FDM materials
PLA
The economical material for rapid prototypes and low-demand parts
PLA is an easy-to-print material, ideal for prototypes, design validations and low-stress parts. At Additium3D we use it through FDM 3D printing as a cost-effective solution.
Easy to print, economical and perfect for validating designs
What is PLA?
The PLA (polylactic acid) it is a widely used thermoplastic in FDM 3D printing thanks to its ease of printing and low cost.
It is a particularly interesting option for creating prototypes, validating geometries or manufacturing parts in which the mechanical and thermal performance are not the main requirement.
Its ease of processing allows parts to be manufactured easily quick and economical, so it is especially useful during the early stages of product development.
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Main properties of PLA
Easy to print
It is one of the easiest FDM materials to process, facilitating the manufacturing of prototypes and parts.
Low cost
Its price allows validations and design tests to be carried out without significantly increasing the cost of the project.
Rapid prototyping
It allows the quick manufacture of models and prototypes to check dimensions, geometry and design.
Good surface finish
It can offer a good finish for prototypes and parts intended for visual or presentation applications.
Wide variety of applications
It can be used for prototypes, models, decorative parts and various items that do not require high technical performance.
Biodegradable source material
PLA is a bio-based material that is biodegradable under specific industrial conditions.
TPU
Technical information about PLA: characteristics and applications
What applications is PLA used for?
PLA is particularly suited for projects where speed and low cost are sought, without high mechanical or thermal requirements.
It is commonly used to manufacture:
- Design prototypes.
- Conceptual models.
- Models.
- Validation pieces.
- Visual components.
- Decorative pieces.
- Templates for presentation.
- Product prototypes.
- Custom elements.
- Low-demand parts.
It is a good option to validate a design before moving on to a technical material with higher performance.
Why do we use PLA at Additium3D?
At Additium3D, we use PLA when the project needs an economical and fast solution for prototyping or for manufacturing parts without major technical requirements.
Its main advantages are:
- Easy printing.
- Low cost.
- Rapid manufacturing.
- Good option for prototypes.
- Suitable for design validations.
- Wide versatility.
- Ideal for low-demand parts.
When the component is going to be subjected to mechanical stress, high temperatures or demanding working conditions, we recommend evaluating other FDM materials with better performance.
PLA and FDM technology
The combination of PLA and FDM 3D printing makes it possible to manufacture prototypes and parts quickly and economically directly from a digital model.
Among its main advantages are:
- Mould-free manufacturing.
- Low production costs.
- Rapid prototyping.
- Freedom of design.
- Part customisation.
- Made-to-order.
- Ease of carrying out design iterations.
FDM technology also offers a wide variety of materials, making it possible to select an alternative to PLA when the mechanical or thermal requirements of the project increase.
When to choose PLA?
PLA is the best option when you are looking for:
- Rapid prototypes.
- Design validation.
- Low cost.
- Low-demand parts.
- Conceptual models.
- Models.
- Decorative pieces.
- Rapid product iterations.
If the part requires greater impact resistance, rigidity or thermal stability, it may be more advisable to use ABS or ABS GF. For especially demanding industrial applications, materials such as PAHT CF can offer better performance.
Request a free technical consultation
Do you need to manufacture parts in PLA?
At At Additium3D we analyse each project to determine whether PLA It is the most suitable material according to the needs of the part.
Our technical team will advise you on selecting the material and 3D printing technology that best suit your application.
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