Brittling PLA filament can be a serious bother for any 3D printing enthusiast. If you’ve ever asked yourself the question, “Why does my PLA filament keep breaking?”, or, “What makes PLA filament brittle?”, you are not alone. The decision often boils down to improper storage and exposure to humidity. In this article are the symptoms of brittle PLA, the causes for that, and how to remedy the situation with PLA filament brittle very effectively.
Symptoms of PLA Filament Brittle
Recognizing the symptoms of PLA filament breaking early can save you a lot of bad prints and wasted material. Here are the main indicators:
- The surface of the filament is rough or has tiny bubbles.
- Under-extruding while printing.
- Material continues to ooze from the extruder after the motor has stopped.
- Popping or sizzling noises heard from the nozzle while extruding.
Why Does PLA Filament Get Brittle?
If PLA filament keeps breaking, one of the main reasons is excessive moisture absorption. Why is my PLA filament brittle? Well, the answer is the humidity exposure that deteriorates the material’s actual integrity. Old PLA filament brittle problems can also happen after the spool has been stuck away for a prolonged time in poor storage conditions.
Smart Storage Solutions
Preventing minor PLA filament brittle issues arises from storing your filament properly. The best methods include:
- Keeping all types of filament in sealed and humidity-controlled environments.
- Using resealable bags together with desiccants.
- Storing in a dry and cool area away from the sun.
- Drying the PLA for 6 hours at 45°C before use.
For the very best in storage, more complex solutions like BCN3D Smart Cabinet employ a drying system utilizing alumina-based pellets to absorb water to ensure dry conditions and quick protection against rapid humidity changes.
How to Fix Brittle PLA Filament
When subjected to moisture, PLA may become brittle, although very seldom after a few interventions, it can still be revived. The interventions are:
- Drying in the oven or food dehydrator for a couple of hours, set at around 45°C.
- Another condition to consider is that any overheating will further degrade the PLA.
- Store the dehydrated filament properly so that it can avoid moisture absorption.
Best Application of PLA Filament
Once the problem of PLA filament breaking is sorted out, there is a barrage of applications to be explored:
- Multi-material Printing: Wherein PLA combines well with soluble support material, it is ideal for designs of lattice structures and overhangs.
- Prototyping: Due to its ease of printing, it works great for aesthetic functional prototypes.
- Conceptual Design: PLA serves as an affordable material for the initial product design testing.
Common Uses of PLA Filament
PLA finds wide applications in:
- Architectural models.
- Aesthetic concept models.
- Investing casting molds.
- Low-stress mechanical prototypes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you have brittle PLA filament, remember these important points:
- Store PLA the right way so it doesn’t become brittle.
- Dry any old PLA filament before printing with it if you see any indications of moisture absorption.
- Use good storage solutions to keep the filament in its prime.
- Dry the PLA filament properly.
With the correct storage conditions and knowledge about restoring PLA filament breaks, one can achieve optimum results in 3D printing projects.