Polylactic acid (PLA) was invented in the 1930s by the American chemist known as Wallace Carothers. PLA is a thermoplastic made out of renewable resources like corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca roots; this filament is far better, unlike other materials, made from petroleum. Because of its ecological nature, it has become popular within the 3D printing industry, making it readily available even in small spools like 1kg PLA filament.
How is this filament produced? First, the thermoplastic polymer ferments a carbohydrate source such as corn starch. Here the natural product is ground to separate the starch from the corn, mixing it with acid or lactic monomers. This mixture breaks the starch into dextrose (D-glucose) or corn sugar. Finally, glucose fermentation releases L-lactic acid, the fundamental component of the best PLA filament. It is considered a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid, meaning its viscosity will change depending on the stress subjected to it. It is the finest cut material, and its density reduces as you apply pressure.
PLA filament is quite acceptable within the additive manufacturing industry partly because it is made from renewable products and its mechanical properties. But what are the other reasons why it is considered the best? Here are the reasons:
· It is considered a semi-crystalline polymer with a melting temperature of 180 degrees Celsius, lower than ABS filament.
· PLA has excellent resistance to heat, making it often used in food industries.
· When printing with PLA, it does not require complex post-processing. On the other hand, when using supports, it will easily remove.
· Making a foundation or first layer with PLA is tricky. Still, Snapmaker’s 3D printer, which comes with an adhesive printing tray, facilitates the detachment once the piece is finished, producing a smooth and high-quality printout.
