PLA Filament

Table of Contents
What Who How

PLA Filament #

What Is It? #

  • Technical Name – Polylactic Acid (PLA)
  • Chemical Formula – (C3H4O2)n
  • Glass Temp – 50-55°C
  • Melt Temp – 170-180°C
  • Thermoplastic

Wallace Carothers – Source: Wikipedia

Who Invented It? #

The year was 1932 when 36 year old DuPont Chemist Wallace Carothers developed a process to create PLA in the lab. He had already been recognised for the development of nylon and neoprene – however unable to develop a commercially viable method of production left DuPont with no will to patent untill the 1950’s.

But you’re here to Print…
So lets fast forward a bit to 2022 #

How to print with PLA? #

Quickstart:

  • Hotend Temp: 190°C
  • Bed Temp: No heat required / 55°C if you want
  • Fan Speed: 100%

Bed surface preparation:

  • Hair Spray (unscented)
  • Blue Painters Tape
  • Glue Stick
  • Bare Glass (cleaned with alcohol)

J-Head™ Farmer shown 3D Printing PLA on bare glass *rendering

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