PLA - PolyLactic Acid
PLA (PolyLactic Acid)
Are you looking for the most user-friendly 3D print material? Then choose PLA plastic. This filament is easy to print, has a nice shine and can be used on any 3D printer because you do not need a heated bed. PLA is extracted from vegetable raw materials and is also industrial compostable; no toxic fumes are released during 3D printing.
PLA? What is it?
PLA stands for PolyLactid Acid - or polylactic acid. It is a thermoplastic that is extracted by fermenting starchy plants such as corn, cassava, sugar cane, grain and sugar beet. A thermoplastic is a plastic that loses its shape and melts each time it is heated. Because the lactic acid is extracted from a biological source, PLA plastic is biodegradable; under certain controlled conditions, it is compostable within an industrial environment. The burden on the environment is therefore also much lower than, for example, ABS, which is extracted from petroleum residue in the petrochemical industry. Polylactic acid is therefore a bioplastic or biopolymer and is seen as a sustainable alternative to the usual plastics.
Why choose PLA plastic? The pros
PLA prints really easily at relatively low temperatures. During the printing of PLA, no toxic fumes are released as with ABS; the smell is even a bit sweet. Do you work with fine details and do you make decorative prints? Then PLA is ideal for you. PLA plastic does not deform after cooling because it has a low shrinkage factor. The material shines and you do not need a heated surface, so this filament can be used on any 3D printer. Furthermore, there is a wide choice between colors, effects and properties and it is relatively cheap.
What is PLA plastic used for?
In addition to the 3D filaments, PLA is used for many other applications such as:
• Enclosures for electronics and white goods parts
• disposable dishes in restaurants,
• packaging such as vacuum-formed fruit and vegetable packaging, foils, etc.
• in dentistry such as soluble parts of implants
• in the textile industry as fibers
Cons of PLA
PLA 3D printing also has disadvantages. This makes PLA soft above 50 - 55 ° C. Furthermore, the material is less robust and has a shorter lifespan than, for example, ABS
Visit our Plasticz webshop and purchase PLA plastic of the best quality at very low prices! Do you have questions? Then call +31 33 8442 836 or send an e-mail to [email protected].