Why You Should Start Using 3D Printer PLA

One of the most widely used materials for 3D printing, particularly FDM, is polylactic acid (PLA). 3D printer PLA filaments are the ideal starting material for 3D printing because of their simplicity and lack of warping concerns. In addition, PLA is one of the most environmentally friendly 3D printing materials because it is biodegradable, unlike ABS. The affordability of PLA and the variety of colours and blends available are two further benefits. PLA is better suited for ornamental, low-stress, and non-functional prototyping due to the material's brittleness.

Why use PLA for 3D printing?

Contrary to many other thermoplastics made from non-renewable sources like petroleum, PLA is a common thermoplastic polymer created from natural sources like maize starch or sugar cane. Various industries, including the automotive and food packaging sectors, use PLA to create 3D-printed products.

1.       Low printing temperature:

Compared to other thermoplastics, PLA has a comparatively low printing temperature (for example, the ideal printing temperature for PLA begins at about 180°C, while the perfect printing temperature for ABS is around 250°C). This indicates that PLA has a lower propensity to distort and clog the nozzle during printing. Additionally, PLA often yields superior surface details and sharper features than ABS and other thermoplastics with higher melting temperatures.

2.       Easy to use

One of the simplest materials to use as filament for 3D printing is PLA. Its versatility in adhesion and lack of need for a heated print bed further contribute to the material's usability. PLA, unlike ABS, doesn't release unpleasant fumes during printing.

3.       Biodegradable: 

Since PLA can be 3D printed with less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gases than materials derived from petroleum, it is an environmentally friendly material. It is also biodegradable and non-toxic. PLA parts often (naturally) decompose in a few years or even months, unlike petroleum-based thermoplastics, which take thousands of years.

4.       Post-processing is simple.

Because PLA prints are simple to sand, polish, and paint, a better surface finish can be achieved with minimal effort. Additionally, PLA pieces can be milled, drilled, and glued; be careful not to melt the part. Ensure the procedure is gradual, and the tools are fantastic to avoid melting your PLA part (you can achieve this with water, WD-40 or proper cutting fluid).

5.       Options for a wide range of colours and mixes: 

PLA is easily coloured and is available in a wide variety of colours and blends. The material can also be combined with wood, carbon, and metal to create luminescent or sparkly filaments. Pigments can also be added. As a result, the variety of PLA mixtures is essentially limitless.