PLA
Polylactic Acid
Eco-Friendliness: 🍁 🍁 🍁 🍁 🍁 (5/5)
Recyclability: Industrial compostable; not recyclable in curbside programs
Product Features:
Made from renewable resources like corn starch
Biodegradable under industrial composting
Low printing temperature & minimal warping
Easy to print with excellent surface finish
Available in a wide range of colors
Best for:
Prototypes and decorative parts
Packaging and display models
Low-wear consumer products
How to dispose:
Compost via certified industrial composting facility
Do not place in blue bin; not accepted in typical recycling streams
| Property | PLA | PETG | ASA | ABS | TPU 95A | TPU 68D | PC-CF | PA612-CF15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 50–65 MPa | 45–55 MPa | 40–50 MPa | 30–45 MPa | 30–50 MPa | 22.4 MPa | 65 MPa | 91.9 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 4–10% | 15–25% | 20–35% | 10–30% | 300–600% | >650% | 6.5% | 2.6% |
| Flexural Modulus | 3,500–4,000 MPa | 1,800–2,100 MPa | 1,800–2,200 MPa | 1,600–2,000 MPa | Very Low | N/A | 5,482 MPa | 4,583.5 MPa |
| Impact Resistance | Low–Moderate | High | High | High | Very High | Very High | High | Moderate–High |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~55–60°C | ~70–80°C | ~90–100°C | ~85–100°C | N/A | N/A | 113°C | 175°C |
| UV Resistance | Poor | Moderate | Excellent | Poor | Fair–Good | Fair–Good | Fair–Good | Fair |
| Water Absorption | Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate | High | High | Low | Moderate |