PLA (polyactide) is a bio-based plastic that is one of the most frequently used materials in the hobby area in 3D printing according to the FDM process. PLA consists of 100% biogenic, i.e. renewable raw materials (sugar and corn starch) and is therefore also biodegradable, i.e. compostable.
PLA filament is a deformable plastic (thermoplastic) and is characterized by a slightly shiny and scratch-resistant surface. It can also be colored, is resistant to many chemicals and temperature resistant up to 65 degrees.
PLA plastic is mainly used in design and architecture. Due to its properties, it is allowed to comply with EU and U.S. Laws can also be used for food packaging, for catering items (e.g. cups, plates, cutlery), in the cosmetics sector and for toys. In the medical field, too, implants that are only intended to remain in the body for a certain period of time are made from the bio filament PLA, because the body itself breaks it down!
Processing parameters:
| Extrusion temperature: | 195 – 220 °C |
| Platform temperature: | 40 °C – 60 °C |
| Printing surface: | Kapton |
PLA shows only low shrinkage values (<0.5%). However, in the interest of the consistency of the results, the installation space should be enclosed in order to prevent fluctuations in the results at different room temperatures.
PLA filament adheres very well to Kapton surfcace The use of a "brim" is usually only necessary for geometries, that taper to a point or overhangs after the first layers.
A wide range of post-processing methods is available for PLA filament. The plastic can be painted, glued and screwed with or without an insert. It is possible to process PLA mechanically, but care should be taken that the component does not heat up too much, as melted plastic can gum up the tool and damage the component.
Polylactides are soluble in many organic solvents (e.g. dichloromethane, trichloromethane, worse in acetone, not in alcohols). The plastic is resistant to oils and fats
Due to its simple processing and aesthetically high-quality appearance, PLA is often used in office environments such as artist studios or architects' offices.
PLA plastic is food safe and may be used in contact with food according to EU and US laws. In the medical field, too, provided that the relevant certification is provided, implants that are only intended to remain in the body for a certain period of time are made from the bio-filament PLA because it is broken down by the body itself.