Why Is My PLA Filament Brittle? Why did it go stale?

If you're an avid 3D printer user, you've probably experienced the frustration of dealing with fragile PLA filament. But why does this happen and how can you prevent it?

What Causes Brittle PLA Filament?

There are several factors that can contribute to brittle PLA filament:

• Exposure to moisture: PLA filament is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. If your filament has been stored in a humid environment, it may become brittle and break easily during printing.
• Inadequate storage: It is important to store your filament in an airtight container with desiccant packs to keep it dry. If you do not store your filament properly, it can become brittle and difficult to handle.
• Printing at a very high temperature: While PLA has a relatively low melting point, printing at a very high temperature can cause the material to become brittle and prone to breakage.
• Printing at a very low temperature: On the other hand, if you print at a very low temperature, the PLA filament may not fully fuse with the previous layer, resulting in a weak and brittle print.

How to Avoid Brittle PLA Filament?

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent fragile PLA filament:

• Store your filament properly: As mentioned above, it is important to store your filament in an airtight container with desiccant packs to keep it dry. This will help prevent moisture absorption and keep your filament in good condition.
• Use a filament drying box: If you live in a particularly humid environment or suspect your filament is getting damp, you may want to invest in a filament drying box. These boxes use heat and desiccant packs to remove moisture from the filament, making printing easier.
• Adjust your print temperature: Experiment with different print temperatures to find the ideal spot for your specific filament and printer. In general, a print temperature of around 190-220°C is a good starting point for PLA, although this may vary depending on your printer and the filament you are using.
• Use a fan: PLA filament is sensitive to cooling, so using a cooling fan can help prevent brittleness and improve the overall quality of your prints.

Solution

Brittle PLA filament can be a frustrating problem, but with proper storage, temperature control and fan use, you can avoid this problem and enjoy successful 3D printing.

Understanding PLA Filament Density

If you're new to 3D printing, you may have heard the term "filament density" and wondered what it means. In this article, we'll explain what filament density is and how it can affect your 3D printing experience.

What is Filament Density?

Filament density refers to the mass of a given volume of filament. It is usually expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3). A material's density determines its weight and how long it will sink or float in water.

The density of PLA filament is typically about 1.24 g/cm3, which is slightly less than the density of water (1.00 g/cm3). This means the PLA filament will float in water.

How Does Filament Density Affect 3D Printing?

Filament density can have several different effects on your 3D printing experience:

• Print quality: Denser filaments can produce higher quality prints as they are less prone to warping and have lower shrinkage rates. However, denser filaments may also require higher printing temperatures and may be more difficult to print.
• Print speed: Lighter filaments can be printed at higher speeds as they require less extrusion force. However, lighter filaments may also be more prone to warping and have a higher shrinkage rate.
• Material cost: Denser filaments can be more expensive because they require more material to print the same volume as a lighter filament.

Solution

Filament density is an important factor to consider when choosing a filament for your 3D printing projects. Understanding the density of the filament you are using can help you make informed decisions about print quality, print speed and material cost.

 

Definition of PLA Filament

If you're new to the world of 3D printing, you may be wondering what exactly PLA filament is. In this article, we will provide a description of PLA filament and explain its properties and uses.

What is PLA Filament?

PLA (polylactic acid) filament is a type of plastic commonly used in 3D printing. It is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics made from fossil fuels, as it is produced from renewable resources such as cornstarch and sugar cane.

PLA filament is known for its low melting point, which makes it easy to work with in most 3D printers. It's also strong and rigid, making it a good choice for a wide variety of applications, including prototypes, figurines and architectural models.

Properties of PLA Filament
PLA filament has several properties that make it an attractive choice for 3D printing:
Low melting point: As mentioned, PLA has a low melting point.

Another advantage of using PLA filament is its eco-friendly properties. As a biodegradable material made from renewable resources, it produces fewer emissions during the printing process compared to other materials. This can be important in assay applications as it reduces environmental impact and promotes sustainability.

PLA Filament and Acetone Treatment: Benefits and Applications

Acetone treatment is a popular finishing method used to improve the strength and surface quality of 3D prints made with PLA filament. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits and applications of using the acetone treatment on PLA filament.

What is PLA Filament?

PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament is a type of 3D printing material made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane. It is known for its ease of use and environmental friendliness, as it is biodegradable and produces less emissions during the printing process compared to other materials.