PLA, acronym for polylactic acid, is one of the most common and popular materials used in filament-based 3D printers. It is a type of biodegradable and biocompatible plastic derived from renewable sources such as corn, tapioca, or sugar cane. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice compared to petroleum-based plastic materials.
PLA Production
Cultivation and harvesting of plant-based raw materials: Corn starch, sugar cane, sugar beet, or other starch-rich plants are cultivated and harvested.
Starch extraction: The starch is extracted through milling, soaking, and separation processes. Starch is the primary component used for PLA production.
Starch fermentation: The extracted starch is then converted into sugar through enzymatic processes and subsequently fermented to produce lactic acid. This process is similar to that used to produce ethyl alcohol from carbohydrate fermentation in alcohol production industries.
Polymerization: The lactic acid obtained from fermentation is then polymerized to create larger PLA molecules. During this process, the lactic acid undergoes a series of chemical reactions that transform it into a long polymer chain, thus creating PLA.
Extrusion and shaping: The polymerized PLA is then extruded into filaments or pellets. This raw PLA can then be further processed and transformed into desired forms such as filaments for 3D printing.
Filament production: PLA filaments are produced through extrusion processes where the PLA is melted and pushed through a nozzle to create a continuous filament of uniform diameter. These filaments can then be wound onto spools for distribution and use in 3D printers.
Overall, the process of producing PLA for 3D printers is relatively environmentally friendly compared to other plastic materials as it is based on renewable raw materials and can be biodegradable. However, it is important to note that large-scale PLA production can still have environmental impacts, especially in the cultivation and processing stages of raw materials.
Printing Tips for PLA
Extrusion temperature: The optimal extrusion temperature for PLA typically ranges from 190-220°C, but this can vary depending on the brand and color of the filament. Follow the filament manufacturer's recommendations or experiment with different temperatures to find what works best for you.
Heated bed temperature: Many users find it helpful to heat the print bed to temperatures between 50°C and 70°C when printing with PLA to promote better adhesion to the print bed. However, some print beds may not require heating for PLA.
Printing speed: In general, PLA can be printed at moderate speeds, but it is advisable to avoid printing too quickly, especially on fine details or complex models. A printing speed of 30-60 mm/s is often a good starting point.
Ventilation: If your 3D printer has cooling fans, ensure they are properly positioned and operational during PLA printing. This will help cool the material evenly and prevent potential warping issues.
Recommended Brands
Since PLA is the most commonly used filament in 3D printing, all brands have ventured into its production. Quality of raw materials, dimensional accuracy, and spool winding are crucial for excellent results, which is why I always recommend Prusament filament produced by Prusa Research. Prusament filaments have pure and high-quality raw materials, with dimensional precision of ±0.02mm and consistent color.
Additionally, Prusa marks each spool with a QR code that provides a complete profile of the specific spool in terms of dimensional precision."
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