Application and characteristics of PLA filament
PLA as opposed to all plastic-based oil is obtained from renewable raw materials , eg. corn meal. It is environmentally friendly, since the polymer is fully biodegradable.
This material is used :
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in the production of packaging of food products, e.g., disposable dishes, cups. PLA is safe in contact with food. Do not forget that the pigments colourants may not be as harmless as he PLA. Since almost anywhere it does not document the chemical composition of these pigments in order to inform about the harmlessness or potential toxicity. PLA in its natural state is transparent;
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in medicine in the form of sutures, drug delivery systems, screw, implants. They are degraded in the body within six months to two years;
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in the production of prototypes, educational models and architectural replicas. Since the liquidity of PLA. It is greater than the fluidity ABS ‚s possible to print more detailed elements of higher speed;
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in the production of props, costumes, figurines. Printouts of the PLA have a smooth and shiny surfaces. PLA has a low refractive index which determines the intensity of color and saturation color.
In addition , this material is characterized by:
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the low absorption of moisture;
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high resistance to UV rays;
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the tendency to cracking and breaking . PLA is more brittle than ABS , which is less durable;
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a decrease in cohesion at about 50 ° C ( becomes soft ), which is its main drawback. On the other hand, it creates the possibility of repairing the damaged part by bending or welding, which can be considered an advantage.
PLA does not require heating of the table.
PLA can be sanded and painted with acrylic paint . However, some recommend the use of a primer. The elements made of plastic PLA can glue cyanoacrylate adhesive, such as adhesive Super Glue.
