What is PLA?

What is PLA?

PLA, or polylactic acid, is a widely used thermoplastic material used in 3D printing.

Glitter Silver 3D printed Egg

It is a biodegradable and sustainable material*, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritise eco-friendliness.

One of the main benefits of PLA is its ease of use. It is a low-warp material, meaning that it is less likely to warp or shrink during the printing process. It also has a lower printing temperature than other materials, which means it uses less energy to print.

Roll of Blue PLA Filament, Close-Up

PLA comes in a wide range of colours and finishes from matte to glossy to metallic. It can also be easily painted or finished to achieve the desired effect.

Another benefit of PLA is its strength and durability. Although not as strong as other materials like ABS or nylon, PLA is still a tough and reliable material that can be used for a wide range of applications.

 

In addition to its ease of use, PLA is also affordable. It is one of the more cost-effective materials for 3D printing, making it an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists.

Overall, PLA is a versatile and reliable material for 3D printing. Its ease of use, strength, affordability, and eco-friendliness make it a popular choice among makers, artists, and designers. If you're looking for a sustainable and high-quality material for your 3D printing projects, PLA is definitely worth considering.

*Whilst this is technically correct, PLA needs to be sorted correctly and is chemically biodegradable which requires commercial composting conditions and takes around twelve weeks to breakdown.

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