Can Polymaker’s New Excessive-Temp PLA Deal with the Warmth? Fingers-on with HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF

Polymaker, a developer of 3D printing supplies, has launched two high-temperature PLA filaments: HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF (glass fiber strengthened). Designed for superior thermal resistance, they are perfect for producing practical prototypes and end-use components uncovered to elevated temperatures.

PLA (polylactic acid) is likely one of the most generally used supplies in FDM 3D printing, valued for its ease of use, low value, sturdy layer adhesion, and recyclability. Nevertheless, its comparatively low melting level limits efficiency in practical use circumstances. PLA usually begins to lose structural integrity above 60°C and melts between 150°C and 160°C. 

Polymaker’s new 3D printing filaments deal with these limitations by enhancing their temperature resistance to over 150°C. These supplies preserve PLA’s ease of printing whereas delivering better thermal stability. HT-PLA affords the identical user-friendly properties as commonplace PLA however withstands increased temperatures. HT-PLA-GF goes a step additional by incorporating glass fibers to enhance dimensional stability, mechanical energy, and warmth deflection temperature (HDT). 

On this article, we put Polymaker’s new supplies via their paces, testing whether or not these filaments can deal with the warmth. Our engineering staff pitted HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF in opposition to various 3D printing filaments in a sequence of temperature-related challenges. We additionally examined the supplies in real-world eventualities to evaluate their efficiency beneath on a regular basis temperature publicity.

Potential prospects can discover extra data and buying choices for the brand new filaments on the official Polymaker web site. The supplies supply a aggressive worth level that’s cheaper than most different HT PLA’s in the marketplace. A 1 kg spool of Polymaker’s HT-PLA Common Colours prices $24.99 (€24.99), whereas 1 kg of each HT-PLA Gradient Colours and HT-PLA-GF Common Colours are priced at $29.99 (€29.99) every.

Introducing Polymaker’s new HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF filaments 

Polymaker HT-PLA (Excessive Temperature Polylactic Acid) is designed to retain structural integrity at increased temperatures than its standard PLA counterparts. The filament affords a formidable melting temperature of 177.23°C and a softening temperature of 152°C straight off the print mattress. This property makes the fabric very best for high-temperature, no-load purposes, similar to soldering stations, warmth mats, or elements shipped to scorching climates.

HT-PLA-GF makes use of the identical expertise however introduces glass fibers into the system, providing a softening temperature of 148°C off the print mattress. The aim of the glass fibers is so as to add rigidity and supply dimensional stability through the annealing course of, which causes most PLA components to deform. When annealed at 100°C for half-hour, the filament achieves an elongation at break of two.3% and a warmth deflection temperature (HDT) of 114.7°C with out altering form. HT-PLA-GF withstands warmth and mechanical masses similar to ABS, making it very best for purposes similar to energy device mounts, RC automotive components, and fixtures.

Regardless of its elevated thermal efficiency, HT-PLA affords glorious printability comparable to straightforward PLA filament, with no post-processing required for primary purposes. Considerably, the brand new high-temp materials is appropriate with commonplace PLA print settings, permitting simple integration into current manufacturing workflows. 

Polymaker’s new PLA filament additionally demonstrates sturdy repeatability, a vital trait for batch manufacturing. For instance this, our staff 3D printed 12 similar hexagonal components utilizing constant print settings, then measured every in opposition to the goal dimensions. Excessive-performance supplies usually present a mean dimensional deviation of lower than 0.1 mm and a typical deviation under 0.05 mm.

HT-PLA 3D printed repeatability take a look at components. Photographs by 3D Printing Business.

The outcomes confirmed glorious dimensional consistency. The typical deviation measured simply 0.01 mm, nicely under the 0.1 mm threshold, whereas the usual deviation stood at 0.009 mm, comfortably throughout the 0.05 mm benchmark. These figures point out a excessive degree of part-to-part accuracy with minimal variation. Subsequently, Polymaker’s HT-PLA affords sturdy repeatability and dimensional stability, positioning it as a dependable alternative for high-precision purposes.

Polymaker’s HT-PLA repeatability take a look at outcomes. Photographs by 3D printing Business.

Polymaker’s HT-PLA-GF is a high-performance composite filament, strengthened with glass fibres to boost the thermal stability of its base HT-PLA formulation. This improves dimensional stability, mechanical energy, and warmth deflection temperature (HDT). These attributes place HT-PLA-GF as a robust candidate for practical prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and end-use components working in high-temperature environments.

HT-PLA-GF boasts a melting temperature of 174.87°C, a crystallization temperature of 81.56°C, and a 59.8°C glass transition temperature. As commonplace, the filament contains a 50.09 MPa tensile energy, 3.77 elongation at break, and 75°C warmth deflection. Nevertheless, after annealing, these figures soar to 50.2 MPa, 2.3, and 114.7°C, respectively.  

The mechanical and thermal properties of Polymaker’s new HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF filaments are included within the desk under.  

Polymaker Excessive-temp PLA vs different filaments: what melts first?

We carried out heat-resistance assessments to guage how Polymaker’s high-temperature PLA filaments evaluate with various 3D printing supplies. Within the first trial, we 3D printed 5 similar flag-shaped components utilizing Polymaker’s HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF, alongside ASA, PETG, and commonplace PLA. Every flag was heated individually till it started to deform or soften. We recorded the time to failure and the temperature at which every materials misplaced structural integrity.

3D printed flag take a look at earlier than (first picture) and after (second) heating. Photographs by 3D Printing Business.

Customary PLA deformed the quickest, failing at 7.81 seconds and 149°C. PETG supplied a slight enchancment, deforming at 8.17 seconds and 162°C. Polymaker’s HT-PLA considerably outperformed each, withstanding 20.07 seconds earlier than deformation at 171°C, indicating enhanced thermal endurance. 

HT-PLA-GF emerged as the highest performer, withstanding warmth for 23.45 seconds earlier than failure. It started to soften at a comparatively modest 161°C, probably as a result of altered thermal conductivity from the glass fibre reinforcement. ASA deformed after 11.01 seconds however recorded the best failure temperature at 174°C. These outcomes underscore the superior time-to-failure efficiency of HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF, positioning them as sturdy candidates for purposes requiring extended high-temperature publicity. 

3D printed flag take a look at outcomes desk.

Subsequent, we 3D-printed two practical air vent prototypes, one in HT-PLA and the opposite in commonplace PLA, and uncovered them to a concentrated warmth supply. We measured each the floor temperature and the time to deformation.

The usual PLA mannequin deformed rapidly beneath localized warmth. Floor bulging turned seen at 16.57 seconds, when the fabric reached roughly 180°C. This temperature exceeds PLA’s typical melting vary, and the fast deformation reinforces its identified limitations in high-temperature environments.

Polymaker’s HT-PLA air vent demonstrated markedly higher thermal resistance. It maintained structural integrity for 20.71 seconds earlier than deforming, with the floor temperature reaching 214°C. This displays a 4.14-second enchancment over commonplace PLA, indicating that HT-PLA affords better sturdiness beneath direct, high-temperature airflow.

We subsequent 3D printed 4 45 mm bridges in Polymaker’s new filaments and commonplace PLA. These have been positioned inside a filament dryer set to 100°C inner temperature, and a 200-gram static weight was positioned on prime. We then timed how lengthy it took for every bridge to break down. This take a look at simulated eventualities the place components should retain their kind and energy whereas beneath mechanical stress in a heated setting, similar to elements in enclosures, fixtures, or practical prototypes.

After annealing the HT-PLA-GF bridge for half-hour on the advisable temperature of 100°C, we noticed a major enchancment within the materials’s warmth resistance. Impressively, after over 600 seconds (10+ minutes), the bridge continued to assist the load. 

Upon elimination and cooling, solely a minor deflection of roughly 3-4 mm was noticed, indicating glorious thermal and structural stability. However, Common PLA deformed in simply 59 seconds, whereas unannealed HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF failed at 72 seconds and 85 seconds, respectively.   

These outcomes clearly show the effectiveness of annealing in enhancing the efficiency of HT-PLA-GF for load-bearing purposes in elevated temperature environments.

3D printed bridge take a look at deformation occasions.

In our last comparability problem, we assessed the warmth and flame resistance of HT-PLA, HT-PLA-GF, commonplace PLA, and PETG. Equivalent candle holders have been produced in every materials and fitted with commonplace wax candles. As soon as lit, the candles have been allowed to burn absolutely. 

On condition that PLA and PETG are thermoplastic supplies with low ignition temperatures, we didn’t count on their candle holders to face up to direct flame publicity. Surprisingly, each supplies have been sluggish to ignite and didn’t exhibit extended burning. 

In distinction, HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF ignited rapidly and remained alight for a protracted interval. Though each supplies are engineered for thermal resistance, the outcomes counsel the presence of components which will worsen their combustion behaviour. This was additional evidenced by effervescent noticed within the HT-PLA-GF pattern throughout combustion.

These findings underscore the important significance of fabric choice in environments with elevated fireplace threat. Whereas HT-PLA performs reliably in managed thermal situations, it shouldn’t be uncovered to open flame.

3D printed candle holder earlier than (first picture) and after (second picture) burning. Photographs by 3D Printing Business.

Testing high-temp 3D printing purposes 

For our first software problem, we 3D printed two AMS-style desiccant dryboxes utilizing commonplace PLA and HT-PLA. These elements are designed to carry moisture-absorbing desiccant, which requires periodic reactivation via heating, usually in an oven or dehumidifier.

Each 3D printed dry packing containers have been positioned inside a dehumidifier and heated to 70°C for twenty-four hours. The PLA drybox exhibited clear indicators of thermal degradation. Deformation and warping have been noticed on the floor and physique of the half, indicating a lack of dimensional stability beneath extended warmth publicity. In distinction, the HT-PLA mannequin remained utterly unaffected, retaining its authentic geometry and floor high quality with no seen modifications.

These outcomes affirm that Polymaker’s HT-PLA can endure sustained excessive temperatures with out compromising structural integrity. This confirms the fabric is well-suited for purposes involving thermal biking or steady publicity to warmth, the place commonplace PLA would usually degrade.

Subsequent, we consider the geometric stability of Polymaker HT-PLA for an electronics housing. Our staff 3D printed an enclosure to retailer digital {hardware} elements which will warmth to 70°C throughout operation. In real-world eventualities, such enclosures should preserve structural integrity and a exact match to make sure safety and airflow administration. 

Our enclosure demonstrated glorious geometric accuracy, with all elements assembling as meant. The components exhibited no warping, shrinkage, or fitment points, highlighting HT-PLA’s reliability for prints requiring tight tolerances. The structural integrity and accuracy of the 3D printed mannequin point out that it might carry out successfully as a practical housing in an actual electronics software.

3D printed electronics housing. Photographs by 3D Printing Business.

HT-PLA-GF was then used to 3D print a soldering iron jig. The ensuing half confirmed glorious print high quality, with exact dimensional accuracy and clear snap-fit tolerances that ensured full performance. Its rigidity and thermal resistance supplied a secure platform able to withstanding mild mechanical stress and close-range warmth throughout soldering operations. Subsequently, this take a look at confirmed that Polymaker HT-PLA-GF is well-suited to practical desktop instruments and jigs demanding mechanical reliability and warmth resilience.

Polymaker HT-PLA-GF 3D printed soldering jig. Photographs by 3D Printing Business.

Lastly, we 3D printed a warmth mat utilizing HT-PLA. This system acts as a buffer between scorching kitchen home equipment and delicate work surfaces. We positioned a pan of freshly boiled water on the mat, which confirmed no indicators of deformation or softening, confirming the fabric’s resistance to warmth.

Polymaker HT-PLA-GF 3D printed warmth mat. Photographs by 3D Printing Business.

General, Polymaker’s new high-temp filaments demonstrated sturdy warmth resistance and thermal stability. This exceeded commonplace PLA in all our assessments, impressively outperforming ASA and PETG within the flag problem. 

All through testing, each supplies proved simply printable throughout commonplace FDM programs, exhibiting low warping and powerful mattress adhesion. Print precision and dimensional accuracy have been constantly excessive, as demonstrated in our repeatability take a look at, the place HT-PLA achieved a mean deviation of simply 0.01 mm and a typical deviation of 0.009 mm. As soon as printed, HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF displayed sturdy mechanical efficiency, which will be additional enhanced via annealing. These traits make each filaments well-suited for practical prototypes and end-use purposes requiring reliability and structural integrity.    

Throughout testing, we recognized limitations with fireplace resistance. Each supplies ignited rapidly and burned for an prolonged interval when uncovered to an open flame. Whereas they continue to be protected for managed high-temperature environments, customers ought to keep away from utilizing the filaments in purposes with potential fireplace publicity. 

Regardless of this, Polymaker’s HT-PLA and HT-PLA-GF symbolize a robust addition to the FDM 3D printing supplies market. They supply a compelling various for customers looking for the thermal efficiency of superior polymers whereas retaining the broad printer compatibility and ease of use related to PLA.

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Featured picture exhibits Polymaker high-temperature filaments and take a look at components. Picture by 3D Printing Business.