PLA

PLA (Polylactic Acid) 1.75mm 3D Printer Filament:

• Characteristics: Easy to use, biodegradable, and comes in a wide range of colors.
• Applications: Ideal for beginners, prototyping, and decorative items. It has a low warping tendency but is less heat-resistant and can be brittle.

Our 1.75mm PLA 3D printing filament is made to our standards and come in Pantone colours.  Since PLA is the most poular filament, it comes in the most variety of types and colours. We have spools available in 1kg, 2kg, 4.5kg and 10kg sizes.  Starter packs are made up of 0.5kg spool sizes.

PLA is one of the most popular and widely used 3D printing filaments, especially favored by beginners and hobbyists. Here’s a detailed look at PLA filament:

PLA PLUS (PLA+) is engineered to address some of the limitations of standard PLA, such as its brittleness and lower heat resistance. By modifying the PLA formulation with additives or blending it with other polymers, PLA+ offers improved mechanical properties and printing performance.

High-Speed PLA (HyperPLA) is designed to allow 3D printers to operate at higher speeds while maintaining good print quality and accuracy. This is achieved through modifications in the filament’s composition and properties, which improve its flow characteristics and stability during rapid printing.

Silk PLA is designed to provide a visually appealing finish that mimics the sheen and smoothness of silk. It is created by adding additives or blending PLA with other materials that enhance its surface properties, resulting in a shiny, reflective appearance.

PLA Polychromatic Silk (dual/triple colour) aims to combine the aesthetic benefits of Silk PLA with a unique polychromatic or color-shifting effect. This provides a visually striking and dynamic appearance, making it ideal for creating attention-grabbing prints.

Matte PLA is engineered to offer a distinct surface finish compared to traditional PLA filaments. By incorporating specific additives or modifying the PLA formulation, Matte PLA achieves a non-glossy, textured surface that provides a more elegant and refined look.

PLA Polychromatic Matte(Dual Colour) is designed to provide a striking aesthetic effect with a matte finish. It combines the color-shifting capability of polychromatic PLA with a non-reflective surface, offering a unique and refined appearance for 3D-printed objects.

Cosmic PLA (Galaxy) is engineered to provide a unique visual effect that resembles the appearance of galaxies or nebulae. This is achieved through a special blend of colors and additives that create a speckled or marbled appearance, reminiscent of cosmic patterns.

Glow-in-the-Dark PLA is designed to provide a unique luminescent effect for 3D-printed objects. By incorporating phosphorescent materials, the filament absorbs light during the day and emits a glow in the dark, adding a creative and functional element to prints.

Marble PLA aims to replicate the aesthetic qualities of marble stone, offering a visually striking finish that emulates the look of natural marble with its characteristic veining and color variations. This filament is ideal for creating objects with a high-end, classic appearance.

Flexible PLA is a variant of traditional PLA filament designed to combine the ease of printing of PLA with the added flexibility of elastomers. It is engineered to offer properties that make it suitable for applications requiring both the characteristics of conventional PLA and the flexibility of rubber-like materials.

Carbon Fiber PLA is designed to enhance the performance of 3D-printed objects by integrating carbon fiber particles into the PLA matrix. This combination improves the mechanical properties of the prints, making them more suitable for applications requiring higher strength and rigidity.

ESD PLA is formulated to address the needs of environments where controlling electrostatic discharge is critical. It combines the advantages of standard PLA with properties that dissipate static electricity, making it suitable for use in electronic and industrial settings.

Properties and Characteristics

• Composition: PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. This makes it an eco-friendly choice compared to other filaments.
• Ease of Use: PLA is known for its user-friendliness. It has a lower melting point (around 180-220°C) compared to other materials like ABS, which makes it easier to print with and reduces the risk of warping and cracking.
• Low Odor: When heated, PLA emits a sweet smell, unlike ABS, which can produce unpleasant fumes. This makes it more suitable for indoor printing without the need for extensive ventilation.
• Good Detail: PLA prints with fine detail and smooth surface finish, making it ideal for intricate designs and high-quality models.
• Strength and Brittleness: While PLA is generally strong, it can be more brittle than other materials, which means it might not be the best choice for parts that will undergo significant stress or impact.

Applications

• Prototyping: Due to its ease of use and ability to produce fine details, PLA is widely used for prototyping and creating models for visual and functional purposes.
• Decorative Items: Its range of vibrant colors and glossy finish makes PLA an excellent choice for decorative items and artistic projects.
• Educational Models: The ease of printing and minimal warping makes PLA popular in educational settings for creating models and teaching aids.

Printing Considerations

• Print Temperature: PLA typically prints well at temperatures between 180-220°C. The exact temperature can vary based on the specific brand and color of the filament.
• Bed Temperature: A heated bed is not always necessary, but setting it to around 50-60°C can help with adhesion and reduce the risk of warping.
• Cooling: PLA benefits from active cooling. Using a cooling fan can improve print quality by preventing overheating and improving layer adhesion.
• Adhesion: PLA adheres well to a variety of print surfaces, including blue painter’s tape, glass, and specialized print surfaces. Applying a thin layer of glue stick or using a dedicated adhesion solution can further enhance sticking.

Storage and Maintenance

• Moisture Sensitivity: PLA is less sensitive to moisture compared to filaments like Nylon or PVA, but storing it in a dry, airtight container will help maintain its quality.
• Shelf Life: PLA has a good shelf life when stored properly, but exposure to moisture and sunlight can degrade its properties over time.

Environmental Impact

• Biodegradability: PLA is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable under industrial composting conditions. However, it does not break down easily in typical landfill environments and requires specific conditions to compost effectively.

PLA filament offers an excellent balance of ease of use, affordability, and print quality, making it a popular choice for a wide range of 3D printing applications.