PLA Material

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a type of biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources, typically corn starch or sugarcane. It is a popular material used in 3D printing due to its ease of use, low cost, and environmental friendliness compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. PLA is compostable under the right conditions, breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, making it a more sustainable option for various applications such as packaging, food containers, medical implants, and disposable tableware. It's important to note that while PLA is biodegradable, proper disposal methods are necessary for it to decompose efficiently.

characteristics of PLA (Polylactic Acid).

  1. Biodegradability: PLA is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, making it biodegradable under the right conditions. This characteristic makes it environmentally friendly compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
  2. Ease of Printing: PLA is widely used in 3D printing due to its low melting temperature, minimal warping, and good adhesion to print bed surfaces. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced users, contributing to its popularity in the maker community.
  3. Versatility in Color and Transparency: PLA is available in a diverse range of colors and can be produced with varying levels of transparency. This versatility allows for creative freedom in aesthetic designs and applications.
  4. Strength and Rigidity: While not as strong as some engineering plastics like ABS, PLA offers a good balance of strength and rigidity for many applications. It is suitable for producing functional prototypes, decorative items, and low-stress mechanical parts.
  5. Non-toxic and Food Safe: PLA is considered non-toxic and safe for use in contact with food and beverages. It is commonly used in food packaging, disposable tableware, and other applications where food safety is a priority.

Overall, PLA is a versatile and environmentally friendly plastic that offers ease of use in 3D printing, a wide range of color options, sufficient strength for various applications, and compatibility with food contact, making it a popular choice for both hobbyists and professionals alike.

Material Properties

PLA

Physical Properties

  • Density - 1.24 g/cm³
  • Vicat Softening Temp - 57 °C
  • Heat Deflection Temp - 57 °C
  • Melting Temp - 160 °C
  • Melt Index - 42.4 ± 3.5 g/10 min

Mechanical Properties

  • Tensile Strength - 35 ± 4 MPa
  • Breaking Elongation Rate - 12.2 ± 1.8 %
  • Bending Modulus - 2750 ± 160 MPa
  • Bending Strength - 76 ± 5 MPa
  • Impact Strength - 26.6 ± 2.8 kJ/m²

PLA Colour Table

Colour

Hex Code

Display
White #FFFFFF
Biege #F7E6DE
Gold #E4BD68
Silver #A6A9AA
Gray #8E9089
Bronze #847D48
Brown #9D432C
Red #C12E1F
Magenta #EC008C
Pink #F55A74
Orange #FF6A13
Yellow #F4EE2A
BGreen #16C344
Cyan #0086D6
Green #164B35
Blue #0A2989
Purple #5E43B7
Blue Gray #5B6579
Black #000000
Mistletoe Green #3F8E43