Quick Look
| Density(g/cm³) | Tensile Strength | Young's Modulus | Elongation at Break | Glass Transition Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | 28MPa | 1879 ± 109 (MPa) | 1.40% | 61℃ |
About the Material
Advantages:
Environmentally Friendly: PLA is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable, reducing its environmental impact.
Low Warping: PLA has low thermal expansion, which reduces the risk of warping during printing, ensuring better dimensional accuracy.
Ease of Use: PLA is easy to print with, requiring lower temperatures and no heated bed, making it ideal for beginners.
Good Surface Quality: PLA parts have a smooth surface finish, suitable for visual models and prototypes.
Limitations:
Brittleness: PLA is more brittle compared to other thermoplastics like ABS, limiting its use in applications requiring high impact resistance.
Low Heat Resistance: PLA has a low glass transition temperature, making it unsuitable for high-temperature environments.
Limited Mechanical Strength: PLA's mechanical properties are lower than engineering-grade materials, limiting its use in functional, load-bearing parts.
Chemical Composition Table for PLA
| Component | Composition |
| Polylactic Acid | 100% |
| Additives (Colorants) | Varies |
Mechanical Machining Properties Table for PLA
| Property | Value |
| Machinability Rating | Moderate |
| Cutting Speed (m/min) | 10-20 |
| Tool Wear Resistance | Low |
| Coolant Requirement | Optional |
| Surface Finish Quality | High |
Design Parameters Table for FDM Printing with PLA
| Maximum Bulid Size（mm） | Minimum Wall Thickness | Minimum Drill Size | Minimum Assembly Gap | Tolerance |
| 250*250*250 | 0.6mm | 1mm | 0.2mm | ±0.3% (lower limit of ±0.1 mm) |
Industry Applications and Case Studies for FDM Printing with PLA
Educational Models:
Application: Production of teaching aids and educational models.
Case Study: A school used FDM printing with PLA to create models for biology classes, helping students visualize complex structures.
Consumer Goods Prototyping:
Application: Rapid prototyping of consumer products.
Case Study: A startup used PLA to prototype a new household gadget, allowing for quick iteration and testing before final production.
Architectural Models:
Application: Creation of detailed architectural models.
Case Study: An architecture firm used PLA to produce scale models of building designs, providing clients with a tangible representation of the final structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FDM Printing with PLA
What are the benefits of using PLA in 3D printing?
PLA is easy to print, environmentally friendly, and produces parts with good surface quality, making it ideal for prototyping and educational use.
Is PLA suitable for functional parts?
PLA is primarily used for visual models and light-duty functional parts. It may not be suitable for load-bearing applications due to its brittleness.
What industries benefit from FDM printing with PLA?
Industries such as education, consumer goods, and architecture benefit from the ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic properties of PLA.
How accurate is FDM printing with PLA?
FDM printing with PLA can achieve tolerances of ±0.5 mm, which is suitable for most prototyping applications.
What post-processing is required for PLA-printed parts?
Post-processing may include sanding, painting, or polishing to improve the surface finish and appearance.
Can PLA be used for high-temperature applications?
PLA has a low heat resistance, with a glass transition temperature of 55-60°C, making it unsuitable for high-temperature environments.
How strong are PLA-printed parts?
PLA-printed parts are moderately strong but may be brittle compared to other thermoplastics, limiting their use in functional applications that require impact resistance.
Finishing Options
Parts Made by AutofabX
