Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable natural resources and one of the most popular materials for 3D printing. Plastics such as PLA are the most popular 3D printing material due to its simplicity, dimensional accuracy and low cost. PLA can be printed at a low temperature and does not require a heated bed and is one of the most environmentally friendly filaments available.
PLA is a tough, easy to use high-grade PLA type of filament, ideal for 3D printing. Slightly modified, the filament retains the typical features of PLA but makes it tougher and less brittle. Due to a low shrinkage factor, PLA will not deform after cooling.
This RS Pro range of PLA 3D printing material comes in various colours:
832-0210 - Natural
832-0214- Black
832-0220 - Red
832-0223 - White
832-0226 - Blue
832-0232 - Yellow
832-0236 - Orange
832-0239 - Green
832-0242 - Gold
832-0245 - Silver
832-0248 - Pink
832-0251 - Grey
832-0254 – Fluorescent Yellow
832-0258 – Fluorescent Orange
832-0267 – Glow-in Dark Green
Features and Benefits
Tougher and less brittle compared to regular PLA
Easy to print at low temperature
Low warping
Biodegradable unlike ABS filament – PLA is derived from crops such as corn and sugar cane
Limited smell
Good shelf life
Once you have purchased your filament, it is important to store it correctly to maintain its quality. Over time the plastic will absorb moisture from the air, creating small water bubbles in the filament. These bubbles when heated in the extruder nozzle quickly reach boiling point, spoiling the print. The use of desiccant dehumidifiers to absorb the moisture is highly recommended
Storage
Cool and dry (15-25˚C) and away from UV light. Enhances the shelf life significantly
Typical Applications
PLA is used in a wide range of applications such as:
General printing
Hobbyist
Medical
Education
Prototyping
Jewellery
Architecture models
Aviation
Engineering
Automotive
FAQs
What material can be used in 3D Printing?
Various materials can be used for 3D printing which includes:
PLA, ABS plastic, polyamide (nylon), glass filled polyamide, stereolithography materials (epoxy resins), silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymers and polycarbonate.
What is the least expensive 3D printing material?
PLA and ABS are the least expensive.
Due to its low tendency to warp PLA can also be printed without a heated bed. If you have a heated bed the recommended temperature is ± 35-60˚C.
PLA can be used on all common desktop FDM or FFF technology 3D printers.
Attribute | Value |
---|---|
Printing Technology | FDM |
Printing Material | PLA |
Machine Specific | No |
Colour | Pink |
Weight | 1kg |
Diameter | 1.75mm |