Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is PLA filament good for 3D printing?
Yes, PLA filament is excellent for 3D printing. It is a user-friendly thermoplastic that offers higher strength and stiffness compared to ABS and nylon. PLA has a low melting temperature and minimal warping, making it one of the easiest materials to achieve successful 3D prints.
2. When should you not use PLA?
If you are 3D printing objects that will come into contact with food, it is advisable not to use colored PLA filament. The additives used to dye the material may not be food safe. For food-related applications like molds or cookie cutters, it is best to use natural (undyed) PLA filament.
3. What is PLA filament best used for?
PLA filament is best used for parts that require mechanical strength in load-bearing applications. It offers improved strength, ductility, and flexibility compared to standard PLA, making it suitable for applications where higher temperature tolerance is needed.
4. Why is PLA better than plastic?
PLA is considered better than conventional plastics due to its eco-friendly characteristics. PLA production requires 65% less energy and generates 68% fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional plastics. It is also free of toxins and can be environmentally friendly when disposed of correctly.
5. Does PLA get brittle over time?
Yes, one of the challenges of PLA filament is that it can become brittle over time. Brittleness refers to the tendency of a material to break or crack under stress without significant deformation. Despite this, PLA filament is still widely used due to its ease of use, low melting point, and ability to produce prints with good detail and surface finish.
6. Why is PLA not widely used?
One of the reasons PLA is not widely used is the specific conditions required for proper composting. Unlike regular plastics, PLA needs to be sorted and brought to a closed composting environment to avoid contaminating the recycling stream. This makes the recycling process more challenging and less accessible, limiting the widespread use of PLA.
7. How long will a PLA printed object last?
PLA printed objects kept and used indoors can last virtually forever, as long as they are not subjected to heavy mechanical loads. Based on anecdotal evidence, PLA objects can last at least 15 years when kept indoors. Therefore, gifts and decorative items printed with PLA should have no problem lasting for a long time.