Friday, March 04, 2011
High-Impact PLA
One of the problems with PLA is that it shatters when stressed, rather than bending gracefully. This problem is solved in ABS by adding impact modifiers - basically synthetic rubber blends - to give some flexibility under stress. Luckily, I found an impact modifier that is compatible with PLA and does not significantly alter the melting point. At about 1/3 it makes PLA this flexible without fracturing:
I've got to run a few more printing tests on it, but it's looking promising as a material that offers the durability of ABS with the reduced environmental footprint and ease of extrusion of PLA. Oh, I suppose I'd better figure out what it'll cost me too :)
Update: I flexed some back & forth 100+ times and got bored trying to break it.
Printing with it is much trickier than plain PLA. It wants to coalesce into one lump, and you really need cooling between layers.
Vik :v)
I've got to run a few more printing tests on it, but it's looking promising as a material that offers the durability of ABS with the reduced environmental footprint and ease of extrusion of PLA. Oh, I suppose I'd better figure out what it'll cost me too :)
Update: I flexed some back & forth 100+ times and got bored trying to break it.
Printing with it is much trickier than plain PLA. It wants to coalesce into one lump, and you really need cooling between layers.
Vik :v)
Labels: ABS, filament, impact, modifier, pla, plastic
