High stiffness, good detail, affordable. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic for low-cost, non-functional prototyping. Greater detail than ABS, but more brittle. Unsuitable for high temperatures.
FDM is the most widely available 3D printing process, mainly used for low-cost prototyping and design verification with very fast turn around times.
PLA CHARACTERISTICS:
Accuracy: ±0.2% (with a lower limit of ±0.2 mm)
Max Part Size: 450 x 450 x 470 mm
Layer Height: 100 – 300
Infill Options: 20% Standard – 80-100% High Infill
Wall Thickness: 0.8 mm
Tolerances: ±0.5% with a lower limit of ±0.5 mm (±0.020″)
Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
Low-cost, fast turnaround times | Limited dimensional accuracy, print layers are likely to be visible |
RECOMMENDED FOR:
✔ Fit & Form Testing
✔ Electronic Enclosures and Cases
✔ Large Models
✔ End User Products
✔ Batch Manufacturing
✔ Architectural Models
NOT SUITABLE FOR:
✘ Jewellery Design
✘ Small and Detailed Art Models (eg. Miniatures and Gaming)
✘ Designs with Large Curved Surfaces (eg. Spherical Objects)
≥ 0.6 mm
Vertical features are often overlooked but they play a very important part in whether or not your print will be successful and how strong the final result will be. We always recommend designing walls with a thickness of at least 1 mm with a minimum viable thickness of 0.6 mm.
≥ 1.6 mm
In order to achieve the best results we recommend a minimum thickness of 0.6 mm for unsupported walls.
≥ 3 mm
Pins and columns are often used in electronic and end product casings. For best results avoid designing pins with a diameter smaller than 3 mm.
TIP: Adding a chamfer or fillet at the base of your pins will result in much stronger parts.
≥ 1.6 mm Thickness
≥ 0.5 mm Depth
Embossed details should have a minimum line thickness of 1.6 mm and a depth of 0.5 mm or higher.
≥ 1.2 mm Thickness
≥ 0.3 mm Depth
Engraved details require a minimum line thickness of 1.2 mm and a depth of at least 0.3 mm.
≥ 0.4 mm
When designing an assembly of parts we suggest leaving a clearance of at least 0.4 mm around moving/sliding parts.
Our PLA / PETG / ABS / PC requires supports in order to print overhanging areas. It’s important to keep this in mind during the design phase since the surface in contact with the support material will exhibit a rougher finish compared with the rest of the model.
Start here if you’d like to discuss a possible project or have a large or complex order which you’d prefer us to review
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