Choose the suitable 3D Printer Filament material for your project. It can make the difference between a good print and a frustrating one. Among the many options available, one material has earned its place as the go-to choice for both beginners and experts - PLA (Polylactic Acid). In this article, we'll explore the PLA advantage and understand why it's the preferred 3D printing material.
PLA is celebrated for its user-friendliness, low toxicity, and eco-friendly nature due to its biodegradability. Moreover, its low thermal coefficient prevent the model's dimension from shifting too much. Thus, achieving more precise prints. However, to truly make the most out of your PLA, it's crucial to grasp some key aspects that can significantly enhance your 3D printing endeavors.
Printing Temperature
The temperature you print with PLA dramatically affects how well your prints turn out. For optimal results, the recommended printing temperature generally falls within the range of 190°C-220°C. However, it's important to remember that different brands of PLA filament may have varying optimal temperatures, so consulting the manufacturer's guidelines is a wise practice. It also depends on your print speed adjustments.
Many of this factor depends on each other. You simply can't expect things melt fast enough in low temperature range when you are printing in higher speed. When experience layer delamination in your fast print, it is recommend to adjust the temperature by 5 degree celsius and try on test prints.
Print Bed Temperature
Your print bed temperature ensures successful adhesion and minimizes issues like warping or curling. PLA can be printed on the bed even without heat. However due to uncertain ambient condition, it's advisable to heat the print bed to a 55°C for better adhesion and prevent warping caused by cold air. Additionally, adhesive aids such as blue painter's tape, glue sticks, or hairspray can further enhance bed adhesion.
Print Speed
Print speed is another critical factor affecting print quality. Printing too rapidly can result in under-extrusion, where the extruder skips steps, leading to subpar prints. To achieve optimal outcomes with PLA, it's recommended to initiate your prints at a slower speed and gradually increase them. Typically, the ideal print speed for PLA falls within the range of 60-80mm/s.
However, it also depends on your object size. If you are printing delicate object, most likely you will want slower speed for better quality. In a much bigger object, the speed won't be as influential.
Retraction
Stringing and oozing are common challenges associated with PLA printing, particularly when the temperature isn't precisely calibrated. To mitigate these issues, it's essential to understand and optimize the retraction settings on your 3D printer. These settings may differ depending on the filament you're using, so it's best to do a retraction test print to ensure the settings are right for your filament.
Generally, factory setting of retraction should be good enough. But if required to adjust due to your print quality, changing the retraction speed by 5mm/s is a good rule of thumb to find what works for you.
Don't forget, Moisture can also lead to this problem!
Proper Storage
Maintaining the quality of your PLA filament relies heavily on proper storage. PLA is sensitive to moisture and humidity, which can negatively impact its printing performance and result in warping. Consider storing your filament in a cool, dry environment to safeguard it. Utilizing a desiccant to absorb moisture is a prudent choice, and storing the filament in an airtight container adds an extra layer of protection against dust and dirt contamination.
In Conclusion
PLA is undeniably a fantastic material for 3D printing, but achieving stellar results requires experimentation and adherence to proper handling practices. By fine-tuning factors such as printing temperature, print bed temperature, print speed, and retraction settings and implementing appropriate storage practices, you can unlock the full potential of your PLA filament. With these strategies, you'll consistently produce high-quality 3D prints that exemplify the true PLA advantage.
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