This article examines PLA density, defining its measurement and impacts. Gain insight into how this material property shapes outcomes in manufacturing with this guide.
Introduction
PLA, or polylactic acid, is a popular bioplastic commonly used in FDM 3D printing. PLA density refers to how much mass (weight) is packed into a specific volume of PLA filament. It’s typically measured in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³)
PLA density is critical in 3D printing for accurate weight estimate, material use optimisation, and obtaining desired product characteristics.
Understanding PLA Density
What is PLA Filament?
PLA Filament is the thin thread of PLA used in FDM 3D printers. It comes as thin spools of thread that your 3D printer melts and extrudes layer-by-layer to create objects.
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Understanding Density
Density refers to how much mass (weight) is packed into a specific volume of a material. Imagine a box filled with marbles – the denser the packing, the higher the density.
In 3D printing, we express density in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).
PLA Density and its Variations
The average density of PLA filament is around 1.24 g/cm³. However, this value can fluctuate slightly depending on a few factors:
- Manufacturer: Different brands may have slight variations in their PLA manufacturing process, leading to minor density differences.
- Additives: Some PLA filaments incorporate additives like wood fibers or metal particles to enhance specific properties. These additives can influence overall density depending on their weight and concentration.
PLA’s Material Properties
PLA offers a good balance between strength and flexibility, making it a versatile material for 3D printing.
- Good tensile strength: withstands pulling forces without breaking.
- Moderate structural integrity: allows for creation of moderately strong objects.
- Lower overall strength: compared to ABS, it is less suitable for high-stress applications.
- Brittle at high temperatures: PLA filament is brittle around 60°C or higher.
- Some flexibility: good for slight bending applications.
- Prone to brittleness: avoid for delicate or high-impact designs.
| Property | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Good tensile strength, moderate structure | Lower overall strength, brittle at high temperatures |
| Flexibility | Some flexibility | Brittle in thin sections or under high stress |
Methods to Measure the Density of PLA
There are two main ways to find PLA density:
- Calculations: Use the formula ρ = m / V (density = mass / volume) to find density if you know either the average PLA density (1.24 g/cm³) or have measured the mass and volume of your specific filament.
- Quick Estimates:
- Check manufacturer specifications for their listed density.
- Use the displacement method (submerging PLA in water) for a rough estimate, but be aware it’s less precise.
PLA‘s Applications Across Industries
PLA’s biodegradability, printability, and relatively light weight (due to its density of around 1.24 grams per cubic centimeter) make it a popular choice across industries.
Consumer Products
- Utensils, cups, and food containers: PLA’s biodegradability makes it ideal for disposable items, reducing reliance on traditional plastics.
- Toys and figurines: PLA’s printability and safety (often derived from corn starch) make it suitable for children’s toys.
- Electronics casings and components: PLA can be used for non-critical electronic parts due to its moderate strength and printability advantages in prototyping.
Prototyping and Rapid Manufacturing
- Functional prototypes: PLA’s affordability and printability make it a cost-effective way to create working models for product development.
- Rapid tooling: 3D printed PLA molds is suitable for low-volume production runs before committing to permanent tooling.
Sustainable Initiatives
- Compostable packaging: PLA’s ability to decompose in industrial composting facilities aligns with eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- Green construction materials: PLA composites have the potential for sustainable building components like panels or insulation.
Medical and Healthcare
- Biodegradable implants: PLA’s biocompatibility makes it suitable for implants like screws or plates that degrade naturally as the body heals.
- Drug delivery systems: PLA composites have the potential to become sustainable building components, such as panels or insulation.
Food Packaging and Disposables
- Bottles and containers: PLA offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bottles for beverages and food products.
- Cutlery and straws: Biodegradable PLA cutlery and straws can help reduce plastic waste in the food service industry.
Films and Sheets
- Food packaging films: PLA films can be used for food wrapping and other packaging applications where transparency and biodegradability are desired.
- Agricultural mulching films: PLA mulching films can help retain moisture in soil and break down after use, minimizing waste.
PLA Density’s Impact on FDM 3D Print Quality
PLA density affects print quality in two ways:
- Layer Adhesion: Higher density (more infill) improves adhesion between layers, making the object stronger. Lower density can lead to weaker adhesion and potential delamination.
- Surface Finish: Lower density often results in a smoother surface finish as there’s less internal printing that might show on the outside. However, very low density can make it harder to print fine details.
Finding the balance between strong layers and a smooth finish depends on your project. Experiment with infill density to achieve the best results.
Conclusion
PLA is a good entry-level material for 3D printing suitable for diverse applications. Understanding PLA density, which is around 1.24 g/cm³, helps you make informed judgments about material selection.
Unionfab Offers Diverse Material Selection
From concept to creation, Unionfab empowers you. Our extensive range of high-quality materials, including PLA filament, caters to your design needs, while our 3D printing services ensure your vision transforms into a flawless reality.
Whether you opt for 3D printing or traditional manufacturing techniques like CNC machining or vacuum casting, Unionfab seamlessly integrates your chosen material into the production process.
