What is PLA filament made of? Read on to find out.
Looking for the best 3D printer filament with A-grade performance? If so, you should get PLA filament.
PLA is the most popular 3D printer filament on the market. There are various reasons why this filament is used in FDM 3D printers.
PLA filaments are available in different colors. This makes them a great choice for many applications. The filament can also be blended with other materials to obtain unique blends and vibrant shades that are aesthetically pleasing.
What is PLA Filament Made Of?
PLA filament is an abbreviation for Polylactic Acid Filament. This is a plastic material that is prepared from vegetables, especially cornstarch.
Cornstarch is biodegradable and renewable. This is the reason why PLA filament is also referred to as thermoplastic polymers.
Using PLA Filament for 3D Printing
Polylactic Acid is used in 3D printing together with ABS on printers that use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. PLA and ABS are the most popular filaments for 3D printers. However, between the two, PLA outshines ABS for various reasons. Generally, it is cheap, strong, and does not produce bad odor.
Types of PLA Filament Blends
PLA filaments are available in different flavors, colors, and blends. Here is an overview of some common PLA blend filaments.
Aluminum
As expected, PLA aluminum filament is light is weight and gives models a splendid aluminum look. This filament is made from Polylactic Acid mixed with finely ground aluminum powder.
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Algae
PLA filament made from algae is eco-friendly and green in color. This biodegradable filament looks like sandstone and does not require very high temperatures to melt.
Algae PLA filament is stronger than most filaments.
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Beer
Some beer byproducts are also used to make PLA filament. The prints made from the PLA filament have a malty smell, which beer fanatics love.
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Bamboo Wood
Bamboo wood 3D prints look gorgeous and have a wooden smell. The models look like they have been made from an original bamboo wood.
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Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber PLA filaments produce strong 3D prints. These filaments are popular with RC hobbyists. If you are printing any items that have to be strong, use carbon fiber PLA filament.
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Benefits of Using PLA Filament
PLA is the best 3D printer filament for beginners. The filament is easy to use and flows from the printer nozzle without causing any issues like warping or clogging. This is the filament recommended for Ender 3.
The printing temperature of PLA filament is also slightly lower than that of other filaments, such as ABS. The filament is also cheap, versatile, and produces reasonably higher quality prints at a lower rate.
Bottom Line
3D printer filaments like TPU, ABS, and PETG have various mechanical advantages over PLA. However, when it comes to functionality, PLA is simply the best filament for instant prototyping. You will receive better details of your prints thanks to the low melting point of the filament.
If you had the question “what is PLA filament made of”, we hope this article has left you satisfied.
GUIDES: Best PLA Filaments for Lithophanes | Types of PLA Filaments | Best PLA Filament for Ender 3 | Best PLA Filaments | What is PLA Filament Made Of?
