There's talk about PLA

Text: Martin Björk Publication date: 3 november 2023

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is still the most widely used material for 3D printing, despite the rapid advancements in both 3D printers and filaments over the past 7-8 years. Sometimes one might wonder why this is the case since many perceive PLA as somewhat mundane and not versatile in its applications.

However, the fact remains that PLA is an underrated material that could have taken an even more prominent role than it already has. But let's start from the beginning and go through what PLA actually is. (gets a bit technical)

1. The first step in all manufacturing is, of course, the raw material. In the case of PLA, the raw material comes from starch extracted from corn or potatoes. The starch is processed, isolating the part called polylactic acid (lactic acid), which forms the basis for producing PLA.
   
   
2. This base material is formed into small pellets or granules and, through a polymerization process (fancy terms), the monomers (lactic acid) transform into what is called polymers (PLA).
   
   
3. After this process, the material, now known as PLA, must be meticulously dried for the subsequent steps to yield a good and durable material. Often, this step distinguishes between a "good" filament and a poorer quality one. This is also where additives are incorporated to give the material its specific properties. Most commonly, various color pigments are added, but it can also consist of, for instance, wood powder to provide a particular lifelike printing characteristic. Small amounts of other materials like PC (Polycarbonate) can also be added to achieve an extremely glossy surface, as seen in products like Prima Select Glossy and PolyLite from Polymaker.
   
   
4. In the next step, the dried PLA material, possibly colored or treated, is fed into an extrusion machine. Here, the material is heated and under high pressure, extruded through a narrow opening. The most common filament diameter by far is 1.75 mm, adopted by major manufacturers like Raise3D, Creality, Bambu Lab, etc. There's also a 2.85 diameter used by manufacturers such as Ultimaker.
   
   
5. Once the finished filament reaches its correct diameter, rapid cooling is essential to maintain its diameter and shape. In many modern facilities, like those used in 3D Prima's filament production, lasers and other instruments are employed to guarantee the filament's diameter and roundness. If the set requirements aren't met, the process is redone.
   
   
6. The final step is to wind up the finished filament onto spools. These can either be huge "master spools" or direct-to-consumer spools typically weighing from 250 grams to 5 kilograms.

It's extremely important to meticulously monitor every step of the manufacturing process. This is often where mistakes or negligence occur — but also what ultimately determines whether the end product will be good or merely "okay." Companies like 3D Prima and Prima Creator, along with other major manufacturers, have always taken great pride in using modern manufacturing processes and rigorous control to consistently deliver high-quality filament to both businesses and individuals.

PLA is an extremely versatile material that has found its place in the market and is currently used in various applications. It's environmentally friendly, emitting no unpleasant odors or particles during printing. Some users mention detecting a mild scent of popcorn during printing, something most people find acceptable.

When using PLA for contact with food or toys for children and pets, it's important to choose uncolored and additive-free filaments, usually referred to as "Clear." Only then can one guarantee that no color pigments or additives pose any risk.

For end consumers, PLA is a great choice as it's harmless, very easy to print with, and relatively inexpensive. PLA prints at relatively low temperatures and often works well even on printers without a heated build platform, although having one significantly helps.

For the best chance of successful printing, using some form of adhesion material is recommended. PrimaFix works excellently with PLA, not only ensuring better adhesion during printing but also making it considerably easier to remove the print once it's finished.

PLA can also be stored for extended periods, as long as it's not exposed to moisture. Companies use large quantities of PLA to produce prototypes where perhaps strength isn't the primary sought-after characteristic.

In conclusion, PLA will probably remain the reigning queen of filaments for a very long time to come.