What is PLA (Polylactic Acid)?

Definition and Components of PLA Filament

So, what is PLA filament? PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a thermoplastic made from renewable resources like cornstarch, making it an eco-friendly choice for 3D printing. 

This filament has become one of the most widely used materials due to its easy-to-use properties and versatility. PLA filament typically requires lower extrusion temperatures than other filaments (between 180–200°C), which makes it well-suited for beginner printers as it is easier to use. Our Geeetech filament is particularly noted for its smooth printing experience, avoiding common issues like clogging the extruder. Additionally, Geeetech offers a variety of PLA filament types beyond the standard: high-speed PLA, luminous PLA, and even creative options like silk and marble PLA. There is also clear PLA filament for projects needing transparency.

Is PLA Actually Plastic?

Yes, PLA is indeed a type of plastic, but not your typical kind.
PLA is biodegradable and derived from renewable biomass, meaning it’s less harmful to the environment compared to other filament types. Though it is still plastic, PLA’s nature makes it a more environmentally-conscious 3D printing material.

What Will Dissolve PLA?

When you smooth the surface of your PLA prints for painting, you have to choose a good chemical. Using ethyl acetate is a good choice for PLA. It helps to dissolve the surface slightly, making it smoother and easier to prepare for painting, without damaging the main structure. Another option you may have around isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which, while not as effective as ethyl acetate, can still be used for minor smoothing.

Note also that PLA is resistant to water and won’t dissolve simply by soaking in water, unlike some other printing materials.

How Long Does PLA Prints Last?

PLA prints are durable under typical indoor conditions. However, exposure to sunlight and moisture can degrade the material over time, causing it to become brittle. Therefore, it is not recommended for outdoor projects. Proper storage in a cool, dry place is also essential for longevity.

Advantages and Disadvantages: PLA vs ABS

To choose PLA or ABS filament, you should look at the different needs of your project.

Advantages of PLA

• Lower printing temperature
• Minimal odor while printing
• Eco-friendly, biodegradable material
• Great for detailed and decorative items

Disadvantages of PLA

• Limited resistance to heat and UV exposure
• More brittle compared to ABS

Advantages of ABS

• More durable and heat-resistant
• Ideal for mechanical parts and outdoor use

Disadvantages of ABS

• Emits fumes when heated, requiring good ventilation during printing

Choosing between PLA vs ABS filament comes down to project needs: PLA is typically the best 3D filament for ease and aesthetics, while ABS generally works best for projects needing durability and strength.

Printing Tips for Beginners and Pros

How to Set up Your 3D Printer?

Before you start a print, you must set up your printer properly. Ensure that your slicer settings are configured for the specific filament you are using. For Geeetech PLA filament, you can use a bed temperature between 50–60°C. Also, calibrate your extruder temperature (typically between 180–200°C for PLA) and make sure your print bed is level.

How to Choose PLA, ABS, or PETG for Projects?

Each filament type has its strengths and weaknesses, which makes them suitable for different kinds of projects.

• PLA: Best for beginners, decorative objects, and items not exposed to heat.
• ABS: Ideal for mechanical parts and outdoor use due to its heat resistance.

PETG: A middle ground between PLA and ABS. PETG is strong, UV resistant, and easier to print than ABS. Choosing between PETG filament vs PLA often comes down to durability vs ease of printing.

You will know more by reading our introduction to all 3d printer filament types.

How to Store Filaments?

How to Dry Filament

Moisture can cause serious printing issues, like poor layer adhesion and bubbling. You can dry your filament using a filament dryer box or simply place it in an oven at a low temperature for a couple of hours. 

How to Keep Filament Dry More Properly

For a more ‘appropriate’ way to store filament, you can use vacuum storage bags to keep the filaments dry and maintain their quality. Geeetech offers thickened vacuum bag sets that are ideal for this purpose, which will help you get the best performance out of your filaments over time.

Popular Applications of 3D Printing

Various Industry Applications

PLA filament and other 3D printing materials have been gaining traction. From rapid prototyping in the electronics sector to creating custom parts in electric vehicles, the potential uses are rapidly escalating.

On a more personal level, 3D printing has also made its way into daily life, providing practical solutions for household issues. For example, a 3D-printed knife shelf board can be a clever replacement when traditional wooden boards become moldy, as I have done.

PLA Filament 3D Prints Display

With its vibrant colors, smooth finish, and ease of printing, Geeetech PLA filament is perfect for printing aesthetically pleasing items such as figurines, home decor, or even educational tools.

How Can You Start A Business with 3D Printing?

Starting a 3D printing business has become more accessible than ever, thanks to affordable printer models and versatile filament availability. Whether it’s producing custom phone cases, jewelry, or even cosplay items, you can use Geeetech PLA filament to create high-quality, visually stunning products.

What Kind of Primer Is Good for PLA Filament?

Priming your PLA prints is smart if you plan to paint them. Spray primers work well, and make sure to choose a primer that adheres well to plastic. Light sanding before priming also helps the paint stick better, providing a smoother final product.

Final Decision

PLA filament is an excellent all-around choice for beginners and experts alike, offering ease of use, eco-friendly attributes, and a vibrant range of colors for creative projects. When weighing PLA vs ABS filament or PETG filament vs PLA, consider what properties you prioritize—whether it’s ease of use, strength, or versatility.

With Geeetech’s variety of PLA options, you can find the best 3D filament that suits your printing needs, bringing your creative visions to life.

3D printing technology first originated in the 1970s, when it was mainly used to create prototypes. In 1983, Chuck Hull from the USA invented stereolithography (SLA) and in 1986 he co-founded the world’s first 3D printing company which was a great process for 3d printing development. Nowadays it is frequently to use resin in 3d printing. Here is the timeline related to resin 3d printing:

What is ABS-Like Resin?

ABS-Like Resin is a photopolymer resin that is widely used for DLP or LCD 3D printers. ABS-Like resin contains high-quality pigments and photoinitiators which empower 3d prints with bright and stunning colors. As its similarity to ABS, it performs well in printing functional or mechanical accessories. It’s a nice choice for printing regular 3d models with smooth and exquisite appearances.

Main features of Geeetech ABS-Like Resin:

• Compatibility: Our ABS-like resin works seamlessly with various LCD and DLP printers. It is designed for broad market applicability, ensuring it pairs well with LCD and DLP technology printers.

• Fast Curing & High Efficiency: It boasts a rapid curing time, which significantly boosts the success rate and overall printing efficiency. For optimal results, it is recommended to set the exposure time within the resin printer to either 1.7s or 2s. Moreover, it’s safe, non-toxic, and emits minimal odor.

• Precision & Quality: It exhibits excellent fluidity and high precision with minimal shrinkage, leading to clear and detailed prints. This makes it ideal for both novices and seasoned 3D printing aficionados.

• Secure Packaging: It comes in safely and thoughtfully designed packaging, featuring a leak-proof design to prevent spills during transport. 

What are the differences between standard resin and abs-like resin in 3d printing material?

Standard resin and ABS-like resin are two different types of materials used by 3D resin printers each with its own set of properties and characteristics. Here are the key differences between standard resin and ABS-like resin:

Material Composition

• Standard Resin: typically, standard resin is a photopolymer resin that cures when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during the 3D printing process. It is well known for its smooth surface finish and high level of detail.

• ABS-Like Resin: ABS-like resin is formulated to mimic the properties of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a commonly used thermoplastic in traditional manufacturing. ABS-like resin is used for functional prototypes and end-use parts quite a lot.

Flexibility

• Standard Resin: standard resin is generally less flexible and more rigid. It might not perform well during the 3d printing process which requires a certain level of flexibility or elasticity.

• ABS-Like Resin: ABS-like resin can exhibit better flexibility and is more resilient to bending and deformation. This makes it a preferred choice for functional prototypes that would bring challenges to some degree of mechanical stress.

Post-Processing

• Standard Resin: standard resin usually requires less post-processing compared to ABS-like resin. It may not need extra procedures like vapor smoothing or extensive sanding.

• ABS-Like Resin: ABS-like resin might benefit from post-processing techniques such as vapor smoothing to improve the surface finish and appearance. This is especially relevant for parts that require a more polished look.

When choosing between standard resin and ABS-like resin, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your 3D printing project, including mechanical properties, flexibility, and intended applications. Each type of resin has its advantages, and the selection should be based on the desired characteristics of the final printed object.

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Whereas 3D printers using the same technology and marketed for about the same price usually do not vary much(theoretically) in terms of print quality, the results of post-processing can vary greatly depending on your expertise and skills. Simply put, you take either 100 percent blame or credit for your finished 3D prints.

So, what processes are involved in post-processing?

•Cleaning

In FDM, cleaning usually means to remove support structures from the object.

As we know, there are two types of support material: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble material is relatively strong and can only be removed with a spatula,knife or sheer brute force,leaving the model and print platform vulnerable from possible damage.

If you are lucky enough to own a dual extrusion setup, you may want to use soluble material for your supports. Soluble materials such as HIPS and PVA, can be dissolved in water or Limonene.

Check out our previous blog on how set up your 2 extruder 3D printer.

•Fixing

One way to circumvent supports is to have your model printed separately. This means you will have to manually attach together your parts. ABS prints can be welded or glued together using acetone. Here is a tip you should heed: when creating joints or keys for a model, make sure to create joining features large enough for the 3D printer to create them cleanly. Thumb of rule is that features should be larger than 4-5mm in diameter. Glued components should be secured together using rubber bands, and cyanoacrylate glue should be used to spot glue around the connecting areas. If seams are rough or have gaps, bondo or filler can be used to smoothen them.

•Surface finishing

Sanding

Layer lines are the bane of models printed using FDM technology. Carefully sanding the surface of the model with paper should get rid of the lines. This process requires delicate skills and great attention. Start with higher grit to lower as you go. Do not sand in one place for too long as friction-generated heat could melt the material. The downside to manual sanding is inconsistent results, as well as being laborious.

Smoothing

To give the print a glossy finish, chemicals are sometimes used. For example, Acetone and THF are used to smoothen the surfaces of objects printed with PLA and ABS. The problem with this technique is that it can not be controlled: sometimes features are melted off that should remain. On top of that, vapours can be harmful when inhaled.This can be avoided using closed chemical cleaning machines.

•Coloring

Coating and Painting

Surface finishing is often followed by painting. Parts need colouring would ideally be printed using white material. A layer of primer is usually applied before the model is painted,followed by another stage of sanding. Painting is usually done manually using a brush or spray(at an arms length). It is highly recommended that you hang the object in an open, dust-free,well ventilated space. This will allow you to paint all surfaces evenly without having to handle the model while paint is drying. The painted object should be ready to polish after 1-2 days.

Credit: beamler, 3der

I hope you all enjoyed the 1st episode of 3D Maker Salon by “Andreas Braun” who is well-experienced in 3D printing and worked with them for a quite long period. And also known as Co-owner at Geeetech. So I hope it was great listening to him through his journey in the 3D Printing World, skills, tricks and turns with his experience. If you have missed to watch it then here is the link just click on it and enjoy him speaking. Live streaming link of 1st episode: Click to watch

Here comes 2nd episode of 3D Maker Salon with a new speaker “Jens West”. I already mentioned he is being worked for a long period with 3D printers. He is going to share a lot about the 3D printer filaments and his experience with them isn’t it interesting. Then what are you waiting to mark the date and time on your calendar, complete all your works before he is LIVE? Enjoy listening to him and try them out, let us know was it worth watching.

Live Stream: 8:00 pm-9:00 pm Dec 27 -EU Time
Live link: https://bit.ly/2PlgWC9

Merry Christmas to all and here comes a big surprise from Geeetech for Merry Christmas & New Year. Aren’t you guys excited to know what is your surprise gift. Then let me tell you, come close so that no one should hear it and grab the special gift from you.

There will be a Lucky Draw from the audience who is watching the whole event. The lucky audience will get a New Year Special gifts then what are you waiting to mark the date and time of the Live streaming event on your calendar. Hence, complete all your works before it starts and win exciting gifts.

You can also be a speaker if you’re interested to share your experience, skills or innovations related to 3D printing. Therefore, it is a platform for 3D hobbyists and to encourage them. There is also a surprise gift for the Speaker than there is only one step. That can get you a gift, you just need to fill the form.

?Be the speaker, get one A10T
For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2PMYgdA

Now let me thanks the audience for making this event a grand success and help us to provide the knowledge related to 3D printing. In the same way without any hurdle in the upcoming episodes of 3D Maker Salon- Geeetech.

Make the best of Geeetech 3D printer only @ Geeetech official site

Hello everyone out there aren’t you guys excited to hear it that Geeetech has started its new journey towards Live Seminars. Therefore those are gone start from tomorrow December 14, 2019. So I welcome you all to the Episode 1 of “3D Maker Salon” by “Andreas Braun”.

Hence, now do you people want to know what is this 3D Maker Salon it is nothing but the speaker “Andreas Braun”  who is a 3D hobbyist and Partner at Geeetech is gone shares his story and experience towards 3D printer.

As a result, now, what are you waiting to grab this opportunity and learn through his story and experience? I have provided the link below!! So enjoy the event watching live and help yourself to advance your skills.

Live event: 12:00-13:00 PM Dec 14 CET
Live link: https://bit.ly/2PlgWC9

Geeetech is also providing the platform for you guys if you want to share your experience & story related to a 3D printer. And do you want to be the speaker? then click on the link below.
Pls visit https://bit.ly/2PMYgdA

Enjoy learning with Geeetech Come Join Us, make us successful in this journey!

Make the best of Geeetech 3D printer only @ Geeetech official site

Need to stop and change filament?

Filament fracture or outage?

Printing in your fragmentation time?

Want your printer to take a nap?

Looking after your printer as a printer-sitter?

You may have suffered all of the above troubles during printing.

To solve the above issues, a resurrection system, that is, the break-resuming capability has been added to GiantArm D200 3D printer.

Active or passive interrupt, the break-resuming capability enables you to restart the printer and resume the interrupted printing job at the same place as if it never stopped.

When power failure takes place, electrical system will trigger the break-resuming loop. The energy storage unit will provide enough power for saving the current printing status.

Meanwhile, the printing will stop and the building platform will drop down to keep away from the object. In this way, the unfinished print will not be melted and destroyed by the nozzle.

Change filament easily: multiple-color printing and sectioned printing enabled; even single extruder can deliver multiple-color printout.

Large models=long printing time？？？

Rome is not built in a day! Prints do not have to be finished at one time.

Break-resuming capability helps to continue your printing in your spare time.

Now you can totally say good buy to a printer sitter and your prints will never be destroyed by power failure.

Enjoy 3D printing!

Buy GiantArm D200 3d printer at geeetech 3d printer online strore.

Stay tuned for more introduction of GiantArm D200 3d printer!