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PLA (Polylactic Acid) Material Technical Specifications, & Properties

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PLA 3D Printing Material Properties & Technical Specifications

  1. Flexural Strength: 88.8 MPa
  2. Melting Temperature: >155°C
  3. Tensile Strength: 61.5MPa
  4. Heat Deflection: n/a
  5. Heat Resistance: 110ºC
  6. Impact Strength: 30.8[kJ/m²]
  7. Elongation at Break : 6%
  8. Standard Tolerance: +/-0.05mm
  9. Minimum Wall Thickness : 0.0197mm - 0.5 mm
  10. Extruded Temprature: 160°C-220°C
  11. Shore Hardness :85A
  12. PLA Density: 1.25 g/cm^3
  13. Thermal Conductivity : 0.13 W/m-K

What is PLA Material?

PLA 3d printing material is hard, strong and biodegradable but is brittle, being based on plant starch rather than crude oil. Polylactic Acid delivers aesthetics and strength over toughness. PLA material is a biodegradable thermoplastic which is gotten from renewable sources. For example, cornstarch, sugar stick, tapioca roots or even potato starch. This kind of makes of PLA the most environmentally friendly solution in the domain of 3D printing, contrasted with the various petrochemical-based plastics like ABS or PVA. The wide selection of available colors and translucencies and glossy-shiny feel often attract those who printing for display screen or small household utilizes.

PLA Specifications

  1. It's naturally transparent and can be colored to various degrees of translucency & opacity
  2. Also strong, and more rigid than other materials used in 3d printing
  3. Less warping or shrinking issues
  4. Ideal for small parts
  5. Printed objects will usually have a glossier look & feel
  6. It cannot stand too much heat, as standard PLA becomes soft around 50°C
  7. However, one may consider this an advantage in order to very easily repair, bend over or weld printed parts

Applications of PLA Material

PLA is used in food packaging, bags, disposable tableware, upholstery, disposable garments, hygiene products and even diapers.
PLA is also used in medical suturing as well as surgical implants models, mainly it possesses the ability to degrade directly into inoffensive lactic acid in the body. Surgically implanted screws, pins, artistic prints, rods or mesh simply break down in the body within 6 months to 2 years.

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