveals the difference between these plastics and shows the scope of their use.
Some of the most popular plastics for 3D printing using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology are ABS and PLA. Both are thermoplastics. This means that they become malleable when heated - so you can shape them and when cooled they will retain their shape. Both materials come in the form of rods that you can feed into your 3D printer's extruder. The printing process when using ABS and PLA is very similar.
Despite their apparent similarities, ABS and PLA are different. Some 3D printers can only print with PLA plastic at all.
ABS and PLA - brief definitions
PLA (PolyLactic Acid) is a biopolymer, i.e. a biodegradable plastic. It is made from renewable materials such as cornstarch or sugarcane. In addition to 3D printing, PLA is used for packaging, plastic bottles and cups. It is considered to be more environmentally friendly compared to ABS.
ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Styrene) oil-based plastic. This is a tough material that is used to create household appliances, electrical equipment and even Lego bricks.
Comparison of the main characteristics of the PLA and ABS
The table below shows the main characteristics of PLA and ABS plastics:
| Parameter | PLA | ABS | |
| Melt Flow Index (MFI) / 10 min. | 9.7 cm3 / 10 min.0038 | 70-80 ° C | 110-125 ° C |
| Melting temperature | 160-190 ° C | 210-240 ° C | Temperates 900. 190-220 ° C | 230-250 ° C |
| Recommended print temperature | 50-70 ° C (not to gnaw) | 80-120 ° C (be sure to heat) |
What does each of these characteristics mean?
- Melt flow index characterizes the ease of flow of the molten polymer. It is measured in the amount of material that passes through a capillary of a certain diameter and length in 10 minutes.
- Glass transition temperature - the point at which a hard and brittle material becomes molten or elastic with increasing temperature.
This is an important characteristic if you are printing a model that will interact with hot water or drinks: for example, a PLA coffee mug is not a good idea. ABS plastic is also a poor choice in this case: see the "Recommended Applications" section below. - The pour point characterizes the limit of resistance to heat: at temperatures above this, the object will bend. If your 3D printer is equipped with a heated table, the temperature of this table must be below this temperature; otherwise, the object is deformed during 3D printing.
- Melting point (or melting point) - everything is obvious here - the temperature at which the material begins to melt.
- 3D printing temperature - usually higher than the melting point, since the plastic must be melted (not just started to melt) when fed through the extruder nozzle.
Mechanical and physical properties
PLA is more brittle and has a higher surface hardness. More prone to breakage during bending.
Acetone treatment (to improve surface smoothness) is not possible.
The illustration below shows a key printed in ABS.
When printed at the manufacturer's recommended temperatures, ABS parts will be much harder and more resistant to impact and stress than PLA. That is, ABS is better suited for printing mechanical components and parts and objects with high resistance to aggressive environments. In addition, ABS parts are more flexible and bend rather than break under external pressure. ABS is better malleable, post-processing is easier. Printed models can be sanded, painted. They can be treated with acetone to get a smooth, shiny surface.
Easy to 3D print
In general, PLA is best for beginners to get into 3D printing. ABS plastic is more prone to the standard 3D printing problem of shrinkage (i.e. when the first layers cool too quickly and begin to curl around the edges, causing the model to come off the table at the corners). Printing ABS plastic will require experimentation to find the optimal settings.
PLA has another drawback - it tends to clog the nozzle of the extruder, as it is more sticky and expands more when melted. To avoid clogging the nozzle, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions. The layers lay down well and are unlikely to be bent around the edges. The printed product is easier to separate from the table than similar ones made of ABS plastic. Heated bed is optional (but can improve print quality if used correctly). The 3D printer doesn't have to be kept in a closed case (but again, using a case can result in better results). To increase the adhesion of the table, it is recommended to use special tape (also known as 3D printing tape).
ABS tends to shrink more than PLA.
ABS is printed at higher temperatures than PLA, which greatly reduces the chance of nozzle clogging. In addition, less force is required to feed the material into the nozzle. Since ABS shrinks as it cools, the part can come off the table (especially when 3D printing tall models).
To avoid this, it is necessary to use a heated table. It is desirable that the printer has a case. Since the grip on the table is worse than that of PLA, various problems can arise. To improve adhesion to the table, it is recommended to use Kapton tape (withstands temperatures up to 400ºC). True, tape is expensive, so there is an alternative option - spray hairspray on the table before printing.
Storage conditions
Both plastics (PLA/ABS) absorb moisture from the air. To avoid this, the air is pumped out during packaging. Manufacturers of materials for 3D printing recommend using spools as quickly as possible, as quality begins to suffer over time. Unpacked material should be stored in a dry place.
If PLA is stored for a long time, you may notice bubbles during 3D printing. Doing so may clog the nozzle and degrade the surface quality of the printed product. While wet PLA can be dried under warm air, heat can degrade the material's structure and change thermal properties, which will affect print temperatures.
When printing with damp ABS, bubbles may also occur. If you dry it with warm (but not too much) air, for example, using a food dehydrator, the thermal properties of the plastic will not change.
Vapors and smell
When you 3D print with resins (PLA/ABS), you will smell. The smell depends on the media used and the printing temperature.
PLA smells almost pleasant, some people compare this smell to warmed waffles or sweets.
ABS smells bad when heated. Some complain of headaches and even nausea due to 3D printing. If you are printing indoors, good ventilation is recommended.
Degradability and durability
PLA is degradable - it is made from plant materials. Since it needs a little heat to decompose, you can safely throw it into the trash containers.
ABS does not biodegrade but can be recycled.
Both materials (PLA/ABS) degrade when exposed to sunlight and moisture. ABS is more stable and more chemical resistant than PLA.
What to choose?
Both materials are available in different colors; there are even translucent materials. Some specialty materials are only available as a mixture based on PLA. This is wood, metal, etc.
The photo below shows ColorFabb's "Bamboofill". The material contains 80% PLA and 20% bamboo sawdust.
Prices for PLA and ABS
Prices are in the same range, but as a rule, PLA plastic is a bit more expensive. Naturally, PLA plastics with impurities of wood or other materials are more expensive.
Recommended applications
PLA is widely used in 3D printing, such as household items, gadgets and toys. It's great if flexibility isn't your primary requirement. In this it is inferior to ABS. On the other hand, it is biocompatible and can be safely used in accessories that interact with the skin.
Due to its relatively low melting point, PLA is not suitable for objects that are exposed to heat. When heated above 60ºC, PLA plastic products begin to lose their shape.
Do not use PLA in objects that are exposed to sunlight for a long time or are in cars.
ABS is best suited for objects that are exposed to high temperatures, can be dropped or can take bending loads. ABS can be used for models subject to mechanical shock.
ABS is not food safe: especially when the material comes into contact with hot liquids or warm food. If you still want to use ABS for contact with drinking water, food, you must use special polishing techniques or cover it with a special paint.
PLA print settings | How to choose modes for PLA filament
PLA plastic filament is used in FDM 3D printers. This is a truly amazing material that is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. During printing, it does not “stink”, but emits a light aroma of popcorn. The thing is that it is made on the basis of natural plant materials - corn, potatoes, cane, etc.
If you compare PLA plastic with ABS, it turns out that the former is harder, and therefore the process of applying the next layer will be slower.
But this has a positive effect on the result of printing, because the products are smoother. However, this imposes its own characteristics on the print settings, the choice of which should be guided by the characteristics of the material.
PLA plastic specification
PLA plastic for 3D printer has a number of key characteristics. Depending on the brand, the properties may vary slightly. However, this material is characterized by:
- strength and stiffness;
- translucency and even transparency;
- wide range of colors;
- smooth, detailed finished models and shiny surface.
PLA turns out to be easier to work with, ideal for those new to 3D printing as it doesn't warp or shrink like ABS. But it is less heat-resistant and already at 70 degrees it can begin to deform.
8% - temperature;
- layer thickness;
- table temperature (if heated).
0 9000 9000 does not have great durability. In general, a product made of such plastic can last from 2 to 5 years, but it is completely biodegradable.
PLA print settings
The most important layer in FDM 3D printing will always be the first layer. It must be fixed on the desktop to avoid further deformation. In this regard, PLA plastic is less demanding in comparison with ABS. But many use special substrates, blue tape or glue stick. You can print simply on glass, especially if the 3D printer is equipped with a heated table.
The optimum temperature in this case will be 70 degrees, although in some cases, it has been experimentally established that the best results are achieved on a cold table.
The second point is that it is important to correctly set the height of the extruder. The nozzle should be at such a height that a standard sheet can easily pass between it and the work table.
Next, you need to decide on the standard set of settings:
Another important point to get the best print result from PLA is to use the blower at full power. So the plastic will be cooled in time and not deformed.
As with ABS, print performance will be derived empirically. For example, the temperature will be set to 200 degrees and then raised or lowered by 5 degrees until the best option is found, in which the layers will perfectly hold together, have time to freeze and not swim.
And the average PLA print settings are as follows:
| 0028 | ||||
| | yes |
Nevertheless, it is necessary to be guided .
Add to this experienced developments and the best printing result will not be long in coming.
Material comparison:
Poor +
Satisfactory + +
normally + +
Good + + +
excellent + + + +
| Property 9000 9029 1A ABS ABS 9021 ABS ABS 9021 ABS PLA | HIPS | FLEX | + + + | + + + + | + + | + | + + | ||||
| Light fur. | + + + + | + + | + + | + | + | + + | + + + | ||||
| Durability on the street | 0 + + + + + | + + 1 + + | + + + | + + | + | ||||||
| + + + | 0210 + + | + + + | + + + + | + + | + | ||||||
| + + + + | + + + + | + | + + | + + + | + 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 | ||||||
| Proceeds | + + + | + + | + | + + + | + + + + + + + + + + | + + | |||||
| Oil resistance | + + + | 0 + + + + + + | -40°С to +70°С | -40°С to +100С | -35°С to +85°С | ~melting point | -10°C to +30°C |
Processing Simplify3D PLA print settings
Below are the recommended print settings for PLA plastic and job preparation in the Simplify3D slicer.
