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URL: PLA 3D printer filament information at Wikipedia
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid
While derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, in a landfill PLA (polylactic acid) filament persists like other plastics. However, it is biodegradable in industrial composting facilities at temperatures ~140°F (60°C) with controlled moisture and microbial activity. PLA is very recyclable, industrial users can turn waste back into filament with inexpensive machines.
Related Information
TPU vs PLA Filament for Mold Making
This picture has its own page with more detail, click here to see it.
The mold on the right is PLA filament. Printed at 0.8mm thickness, it only weighs 38g yet is very strong. But it is single-use, needing removal using a heat gun. The TPU flexible mold on the left weighs 62g (the walls are 1.6mm thick). It promises to be multi use but it lacks rigidity and needs a PLA shell to hold the walls vertical. A determined acquaintance printed this for me, it took four attempts. The surface quality is not as good, especially on the top layers.
PLA is a bioplastic, made from renewables. It can potentially be composted. PLA is the most common type of filament used in FDM 3D printing. It has a low melting point, which eases printing and improves interlayer adhesion (but heat resistance of printed products is poor).
Regarding TPU, here is some advice from a follower (who uses a Prusa printer and gets better results than us): "The secret to printing with TPU is constant speed while printing. Under Print Settings, go to Speed. Set them all to 20 mm/s. Ironing will be greyed out unless you have it on. Then, in the next section, Dynamic Overhang Speed, set everything to 20 mm/s. Under Modifiers set First Layer Speed to 20 mm/s. Then under Auto Speed (Advanced), set Max Print Speed to 20 mm/s. This will prevent almost all webbing and other print issues. Some people also suggest reducing the Z-Axis Nozzle Retraction, but I have not found a need to do that."
Links
| Glossary |
3D Printer
Standard 3D printers (not clay 3D printers) are incredibly useful in ceramic production and design, bringing difficult processes within reach of potters and hobbyists. |
| URLs |
https://noztek.com
PLA Filament extruders, winders, driers and related equipment for making and recycling. |
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