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3D Printing with PLA Filament

3D Printing Design and Engineering
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3D Printing with PLA Filament

Polylactide (PLA) 3D Printer Filament Specifications:

Description: Polylactide, also known as Polylactic Acid is a biodegradable thermoplastic printer filament. PLA is synthesized from organic sugars and is the most common material used for 3D printing due to its eco-friendliness and ease of use. PLA has several desirable properties in 3D printing, such as low melting point and glass transition temperature. Additionally PLA exhibits minimal distortions during the liquid to solidification process resulting in less warping of the printed part.

PLA is recommended 3D printing filaments for novices and applications where the end item will not be exposed to extreme temperatures

PLA Applications:

  • General purpose 3D printing
  • Fine detail parts
  • Cosmetic parts

PLA 3D Printer Filament and Settings:

  • Extruder printing temperature 185 - 210°C ,
  • Print location cooling enabled ,
  • Heated Bed capable printer temperature 60 - 70°C ,
  • Printer travel speed 30 to 200mm/sec,
  • Bed adhesion: PEI printing surface, Blue painters tape (thin), PVA based glue

Engineers Edge General 3D Printing Recommendations:

Normal Printing Quality:

  • Print Speed: 45 mm/s
  • Printing Temperature: 205 °C
  • Bed Temperature: 60°C
  • Ambient Printer Temperature: 20 - 27 °C
  • Layer Height: 0.25 mm
  • Shell Thickness: 1.0 mm
  • Bottom/Top Thickness: 1.0mm
  • Fill Density: 20% Diamond

High Printing Quality:

  • Print Speed: 45 mm/s
  • Printing Temperature: 205 °C
  • Bed Temperature: 60°C
  • Ambient Printer Temperature: 20 - 27 °C
  • Layer Height: 0.14 mm
  • Shell Thickness: 1.0 mm
  • Bottom/Top Thickness: 1.12 mm
  • Fill Density: 20% Diamond

Fast Printing Low Quality:

  • Print Speed: 45 mm/s
  • Printing Temperature: 205 °C
  • Bed Temperature: 60°C
  • Ambient Printer Temperature: 20 - 27 °C
  • Layer Height: 0.38 mm
  • Shell Thickness: 1.0 mm
  • Bottom/Top Thickness: 0.76mm
  • Fill Density: 20% Diamond

Mechanical Properties:

Mechanical Properties (Typical) Testing Method
Tensile Strength ar Break psi 770
ASTM D638
Yield Strength, psi 8700
ASTM D638
Tensile Elongation, % 6.0
ASTM D638
Heat Distorsion Temp 55°C (131°F)
-
Nominal Sizes 1.75, 2.90
-
Relative Elongation % 122 - 140
-
O.D. Tolerance, mm ± 0.08
-
Circularity (Roundness) < 0.05
-

Storage:

PLA should be stored in a clean dry location, below 50°C. Filament should be protected from dust ad other contaminants. When storing 3D printing PLA for extended periods of time the filament should be placed within a sealed plastic back along with moisture absorbing silica. Also, see Storing PLA and ABS 3D Printer Filament .

Safety and handling information:

PLA is non-toxic. It can be handled as any normal material.

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