PLA
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic. It is one of the most popular and widely used materials for FDM 3D printing due to its ease of use, low printing temperature, and good surface finish. PLA is ideal for rapid prototyping, offering decent mechanical properties with minimal warping or shrinkage.
Benefits
Good surface finish and dimensional accuracy
Wide variety of colors
Good stiffness and strength
Easy to print
Cost-effective
Limitations
Low heat resistance
Quite brittle
Poor UV and weather resistance
Low chemical resistance
Industries
PLA is primarily used in rapid prototyping, hobbyist projects, educational purposes, and decorative items. It is favored for concept models, visual prototypes, architectural models and toys due to its ease of use and aesthetic qualities. Its eco-friendliness also makes it popular in sectors focused on sustainability and green manufacturing, though it is less common for demanding mechanical or outdoor applications.