Are you searching for the perfect 3D printing material? Look no further than PLA filament, a strong and safe bioplastic made from environmentally friendly sources like cornstarch and sugarcane. But how long does PLA Filament Last? And what precautions should be taken to ensure proper usage of this product? In this blog post, we’ll explore answers to these questions while also giving some helpful tips on using PLA filament safely and efficiently.
Main types of PLA filament:
With its remarkable strength and versatility, PLA filament has quickly become a go-to option for 3D printing. But not all PLA filaments are created equally, so it’s important to consider the various types available before settling on one. If you’re looking for the best quality prints, virgin PLA gives you consistent results every time – perfect if precision is key. However, recycled PLA can give your projects an extra dose of Eco-friendliness and cost savings without compromising on performance. Regardless of whether you are aiming for superior accuracy or sustainability, these two types of PLA filament will help bring your vision to life.
How long Does PLA filament lasts?
With proper storage, LA filament can remain viable for months or even years. To ensure that your PLA filament stays in optimal condition for months or even years, it’s vital to store it carefully. Make sure you keep the PLA out of direct sunlight and humidity; UV light will degrade its quality over time, so make sure to find a cool and dark spot as storage area. Additionally, if you don’t plan on using the filament right away after purchase, pop it into an airtight bag or container before storing – this way you can guarantee its longevity.
When determining the lifespan of a PLA print, it all depends on what you’re creating and where your item will be placed. If used indoors – think vases or figurines – your pieces can endure for years. However, if you plan to display outdoors such as birdhouses or planters, then expect them to last from one up to two years before deteriorating.
How to store PLA filament?
Storing PLA filament correctly is important for ensuring that it prints properly and has a long life. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a type of plastic made from renewable sources like corn starch or sugarcane. While the material itself is strong and durable, it can easily degrade when not stored correctly. All you need to do to ensure your PLA filament works as expected is store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
When you buy your spool of filament make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions first as this will often tell you the ideal storage conditions for their type of filament. Generally speaking though, keeping your filaments out of direct sun rays will help keep them free from discoloration and minimize UV damage that could potentially lower its quality over time. Keeping them in temperatures between 60-80°F (15-26°C) should also deter potential warping due to extreme temperatures – though higher temperatures won’t necessarily harm anything immediately either; it’s just better for long term usage if kept cooler than 80°F (26°C).
Properly sealed containers are recommended for storing large spools since they have an increased surface area exposed to moisture in the air compared with smaller coils – but this isn’t always necessary since some filaments are sold vacuumed packed with gas absorbers in order to maintain freshness during shipping and storage periods at room temperature without any noticeable loss in quality even after 12 months on shelves.
Factors that Affect PLA Filament Life:
So, what can impact the longevity of your PLA 3D printer filament? Here are a few factors:
1. Exposure to Sunlight
A major factor that can drastically reduce the longevity of PLA filament is direct exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can cause the filament to degrade over time, making it less strong and more brittle. If you plan to store your filament for an extended period of time, it is important to keep it in a cool, dark place to minimize its exposure to UV light.
2. Temperature Extremes
Another factor that can affect the lifespan of PLA filament is exposure to extreme temperatures. Both high and low temperatures can cause the filament to become brittle and break more easily. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it is important to store your filament in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent it from degrading.
3. Humidity Levels
The longevity of your PLA filament can be significantly impacted by the humidity in its environment.. High humidity levels can cause the filament to absorb moisture from the air, which can make it weaker and more susceptible to breaking. If you live in a humid climate, it is important to store your filament in a dry, well-ventilated place to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture.
4. Storage Conditions
The way in which you store your PLA filament can also affect its lifespan. It is important to keep the filament in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture or debris from the air. Additionally, you should keep the container in a cool, dark place to minimize its exposure to UV light and temperature extremes.
5. Printing Conditions
Finally, the conditions under which you print with your PLA filament can also affect its lifespan. If you print at high temperatures, for example, the filament may degrade faster than if you print at lower temperatures. Additionally, if you frequently stop and start your prints, the filament may become tangled or damaged, which can also shorten its lifespan.
How Long Does PLA Filament Last After Opening?
The longevity of PLA filament once it has been opened depends on the environmental conditions in which it is stored. For optimal preservation, it’s best to store your opened PLA spool in a sealed container and desiccants, or dried at temperatures between 10-40 degrees Celsius. This will ensure optimal longevity of up to 15 years, even with no exposure to direct sunlight.
On the other hand, PLA that has not been stored in a sealed container and has been exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time may only last for about one year. Additionally, PLA filament that is exposed to direct sunlight at ambient temperatures may be usable for one week before becoming brittle. Finally, PLA filaments exposed to more than 60% humidity can be used for less than a month, and may produce poor prints.
How Long Does PLA Last Outside?
PLA is a biodegradable material, making it perfect for use in the great outdoors. However, while safe to use in nature, it doesn’t last forever. Because PLA isn’t UV-resistant and can be damaged by changes in temperature, you’re likely looking at a lifespan of anywhere from several months up to a year when using PLA outdoors. While your outdoor projects might not last as long as with other materials, they’ll still be beautiful while they are outside and won’t do any damage if and when the time comes to replace them.
Tips for printing with PLA filament
Here are some tips for printing with PLA filament:
- Use a cold bed: this will help to prevent warping and improve adhesion.
- Use an enclosure: this will help to maintain consistent temperatures and reduce the risk of warping.
- Use supports: this will help to prevent your prints from collapsing.
- Use a higher infill: this will make your prints stronger and less likely to break.
following these tips will help you to get the best results from your PLA filament and prolong the life of your prints.
PLA is an easy-to-use filament that is perfect for beginners. It is also one of the most popular filaments on the market. PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources, making it a more sustainable option than other plastics. PLA is also one of the strongest filaments, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
If you are new to filament printing, or just want to learn more about how to get the best results from your PLA filament, check out our other blog post: “PLA Filament Printing Tips for Beginners.”
Conclusion
PLA filament is a biodegradable 3D printing material made from renewable resources such as cornstarch. It is one of the most popular types of filaments for 3D printing because it has a low melting point and doesn’t release harmful fumes when melted. PLA filament can be used to create items that will decompose in a landfill, making it an environmentally friendly option for 3D printing enthusiasts. How long does PLA filament last? The answer depends on how you store it and how often you use it.