PLA 1.75mm 3D Printer Filament Material Refills

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.

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:

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.