Need help? Call 0115 794 0445
- Cost effective 3D printing service
The most commonly available 3D printing material on the market. Derived from corn crops, this recycled material is food safe and environmentally friendly.
“We have used SGD 3D a few times now. Each time they dealt with our queries promptly, giving us all the information and help we needed as a new user of Additive Manufacturing” – Howmet Aerospace
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a popular biodegradable thermoplastic used in 3D printing and other manufacturing applications.
Applications:
Prototyping
Hobby and decorative items
Educational models
Low-wear parts
| Material Properties | Test Method | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength at yield | ISO 527 | 98 MPa |
| Elongation strain at yield | ISO 527 | 5 % |
| Tensile (E) modulus | ISO 527 | 4000 MPa |
| Flammability behaviour | UL94 | V-0 |
| Heat deflection temp | ISO 75 | 152 °C |
Field insight: PLA is the go-to material for rapid prototyping and visual models due to its ease of use and consistent results. Professionals and hobbyists alike favour PLA for:
Client demonstrations
Educational settings
Quick iteration:
- Professional Design Services
Contact our expert team today to enquire about the 3D design & 3D scanning services we offer at our professional 3D printing service
FDM 3D Printing stands for Fused Deposition Modelling, also known as FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). It’s one of the most common and accessible 3D printing technologies.
Strengths:
Low cost and fast turnaround times
Weaknesses:
Limited dimensional accuracy and print layers are likely to be visible.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Price | £££££ |
| Tolerance | ± 0.50 mm below 100mm / ± 0.60 % above 100mm |
| Minimum feature size | 0.8 mm |
| Lead time | 6 - 10 working days |
| Layer height | 100 to 200 µm |
| Max X | 260 mm |
| Max Y | 260 mm |
| Max Z | 260 mm |
PLA is brittle, has low heat resistance, and isn’t suitable for high-stress or high-temperature parts. It’s also not widely recyclable and can degrade over time, especially in humid or sunny conditions.
No, PLA doesn’t require a heated bed, but using one (around 50–60°C) can improve adhesion and reduce warping, especially for larger prints.
PLA is popular for hobby and prototype printing, but it’s less used in industrial or functional applications because it’s brittle, has low heat resistance, and lacks durability. Materials like ABS, PETG, or nylon are preferred where strength and performance are required.
PLA is less harmful than traditional plastics because it’s made from renewable resources and is industrially compostable. However, it won’t break down in home compost or landfills, and it’s not widely recyclable. If disposed of improperly, it can still contribute to plastic waste.
Yes, PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a type of plastic. It’s a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. While it’s not derived from petroleum like most plastics, it behaves similarly during printing and use
PLA is made from renewable plant materials and can biodegrade in industrial composting facilities. However, it won’t break down easily in regular compost or the environment. Its overall eco-friendliness depends on proper disposal and sustainable crop use. It’s better than traditional plastics but not completely without environmental impact.
PLA is not accepted in regular household recycling bins in the UK because it can contaminate the recycling process. However, there are specialized recycling services that accept PLA waste for proper recycling. If these are not available, PLA should be disposed of in general waste to avoid contamination. Always check local guidelines for specific disposal options.
PLA can release microplastics when it breaks down, especially if exposed to mechanical wear or improper disposal conditions. While it’s biodegradable under industrial composting, in natural environments or landfills PLA can fragment into microplastics similar to conventional plastics. Proper disposal is important to minimize this risk.
PLA is not recyclable in standard plastic recycling systems because it has a different chemical structure and melting point than common plastics like PET or HDPE. If mixed with regular plastics, it can contaminate the recycling process, causing quality and processing issues. Specialized recycling facilities are needed to handle PLA separately.
Yes, PLA feels like plastic. It has a smooth, slightly glossy surface similar to many common plastics, but it can be a bit more brittle and less flexible than some traditional plastics like PET or ABS.
CELEBRATE ENGLAND IN THE EURO SEMI-FINALS!
ENJOY 20% OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER USING CODE:
ENG-EUR
HURRY! ONLY 66 COUPONS AVAILABLE
DISCOUNT CODE REQUIRED (MAX DISCOUNT £50) PROMOTION T&C’s APPLY AND VALID UNTIL 14/07/2024
