POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA)

About PLA Material

Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) is a great 3D printing material for early stage prototyping on simple geometry parts, made out of biodegradable corn starch. Because this material is relatively cheap, you can cost effectively 3D print multiple iterations of an early stage part design.PLA could be CNC machined but it is typically not available in sheet stock or rod form.

Quick Overview

Processes	Lead Time	Color	Tolerance	Price	Applications
3D Printing	2-4 Days based on size	White & available in all major colors.	FDM - 150 µm SLA - 40 µm	Lowest in market	Strength & complex geometries
Injection Molding	20-30 Days	White & available in all major colors.	As low as +/- 0.030 mm	Qty & Precision dependent	High strength, Good surface finish.

Design Recommendations

Services Name	Max Size	Min Size	Min Thickness	Undercuts	Radii Depth
For 3D Printing	Max Part Size: 500x500x500 mm	Min Hole size : 1 mm	Min Wall Thickness: 1 mm	Min Feature Size : 3 mm	Recommended fillet & Chamfer angles : > 45 Deg
For Molding	Max Part Size: 500x500x500 mm	Min Hole size : 0.5 mm	Min Wall Thickness: 0.5 mm	Ribs should be 40-60% the thickness of outer walls and should still maintain draft	Minimum draft angle of 0.5°, or up to 5°, for faces with medium textures

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max shelf life of a PLA part ?

15 years

Is PLA more durable than ABS ?

No, ABS is more durable than PLA.

Can we make PLA parts in CNC machining ?

PLA can be machinable but PLA is generally not available in blocks form.

In what color PLA filaments are available ?

What are the advantages of PLA ?

Higher strength and stiffness than both ABS and nylon
Easiest materials to 3D print successfully

Clients

Think3D has been a great partner for us in supplying COVID-19 test cartridges on-time despite the pandemic challenges. When we came up with a new requirement needing a workforce of more than 25 people, think3D took up the challenge and arranged the workforce within 2 days. I highly recommend think3D for any manufacturing needs.

Sanket Srivatsav
Production In-Charge, Molbio

As a professor doing research on new materials, I needed a strong industry partner to assist us. think3D perfectly fit that bill. think3D team is highly knowledgeable on all manufacturing technologies and the team is very prompt in responding to all our requests. My research has been very successful, thanks to think3D team.

Dr. Karthik Chetan V
Asst. Professor, BITS Pilani

We found issue with one part at the time of assembly and needed a quick replacement. think3D team has quickly responded to our request, redesigned the part and printed it using metal 3D Printing and delivered in 3 days time. The part came out really well and the design was better than that of the actual one.

Rama Krishna
Senior Manager (IMM), BDL