PLA

Here are the key characteristics of PLA:

Material Properties

• Biodegradable: Made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane.
• Low toxicity: Emits fewer fumes than materials like ABS.
• Low shrinkage: Minimal warping; great for dimensional accuracy.
• Low glass transition temperature: ~60°C, making it less heat-resistant.

Printing Characteristics

• Easy to print: Ideal for beginners.
• Low print temperature: Typically 180–220°C.
• No heated bed required (but 40–60°C is often used for better adhesion).
• Excellent surface finish: Smooth and glossy prints.
• Low warping: Sticks well to most build surfaces (blue tape, PEI, glass with glue).

Mechanical Properties

• Brittle: Breaks easily under stress or impact.
• Stiff but not flexible: Has decent tensile strength but poor elongation.
• Not suitable for high-stress applications.

Environmental Resistance

• Poor heat resistance: Can deform in hot environments (e.g., car interiors).
• Poor UV resistance: Tends to degrade under prolonged sunlight.
• Moderate water absorption: Not ideal for wet or humid environments long-term.

Common Applications

• Prototypes
• Figurines and decorative models
• Low-stress mechanical parts
• Educational projects
• Food-safe containers (with specific food-grade PLA)