MakerGear Forum

Some information on PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is derived from plant feedstocks, mainly corn. It’s important to remember that PLA and other bioplastics are currently not 100% biobased. However, by replacing a substantial portion of petrochemicals with biobased chemicals, the amount of toxins in bioplastics is comparatively small next to plastics made from fossil fuels. Depending on the manufacturer, PLA can be recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Biodegradable and compostable bioplastics are far better for the environment than petrochemical plastics, have a much smaller carbon footprint, and reduce the amount plastic pollution and chemical exposure to humans.

Where to buy: http://www.makergear.com/products/filament

----------------------Safety First!----------------------

PLA Safety Information:

Chronic/Carcinogenicity: None of the components present in this material are listed as a carcinogen. Under normal processing conditions, this product contains no toxic chemicals.

Inhalation: PLA is not expected to be an inhalation hazard under normal processing conditions. Normal processing does not include degradation that can happen when overheated.

Molten plastic: Can cause severe thermal burns.

Fumes: Fumes produced during the melting processing, do not present any hazards or toxins.

Secondary Operations: Grinding, sanding, or sawing, can product dust which may present a respiratory hazard.


1st Aid:

Inhalation: Seek fresh air; seek medical attention if difficulties in breathing occur.

Skin: If skin has contact with molten material, place affected area under cold running water. Seek medical attention for removal of material from the affected area.

Eyes: If there is contact to the eyes with molten material, rinse with plenty of water and seek immediate medical attention. If fines enter the eye, rinse with water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention if irritation develops.

Medical Restrictions: Certain sensitive individuals and individuals with respiratory impairments may be affected by exposure to components in the processing fumes/dust.

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What works for me:

Nozzle Temperature: 220*C (With a V3 nozzle)
Bed temperature: 60*C
Cooling fan: 70% after first layer

Is the makergear plastic safe to use for dishware? Are there plastics that should not be used for dishware?

Doc wrote:Is the makergear plastic safe to use for dishware? Are there plastics that should not be used for dishware?

Most of them, to be honest. It's fine to print the occasional shotglass, much like it's fine to eat that slice of pizza with axle grease on your hands when working on cars, but don't do it every weekend. None of the plastics have gone through FDA approval, except some stuff Taulman was working on (which the M2 can use)

It's not so much that the plastic is harmful to you (although, who knows), but that you can't really get it clean. You can't heat sterilize it; it is hydrophilic so loves to hang onto moisture; and printed PLA has lots of nooks and crannies that can hang onto food particles. I bet you could safely store salt a 3D printed container. I wouldn't consider much else.