- Characteristics and advantages of PLA (polylactic acid)
3D printing material PLA (polylactic acid) is a common and popular 3D printing material. It has the following outstanding features and advantages:
PLA is a biodegradable material. It is made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sucrose, and more. During the 3D printing process, PLA is solidified by melting the thermoplastic material and quickly cooling it after the printing process is complete. This means that objects made of PLA are environmentally friendly and will not cause pollution in the environment.
The printing temperature of PLA is relatively low. Compared with other 3D printing materials, PLA has a lower melting point, about 170°C–180°C. This makes working with PLA more convenient because the thermoplastic material has a lower melting point and requires relatively less equipment. Even using PLA on a home 3D printer, you can get good printing results.
The printing properties of PLA are excellent. During the PLA printing process, the material has good fluidity and can provide printing quality with clear details and a smooth surface. This makes PLA an ideal material for making detailed models, small parts, and decorations. Not only that, PLA also has rich color options to meet various needs.
- Characteristics and advantages of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)
Another commonly used 3D printing material is ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). Compared with PLA, ABS has some different characteristics and advantages:
ABS offers greater strength and durability. ABS is a thermoplastic engineering plastic. Its printed objects have high strength and wear resistance and can withstand greater loads and impacts. This makes ABS an ideal material for making mechanical parts, industrial models, and functional parts.
The printing temperature of ABS is higher. Compared with PLA, the printing temperature of ABS is about 220℃-250℃. Printing at high temperatures makes the ABS layers more adherent, making printed objects more stable and reliable. High temperatures also require the use of more advanced 3D printing equipment.
ABS has better chemical resistance. ABS can resist acid, alkali, and chemical solvent erosion, so it is suitable for making chemical laboratory equipment, industrial equipment, and other objects that require corrosion resistance.
- Comparison between PLA and ABS
Although both PLA and ABS are common 3D printing materials, they differ in some ways:
PLA is easier to print than ABS. The low melting point of PLA makes it printable on a variety of 3D printers, while ABS requires higher printing temperatures and more advanced printing equipment.
PLA is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly; while ABS is non-degradable and causes certain pollution to the environment. In projects that focus on environmental protection, PLA is more popular.
PLA-printed objects have a smooth surface and visible details, making them suitable for making art; while ABS-printed objects are stronger and more durable, making them suitable for making functional parts.
4 Conclusion
PLA and ABS are commonly used 3D printing materials. PLA is suitable for making artwork and fine models, and has good environmental performance; ABS is suitable for making industrial parts and objects with high wear resistance requirements and has excellent strength and durability. Depending on specific needs and project characteristics, choosing the right material is the key to achieving satisfactory printing results. With the continuous development of 3D printing technology, more types of 3D printing materials will appear in the future to meet the needs of different fields.
