The Strength and Durability of PLA Printed Parts

Introduction: While 3D printing PL(A) (polylactic acid) is popular for prototyping and creating decorative items, it is important to understand its limitations in terms of strength and durability. This article will explore the strengths and weaknesses of PLA printed parts, focusing on their suitability for various applications.

Understanding PLA Printed Parts

PLA printed parts are generally not considered to be highly durable or strong, especially when compared to other materials such as ABS. While PLA is an excellent choice for creating prototypes and decorative pieces due to its ease of use and biodegradability, it has certain limitations that should be understood by all users.

Strength Comparison with ABS

It is often mentioned that PLA and ABS have similar strength levels in practice. While ABS is known to be a stronger material, this comes with the trade-off of worse layer adhesion. This means that PLA parts are less likely to fail on strong points but may have more potential weak points.

Good Uses for PLA Printed Parts

Here are some good uses for PLA printed parts:

Phone or handheld radio stands Shelving organization for non-heavy items Cable organizers Decorative pieces such as figurines and statues Low strain mechanical parts Prop making for fake weapons or decorations Enclosures for electronics

These applications leverage the strengths of PLA, such as its ease of use, rapid prototyping capabilities, and suitability for temporary parts.

Bad Uses for PLA Printed Parts

Despite its limitations, PLA has its place in certain applications, albeit temporary ones. Here are some examples of less suitable uses for PLA:

High strain mechanical parts such as pulleys (use at your own risk) Manufacturing furniture Creating a second 3D printer using your current one (definitely feasible, but not durable) Any sort of container exposed to harsh conditions, such as test tubes or bottles

While PLA is not ideal for these applications, it is perfectly fine for quickly prototyping and making copies of these items.

Thermoplastics and Their Brittle Nature

The brittleness of thermoplastics like PLA is one of their primary flaws. PLA is designed to be more flexible and less prone to breaking, which is beneficial for certain uses. However, this flexibility can also be a drawback in terms of durability, especially in environments subject to frequent stress or harsh conditions.

In conclusion, PLA printed parts are strong but not durable in the long run. They are excellent for their intended use, such as prototyping and creating decorative items, but they are not suitable for applications that require high levels of durability or strength, such as furniture, containers, or high strain mechanical parts.

Conclusion

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of PLA printed parts, users can effectively leverage this material in their 3D printing projects, ensuring that they are well-suited for their intended applications.