Alexei Volkov
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a type of plastic that is commonly used in 3D printing. It is a thermoplastic, which means it becomes soft and mouldable when heated and returns to a solid state when cooled. PLA is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca, and it is known for its ease of use, low cost, and environmental friendliness. While PLA has a lower melting point than other plastics, it exhibits high strength, low thermal expansion, and good layer adhesion. However, one of its drawbacks is its poor heat resistance, which limits its use in certain applications. To enhance its mechanical properties, treatments such as annealing have been used, improving characteristics like compressive strength and rigidity. In this paragraph, we will explore the strengths and limitations of PLA as a plastic material and how it compares to other plastics like ABS and nylon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of plastic | Thermoplastic |
| Full form | Polylactic Acid |
| Melting point | 200-220°C |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
| Raw material | Corn starch, sugarcane, tapioca |
| Mechanical strength | Less than that of ABS |
| Durability | Less than that of PP |
| Heat resistance | Poor |
| Flexibility | Less than that of ABS |
| Impact resistance | Less than that of ABS |
| Elongation at break | Less than 10% |
| Uses | Compost bags, food packaging, loose-fill packaging material, upholstery, disposable garments, awnings, feminine hygiene products, diapers, automotive parts |
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What You'll Learn
PLA vs ABS
PLA (Polylactic Acid) and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) are two thermoplastics with distinct properties and multiple possible applications. They are some of the most popular materials used in 3D printing.
PLA is a thermoplastic derived from renewable sources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. It is a bioplastic commonly used in 3D printing as it is stiffer than ABS. It is also relatively cost-efficient, allowing for the printing of high-quality elements with smooth surface finishes. It has a higher stiffness and strength than ABS, but it has poor heat resistance and is more brittle, making it less durable and impact-resistant. It is also not very chemical-resistant.
ABS is an amorphous thermoplastic polymer with a disordered structure based on petroleum. It is quite tough and impact-resistant, with better mechanical properties than PLA, yet it is lighter and more durable. It is also more flexible than PLA, with higher flexural strength and better elongation before breaking. It is commonly used to produce functional parts and tools, as well as in electronics housing, household appliances, and toys. ABS is more challenging to print with and requires higher temperatures. It is prone to warping and can produce strong odors. It is also not completely heat-resistant, but it can withstand higher temperatures than PLA.
In terms of specific applications, PLA is often used for decorative items, medical devices, plastic cups, and prototypes. It is ideal for parts that will not encounter high amounts of physical force, as it is more suitable for rapid prototyping when the form is more critical than the function. ABS, on the other hand, is preferred for end-use applications and industrial applications that require parts to withstand external physical forces and higher temperatures. It is also used for engineering prototypes, models, and parts that need to resist some abuse.
Overall, the choice between PLA and ABS depends on the specific requirements of the application. If high heat resistance, durability, and impact resistance are needed, then ABS is the better choice. However, if cost-efficiency, ease of printing, and surface finish are more important factors, then PLA may be the preferred option.
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Pros and cons of PLA
Polylactic acid (PLA), commonly known as "corn plastic", is a type of biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca. Compared to other plastics, PLA has several advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of PLA
One of the biggest benefits of PLA is its environmental friendliness. As a biodegradable and renewable resource, PLA offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional oil-based plastics. By using corn as a raw material, PLA production helps reduce dependence on petroleum and can be cultivated worldwide, making it less susceptible to geopolitical tensions. Additionally, PLA exhibits a low melting point, typically around 200-220°C, making it suitable for printing on most consumer-grade 3D printers without requiring a heated bed. This accessibility contributes to its popularity among 3D printing enthusiasts.
Cons of PLA
One of the main drawbacks of PLA is the issue of composting and recycling. While PLA is biodegradable, it requires the hot and moist environment of a commercial composting facility to break down properly. The limited availability of such facilities means that PLA products often end up in landfills or traditional recycling programs. When mixed with conventional plastics, PLA can contaminate the recycling process due to its distinct chemical composition. Another disadvantage of PLA is its lower mechanical strength compared to materials like ABS. ABS exhibits superior flexibility, impact resistance, and overall durability, making it more suitable for applications that require mechanical strength, such as automotive components or toys.
Neutral Points
PLA and other bioplastics are not a perfect solution, but they represent a positive step towards reducing our dependence on oil and promoting renewable alternatives. However, it is important to acknowledge the trade-off between land use for bioplastic crops and food production for a growing global population. While long-term plans aim to utilize agricultural waste for PLA production, the current infrastructure and market dynamics present challenges that the industry must address.
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PLA's environmental impact
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a popular bioplastic often marketed as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. It is made from renewable and natural materials such as corn and is touted as being biodegradable and carbon-neutral. However, the environmental impact of PLA is a complex issue that has been the subject of recent debate and research.
One of the main issues with PLA is that it requires very specific conditions to be properly composted. Unlike regular plastic materials, PLA needs to be sorted separately and brought to a 'closed composting environment'. When sent to industrial composting facilities, PLA plastics must be heated to 140 degrees Celsius and exposed to special digestive microbes that can biodegrade the material. These demanding conditions for biodegradation, combined with the slow rate of biodegradation, make it challenging for PLA products to complete their life cycle as marketed.
The production and disposal of PLA also have environmental implications. The industrial production of PLA involves transportation networks that contribute to air, land, and water pollution. Additionally, the manufacture of PLA is fuelled almost entirely by virgin (non-recycled) materials, which can harm the environment. When PLA ends up in landfills, it may fragment into chemical-laced microplastics that contaminate food and water sources.
Recent studies have provided conflicting findings regarding the biodegradability of PLA. One comprehensive study commissioned by Holland Bioplastics found that PLA fully breaks down in the presence of water or humidity, leaving no lasting microplastics in the environment. However, other sources argue that PLA can take hundreds of years to degrade in practical environments like composters or landfills. The discrepancy between the marketed and actual environmental footprint of PLA has led to concerns about greenwashing in the industry.
To address the environmental impact of plastics, including PLA, experts emphasize the need to reduce single-use materials and prioritize the use of plastic-free, reusable, and refillable alternatives. While PLA may offer some advantages over conventional plastics, such as reduced CO2 emissions and lower toxicity during production, it is not a panacea for plastic pollution. Overall, the environmental impact of PLA is a multifaceted issue that requires further critical assessment and transparent communication of its drawbacks.
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PLA's applications
PLA, or polylactic acid, is a popular bioplastic with a range of applications. It is known for its strength and versatility, making it suitable for various uses. One of the most common applications of PLA is in packaging, where it serves as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. PLA is often used for containers, linings, wraps, bags, bottles, and cosmetic packaging. Its low melting point and good layer adhesion make it ideal for 3D printing, and it is the most widely used plastic filament material in FDM 3D printing.
In the medical field, PLA is used for implants in the form of anchors, screws, plates, pins, rods, and mesh. This is because PLA can degrade into innocuous lactic acid, making it suitable for use in the human body. Additionally, PLA has applications in engineering plastics, where it is blended with rubber-like polymers to improve its form stability and visual transparency. It is used for automotive parts such as floor mats, panels, and covers, although its heat resistance and durability are inferior to polypropylene (PP).
PLA is also used in consumer goods, including toys and fashion items. In agriculture, PLA is used for sandbags, planting pots, binding tape, and ropes. It is also used for monofilament fishing line and netting for vegetation and weed prevention. However, one drawback of PLA is its slow degradation rate under ambient temperatures, which can lead to contamination in the conventional plastics recycling process. To effectively degrade, PLA requires higher temperatures, such as those found in industrial compost facilities.
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PLA alternatives
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a popular choice for 3D printing due to its ease of use, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, it has its limitations, such as its low tensile strength and impact resistance. If you're looking for alternatives to PLA with improved strength and durability, here are some options:
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): ABS is a widely-used thermoplastic known for its durability, impact resistance, and overall strength. It has superior mechanical properties to PLA and is lighter and more flexible. ABS is suitable for applications that require mechanical strength, such as automotive components, enclosures, and toys. It is also inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for 3D printing projects. However, ABS requires higher temperatures for printing and can produce strong odors during the manufacturing process.
- Nylon: Nylon is a durable material with excellent strength and flexibility. It exhibits excellent impact resistance and wear resistance. Different formulations of nylon also offer resistance to chemicals and UV radiation. Nylon is well-suited for 3D printed items that can handle friction, such as gears, belts, and handles. However, it is more expensive than other materials, with prices ranging from $45 to over $90 per kilogram.
- PETG: PETG is another alternative to PLA that is commonly used in 3D printing. It has similar printing temperatures to ABS, typically around 220°C for the hot end and 50-75°C for the bed. While it may take a few attempts to get the desired results, PETG can produce strong prints with good layer adhesion.
- Composite Plastics: In recent years, there has been a trend towards composite plastics reinforced with carbon fiber, fiberglass, or Kevlar. These materials can be added to any 3D-printable plastic, including ABS, nylons, polycarbonate, PLA, or PETG. The addition of these reinforced materials improves the structural stability, stiffness, and thermal properties of the base plastic, enhancing its overall performance.
- Taulman 910: This material has been used by some to print parts that require better properties than PLA or PETG. It involves running higher temperatures than typically recommended for PLA, but it can result in good first-layer adhesion.
- TPE: TPE, or thermoplastic elastomer, is a flexible material that allows you to bend or unroll your print once completed, opening up new possibilities for creating unique shapes.
These alternatives to PLA offer varying degrees of strength, durability, and flexibility, making them suitable for different applications in 3D printing and manufacturing.
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Frequently asked questions
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca. It is one of the most popular materials for 3D printing due to its ease of use, low cost, and environmental friendliness.
PLA is stronger and stiffer than Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) but has poor heat resistance. It is also very brittle, resulting in less than 10% elongation at break, which limits its use in applications that require some level of plastic deformation at high-stress levels.
To increase the strength of 3D-printed plastic parts, it is important to consider the infill pattern and density. A higher infill density results in a heavier and stronger part. Additionally, technologies such as annealing, adding nucleating agents, and forming composites with fibres or nanoparticles have been used to enhance the mechanical properties of PLA polymers.
